Page 117 of Trip Through Your Wires

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“Hey,” Jake places his hand on my thigh. “Wake up, Sparky. We’re here.”

I open my eyes and sit up from where I’m curled against the seat. “Where are we?”

“Charleston,” he smiles and points for me to look out the window, so I do.

Before us is a sprawling white clapboard building, with flags hanging over the front, and palm trees lining the entrance. “How long have I been out?”

“A couple of hours,” he squeezes my leg. “Passed out after the drive-thru in Davenport.”

I wipe my eyes and look down at the drinks in the cup holders between us. I had a Coke and fries. Something to wash down the after taste of vomit.

“How are you feeling?” His eyes scan my face.

“I’m good,” I reach out for his face and place my hand against it. “You?”

He turns his head and kisses my palm. “I’m good.”

“I wonder what they gave us?” I drop my hand, asking what I know he too is wondering. There’s a strange metallic taste on my tongue and feel the sedation lingering in my muscles.

“Come on.” He reaches for the door handle. “Let’s go get checked in.”

I look to the back seat and see the pillowcase where Jake dropped it. The tapes inside prove the girls from Cherry Cove are still alive and need to be found.

“We’ll find them,” Jake says confidently as he follows my eyes. “I promise, Sparky.”

I nod and get out of the car, watching as reaches for the case and pulls it from the back seat then makes his way to the trunk. Opening it, he drops it inside and removes his overnight bag.

Stretching my arms overhead, I take a deep breath and fill my lungs with fresh air. It’s familiar. Warm and salty. Like home. Like Cherry Cove.

“I can’t believe you drove all the way here.” I drop my arms and watch him make his way over to me. “You must be exhausted.”

He grabs my wrist and squeezes. “I’ve been looking forward to this weekend for weeks, but honestly, now, I don’t care if all we do for the next few days is sleep. As long as we’re together.”

I run a hand over my head, fingering a knot from the ratting of my hair for the bouffant. “I must look like hell.”

“Not possible,” he brushes the back of his hand against my cheek. “You’re my Heaven.”

Sliding his hand in mine, we make our way toward the lobby. Once he’s checked us in, we take the elevator to our room. Making our way down the hall, I look at the photos lining the wall—black and white images from the property’s historic past.

Coming to a stop at the end of the hall, Jake puts his key in the lock and pushes it open, holding the door so I can enter. I make my way into the room and he follows, and once he drops his bag on the luggage stand, we both look around.

The room is beautiful. To the left is a big bed, with a green and white striped duvet and pillows that match, to the right, a comfortable sitting area with a TV, couch, and two chairs, and straight ahead a sliding glass door that leads out to a balcony.

“If the team stays in places like this, maybe I should try out for the Hellcats,” I shoot him a wry smile.

“We don’t,” he laughs. “The team is staying down the road. Told Coach I was spending the weekend with family and he approved the change.”

“What?” I turn back to the room. “This can’t possibly be the same rate.”

“It wasn’t,” he confirms. “But my parents have AAA and there was a discount for off-season. We’re good, Sparky.”

I make my way further into the room, taking it all in, then head for the sliding glass door and open it. Stepping out onto the balcony, the ocean greets me.

“No better way to start the day, than by taking a dip in the ocean,” Jake whispers as he comes up behind me and wraps his arms around me.

“I don’t have a suit,” I turn around. “In fact, I only have the clothes on my back.”

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