What's Your Name?

Chapter 11: Cancún

I rented a motel. I had a microwavable sandwich for breakfast. It was 5 am when I woke up to the TV playing a commercial for some hair care products.

"No one is gonna buy that shit," I mumbled, rolling over to cover my face with the blanket. I didn't feel like getting out of bed, so I closed my eyes for a little while longer.

When I woke back up I walked down to the beach with my duffle bag slung over my shoulder, my jacket sitting around the strap. I sat in the sand and looked out over the water. behind me, people ran with dogs, set up towels for the day, and some were just out for walks on the beach. The air was still morning fresh, yet, something tainted my mind.

I couldn't enjoy the air.

I crave a distraction. Something. Someone. Anyone and anything to take my mind off of all the negative in my life.

My phone rung next to me and showed the gray eyes of a man, next to him was me, covering my face with the duvet.

I answered, smiling at the memories I made with him.

"Hello?"

"Do my eyes deceive me, or is that Victoria Logan I see?"

"I think your eyes are deceiving you," I can hear the smile in my voice. It felt good to smile again, but my lips cracked as I did.

Next to me, and in my ear, his words echoed. "I'm pretty sure I'm a lot closer than I appear."

I turn the phone off and turn around to see Dick, in all his glory. 

"How's it going sugar plum?" His 'accent' shone through again, sending a weird vibe down my spine as I remember the words he once said with that voice. 

You know. Words like "I love you," and "Damn bitch you wet as fuck."

"What are you doing in California? It's been so long since I've seen you...like...three years?"

"Yeah, just about," He smiled and took me in. This was when I actually noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt and was presumably on a run. "And I live here, idiot. I was just down in Georgia for about a year, expanding my trade."

"Still smuggling?"

Dick bit his lip and smiled that famous dad-smile of his. "We don't use words like that around here, girly."

"Oh right, Mr. Businessman."

"So what are you doing out here, little lady? From Minnesota to Georgia to California. You're not some figment of my imagination, are you?" He chuckles, moving his body side to side, still sweating from his exercise.

"I'm here for college, man. I'm gonna be living here for a while, then I'm moving back to Minnesota."

Dick nods his head and wipes his forehead. His hair was still slightly gray, yet, the California sun had brought out the golden-brown of his hair. He pats my back with a clammy hand and chuckles.

"Seems like we have some catching up to do. Have you eaten yet?"

My heart fluttered.

Was this the guardian angel God sent?

"Not really. I could grab a bit to eat. I know this small place—"

"Small? No, we're going uptown baby girl. Come on. My car isn't too far." He bundles up his headphones and stuffs them into the side pocket of my bag. "Maybe you can tell me about this bag while we walk."

***

"So this is what illegal money gets you here in Cali, huh?" I step out of his car and onto the white pavement. In front of me, the house seemed unreal.