Entangled by Annie Brewer Read Free Book Online Page A

my own lane, still cruising at 80. When a favorite tune comes on I tell Spencer, “Hey man I’m gonna let you go and concentrate on the road now.”
    “Okay, be careful. Holla at me later.” We hang up and I turn up the volume and jam out to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.
     
     
    Still on Highway 80, I finally find a place to stop in Nebraska, to eat and to sleep. Aside from wanting to pass out a couple times and reluctantly stop to rest, the drive hasn’t been as bad as I thought it’d be. Still boring as sin, especially when you’re by yourself, and it provides too much time for thinking and reflecting, but it could’ve been worse. I check into a motel in a small town outside of Lincoln and crash as soon as I enter the room and change my clothes.
    “Mr. Parker?”
    “Hmm.” I moan into the phone, sleepily.
    “You asked for a wake-up call. It’s 7:30.” I mumble a “thanks” and get up around to set off for my last day of traveling. According to mapquest, I only have 7 hours left, which means I’ll be at my aunt’s house by late today.
    I fill up, load up and head out.
    “I was wondering when I’d hear from you.” A female voice responds on the other end. I pop some skittles into my mouth.  Yeah, this drive has turned me into a junk food, junkie.
    “Yeah, it’s been a long drive. I haven’t really talked to anyone much. So I was calling to let you know I’ll be in late afternoon, early evening. I’m in Nebraska, leaving the gas station.”
    “Okay, get here safely. Call if you have any problems. It should be fairly easy though. You just stay on highway 80 for the longest drive and then a few small highways for a short distance until you get to Colorado-127, which will turn into 125. It’s not bad. Just be careful.”
    “Thanks. I’ve got directions, I should be fine. I’ll see you later then.” I plan to drive straight through but knowing me and the amount of caffeine I’ll be consuming during the duration of this drive, I’ll have to piss.
    I stay on I-80 for almost 200 miles. The most un-scenic 200 miles I’ve ever seen. When I get on CO 127, I know I’m going the right way. Not too much longer , I tell myself. I can do this.
     
    About 6:30, I pull up to a house that’s set just off the highway, surrounded by a hell a lot of land. It’s a small farmhouse, white with a wraparound porch, lounging chairs and a little table that sits in the middle. I’ve seen a house like this on TV but never up close. It’s cute and quaint.
    “Noah.” My aunt seizes the porch steps, greeting me as I get out of the car. She’s shorter than I remember, probably no more than 5’5. Or I’m just tall. I’m exhausted, hungry and I’ve got to piss so badly, I worry I won’t make it inside. I wonder if she’d be offended if I did it in her bushes.
    “Hi Aunt Linda.” She grabs me in a hug, startling me. I awkwardly wrap my arms around her back. I don’t really know this woman that well, so it’s going to take some time to warm up to her. Or I’m just so tired that I’m just weirded out easily.
    “Uh, please don’t squeeze me. I’ve had to pee for a while and I’m in need of a bathroom. Unless you don’t mind me going right here.” She steps back and smiles.
    “I’m sorry, I got carried away. It’s good to see you. My how you’ve grown into a nice looking young man.” I can’t help but notice how pretty she is, short brown hair and big brown eyes. She’s big-boned and it compliments her small skinny frame.
    “Come on inside.” I follow her up the porch steps and into the house. Her kitchen is to the right of the front door, followed by the hall that leads into the bedrooms. The living room is on the other side of the house with another bedroom and bathroom, which I’m guessing is hers. She shows me the bathroom so I walk inside and close the door.
    As I unzip my pants, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and check the number, making a mental note to call Spencer back,