Boots, Hats, and Roads

An independent female truck driver finds a friend that changes her mind and heart.

Late spring in Kansas is full of blue skies, flowers and a breeze that makes you want to roll down the windows and drive on taking in the view from your dash. Yep, and I am one of the few twenty year old women driving the major roads just so you can shop on your time off. My name is Rae Collins but everyone that knows me calls me Sugar Boots.

Funny thing is I used to enjoy shopping with my friends when I was younger but I guess we all grow up eventually. My life was blessed even though it was rough. I never knew my mom. She died after I was born. The only time I saw her was through picture albums my dad kept. Jasper Collins is my dad and having one parent was enough for me even though I missed knowing her. I was a happy child in a small two bedroom ranch house with a garage. It was a blast with my dad. He taught me things no other girl I knew got to learn. He taught me about cars and how to work on them. He worked as a mechanic at a car dealership in Pontiac Kansas. I learned how to take apart, rebuild, and sup up cars. We didn’t have much but we had each other which made us practically inseparable.

Every weekday we would go to the garage after school, cleaning and folding on Saturday, and blue jeans with our nicest shirts and tan Stetson hats on church Sunday. I was so excited to work with my dad on his car right after church I would run in the garage only to have my dad tell me to change before I could go in. This was our special father daughter time together. He would never miss our special day. As I got into middle school my carefree thirteen year old appearance of plain shirts and pants with grease stains started to be my normal outfit to wear every day. I wore it so much it worried my teachers.

One day I made it to the dealership garage and saw my English teacher talking to my dad. She smiled at me. My dad looked to see me standing near the doorway so she left waving bye to me. I looked at him somewhat confused from the other side of the garage doorway and asked,

“What did Mrs. Miller want?”

He walked over and sat me down on the bench outside.

“Mrs. Miller talked to me about your appearance at school and asked me if she could take you shopping this Saturday.”

I looked at my clothes and sighed. “But I like how I look, it is who I am.”

He smiles and holds my hands. “Rae, you can still be you, it’s just you are growing up and need clothes that are more appropriate to the school.”

I smile and pat my dad’s hand to ease the conversation. “Ok dad, shall we get to work?”

He chuckles. “Yes.”

That Saturday I went shopping with Mrs. Miller and her daughter Susan who was the same age as me. We looked at clothes popular to girls around town but it just seemed too ordinary. Not really my style and apparently not Susan’s either. Susan looked to her right and saw a store across the street that was more western like which was more my style. She grabs my hand to leave the store causing her mom to spin trying to keep up with us. Going over to the store we looked around and Susan found tops and jeans that gave us our girl look but with a country flare.

I laughed and said, “That is perfect for you.”

Susan held up another similar and told me it was more fitting to my look. She had a knack for style and her way of thinking was like mine that we became such close friends. Soon we were looking forward to Saturdays. Then we started hanging out to go for Friday night rodeos and shopping on Saturdays. After a while I started coming by to work with dad less and less because he told me to focus on school work. I did not mind as much and was starting to enjoy spending time with Susan anyway. After a while my father started picking up extra hours at the local market stocking at night. All of this extra work was just to make my life better. New clothes for school and a chance to go to school dances and stuff a normal teenage girl would do. I still made sure that on our time off that we worked on his car.

By the time my sixteenth birthday arrived the car was finally done. Dad wiped his hands looking at me with the biggest grin on his face. I giggled, being so happy it was ready to drive that dad whistled at me. I looked up as he tossed me the keys.

“Really!” I said.

He nodded yes. “It is yours. I have the truck so go on and show Susan.”

At this point I was ecstatic. I had my dad’s 69 GTO Judge all to myself. How cool was that? I could not wait to show her so I cranked her up and headed to her place. I would drive with Susan around town to go shopping or hang out at the movies. It was just us two girls having a night out on the town enjoying life. With the car done my dad and I spent our days playing games inside or going into town. One warm summer night we were walking by a shop window and I stopped in my tracks. Dad stops and lifts his hat.

“What ya find?”

