Page 7 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

They tell me that my health is failing and I won’t have much longer to live. I don’t know how much I buy into it, but they’re the doctors. Of course, they might be onto something since I’m not even able to write this letter to you. My arthritis has taken my hands from me to the point that I can barely even hold a spoon. If I have to be fed by someone, I’m going to wish it was time to go. That, to me, feels like the most significant loss. It truly is a crime of dying to feel like your whole body is against you.

My nurse is telling me to get on with the purpose of this letter, so I suppose I shall go back to my point of writing it. You made an impression on me, young lady. Something about you inspired me and reminded me of my younger self. It made me think of all the things I enjoyed with my lovers.

When I saw you on the news, I was glad to see that your troubles looked to be over, and I hoped you’d found your happy ending. But just in case you needed a push, I thought of a brilliant way to help us both out.

So, as one rebel to another, I wondered if you could do a favor for me? When I go, I’d like to be remembered for how I lived and not the stuff they will write about me. Do you remember that story I told you about one of my lovers? The summer before I was to marry, he took me on an epic road trip where I got to try new foods, visit new places, and meet different people. It was my last hurrah, and I wish I’d been brave enough to choose him in the end. But that’s in the past.

I’d like you to visit new places and experience the joy and freedom I wasn’t allowed back then, with the men you love. I’ll even give you a list of some ideas. In each city that you stop in, I want you to do something that scares you, something new, and something fun. If you complete them all, then not only will I have been honored how I wanted, but you just might find a little surprise within yourself you never thought possible.

I hope you choose to take the adventure. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you on the open road.

Your hillside friend and fellow rebel,

Babs

List of places or things I recommend doing:

The Arch

Graceland

An Aquarium

Eat something new

Hear a band

Dance without reservation

Pet some animals

Do something only locals know

Climb a mountain

Visit five states

ChapterSix

LENNOX

“Anybody feellike going on a road trip?” I asked as my alpha-hole lover descended on me. He reached out to take the letter, but I quickly moved it behind my back. Sticking out my tongue, I sidestepped from his reach.

“Nuh-uh. Answer the question first,” I said, not giving in to his smolder. Stupid Slade and his stupid smolder.

Growling at not getting his way, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Simon and Zane looked at me from the booth with curiosity on their faces. They both walked closer, and I suddenly felt like a trapped animal with no escape as the three of them cornered me.

“Babs was a kindred spirit I met that day I ran from you two at the diner. That morning you first met Darcie,” I said, hoping they'd settle if I gave them some information. “She’s the one who told me to give you a chance to explain.”

Swallowing, I searched the three men looking at me as they tried to decipher my question. Slade stopped, thinking through the information as he studied me. “What does she have to do with a road trip?”

“She wants me to remember her by experiencing new things. She’s given me some tasks to honor her. It sounds fun, and I’d like to do it. She was a sweet old lady who reminded me that love was worth fighting for. Besides, after everything we’ve been through, don’t we owe ourselves a vacation? I think it could be just what we need.”

I lifted a shoulder, dropping my eyes. Suddenly, I felt nervous and like everything I’d just said was dumb. Feet came into view right before a tattooed finger lifted my chin.

“Is this something you want to do, Peach?”

I nodded, searching his eyes. Slade grunted, and I knew he wanted more.

---