Fall Down & Smile

Chapter 12

"I'm still up and driving can't go home obviously"

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Its kind of funny

"Are you sure you told them the right gate?"

We'd arrived at the airport an hour ago. James was lying across

two plastic chairs, fast asleep, his head cushioned by my sweat shirt.

Dawn was impatiently pacing back and forth. Neither of us had any luggage,

it had already been delivered to the house where we would be staying or in

storage. James few suitcases were under my chair.

"I told them we'd be here at 7 at this exact gate," she sighed,

checking her watch for the umpteenth time.

I fished through my bag and pulled out my cell phone. "Here," I

ordered. "Call them."

She smiled and flipped it open, dialing the numbers rapidly. She

tapped her foot impatiently. Finally, there was a connection. "Where are

you guys? You better not be having sex!"

I snickered but covered my mouth when she glared at me.

"We landed an hour ago. How long will it take you to get here? We

could just try and rent a car and drive there."

I didn't know about her, but I knew nothing about the terrain of

California.

"Yes. I know," she rolled her eyes at me. "Okay. I'll call you

back if we can't get a car. Later." She flipped the phone shut.

"Which way to automobile rental?" I asked.

Dawn shrugged. "It'll be an adventure."

I shook my head and slowly picked up James.

"Are we there yet?" he whispered.

"No," I whispered. "But we will be soon. Go back to sleep." I

cradled him in my arms and tried to grab one of the three suitcases.

Dawn took all three. "Don't worry," she smiled. "Just take care

of James."

I kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks, Sugar but I can take at least

one."

She handed me the smallest one and grinned.

I chuckled and followed her as we went in search of rental.

*******

Got a full tank and some chips

After many, many wrong turns and backtracks, we found the car

rental desk and managed to get a jetta on a week rental.

I strapped James into the back and sat in the passenger seat. This