It was these brown country boots studded and tall like to the knees tall. I just fell in love with them at first sight. Dad saw my longing look and smiled, turning he quickly darted in the store. I couldn’t believe it, he went in. Running in after I whisper towards him.

“Dad, what are you doing?”

He grabs a clerk and asks for the boots in my size. Once dad paid for them he turned to me.

“Here you go baby,” as he gives me the bag.

I smile the biggest smile. I hugged him so tight and was so happy that I never went a day without them. Everyone recognized me by my boots after a while. Eventually our time together moved to my dad teaching me to drive all kinds of vehicles with the help of a friend at the local junk yard. I loved to drive. So much that I was driving all over town as a job but I could never leave town because of my dad.

One day it all changed when dad lost his truck. I had to make new plans for my future on my own. So yeah this girl was loved but is a tough as nails kind of girl working her CDL. I drive here and there in this big truck for a company my father knew. I had been on the road all day and it started getting dark. I finally made it to my fuel stop heading toward Texas. The wind picked up stronger and it started to feel cooler. Which to most of us small town folk meant storms were brewing. After fueling my truck I walked up to the building to get my receipt. Holding my tan Stetson hat down to block the dirt blowing in the wind I reached out for the door and was startled by someone blocking the way.

“Oh sorry,” I said as I backed up.

A gentleman in a black Stetson hat and boots stepped back as well.
“No, it is my fault.”

He said as he held the door open for me to go in. Still holding my hat I grinned.

“Thanks.” I replied as I walked by.

At quick glance he was tall and slender but well worked to not be too skinny. I thought he was pleasantly appealing compared to some of the truck drivers I catch in these places. He watched me a little longer as I walked further in then continued to his truck. I made it back to the truck and continued down the road to my next stop hoping I would make it before the weather got too bad. I brought her in and backed her into a space to shut down for the night. It just started to rain as I grabbed my sandwich out of my cooler and closed my curtains to my sleeper. I rested back looking at my hat remembering the fun days I had with my father. I started to hear the rain hitting the truck harder when I finished my dinner and I put my hat over my face.

Lying down to go to sleep I mutter. “Rain, go away.”

It poured down for hours like a sadness that lingers. The rain didn’t lighten till the sun lit the sky the next morning and it was gone. Just inside Oklahoma I got ready to work my way into Texas. With coffee in the cup holder, a cigarette in one hand and a clear road ahead I start my day with the radio blasting to “Hit the Road Running.” It is just one of many of my favorite songs to listen to while rolling from state to state. I couldn’t ask for anything better than being by myself and seeing the states throughout the year.

After a while the days blend together and it was getting late one evening. I rolled up to a stop up ahead and saw they had a restaurant. I decided to head up the ramp and swing in and park. I walked in to go and place my order. The place was packed with motorists from different states and all cultures. I grab my food while a guy in a black hat five tables away looks up to look around and stops to notice me grabbing my order and walking out the building. I didn’t notice him but I also don’t look around much. Someone might want to talk to me and I like being alone. I prefer to be alone even though I have had my share of social attempts. A few have tried to get my name but I just smile and keep moving. It is not easy being a driver with dozens of men brave enough to try and ask for my name. Sometimes it gets quite comical. There was one that thought if he could stand in my way resting against the wall outside the women bathroom that it would stop me. I did stop and he continued to smile and gave me his phone number. I just grabbed a card from my pocket for a mechanic and folded it to give to him. His confidence in getting my number from me was so strong that he let me by. I laughed a little as I walked away. As he opened the card his smile quickly changed and he threw the card in the trash. He was just one of many guys that have failed to come close to knowing me. It is more amusing to see them try than to fall for some fake person. Daddy didn’t raise a fool.

As the days went by my load deliveries were starting to go by quicker. Soon the days turn into weeks, then weeks into months. One day I arrived at a delivery site in Wyoming and had to wait in line in the shipping office for my bills. The line was a bit long with other different drivers waiting impatiently. Paying no mind to others around I get a whisper from the man behind me. Oh great another one attempting fate I thought.

“Hello again,” is all he said.

I turned my head slightly to see who was behind me. It was the man I ran into from the gas station.

“Hi.” I answered just being nice since we are inside a building.

I remembered him but I did not want to lead him on. He leans close and whispers again.

“Nice boots.”

We take a step further to the reception window.

“Thanks.” I replied as I stood there hoping he did not say anything else.

He shuffles his hat in his hands looking eager to ask something else then I was called up right after. I went through the normal info and got my papers to go. He turned to me as I walked by.

“Have a good day.” He grinned.

I answered with a grin back, “Thanks, you too.”

As I walked out the door I thought to myself shaking my head, what am I doing smiling at him? I finished my checks and got on the road. A couple of months go by picking up and dropping loads in several states. Sometimes I would stop somewhere and take in the scenery while having a cigarette and sit in the driver seat. Just to watch the world go by my windshield. It can sometimes be peaceful traveling around from place to place. And it can be not so peaceful because of the occasional drunk driver in a hurry, or the driver too impatient to wait for someone to park. I got some good pictures on my camera of the views I found. Also found some interesting trucks and even more interesting over decorated trucks that made my sides hurt from laughing. If only dad could see the things I have seen he would fall over laughing too. One day while driving down the road I got a call on the CB,

“Hey, Sugar Boots!” It was my friend Foxy Tail.

We finished truck driving school together last year and she found me on the road.

“What are you doing girl?” I say as I look in the mirror. She was eight vehicles behind me.

“Girl, have you checked out any nice drivers lately?”

I smiled and answered back. “You know me. No time for that fun stuff.”

It was silent for a moment then she literally burst on again.
“Yeah I know. You still need some ME time though before you turn to dust!”

I laughed at her response. “I am only 21. I got time for that.”

She answers laughing. “Not if you keep turning them all away.”

She pulls off an exit and I continue down the highway. I laughed but thought about it for a moment. It does get a little lonely out here. I shake my head. Nope, I’m better off by myself. I can take care of myself, I told myself. Lunch time came around but I wanted to make it to my next stop for the night so I kept on rolling. This was a beautiful summer night in the middle of New Mexico. It was close to six o’clock and they had a burger place inside. So I got positioned and got out of my truck to go get me some food. A truck three rows down had a large guy laughing and being loud. I went in and placed my order. When I came back out with food in hand I stepped out of the way of the door to light a cigarette before walking back to the truck. A loud thud caught my attention. That large guy comes stumbling out of his loud truck. You can tell he was drunk by the way he leaned out the door with beer in hand. I tilted my hat down on my face hoping he does not see me and I do not wish to see him. Quickly I start walking towards my truck. While he still hung on to the door the guy sees me come across the lot and yells to me.

“Hey. Sssweet thang!”

I ignore him to continue on. Frustrated by my lack of response he tries again while bouncing between the trucks towards me.

“I ssaid sweet thing, how much?”

Again I gave no mind to this idiot which infuriated him more. On the other end of the lot another truck had just finished parking. The driver with a black Stetson hat stepped out hearing the commotion from this blabbermouth asking again with an angered voice. Looking over he recognized the boots I was wearing.

“Boots,” he said to himself and started our way quickly.

I lifted my hat to see more around me being halfway to my truck. Without dropping his precious beer can he grabs my right arm tightly and stops me. This caused me to lose my footing towards him and I dropped everything in my hands. His grip was tight as a bear.

“Are you listening to me? I asked how much!?” He said more strongly.

Disgusted by his smell I waved my hand in front of my face and started to push off his chest to get some space.

“Look you waste of space. I am not that kind of girl!”

The drunkard begins to laugh at my answer. Pulling me closer to him with his strong grip holding me.

“Please.” He burps. “Girls don’t drive trucks.”

Jerking my arm around he reaches in to try and kiss me. I swing my only free fist and punch him in the jaw which woke him further from his stupor and he lets go of his beer.

“Why you…!”

This foul man raises his hand to try and hit me. Just as he starts to swing his hand down to my face a man appears on my left side, stopping his hand and pushing his arm back. With a stern voice he tells the drunk,

“Leave the lady alone!”

This slob looks at his tall slender appearance and smirks at him till he sees the knife in his other hand. Not wanting to mess with this guy now he lets go. Walking backwards he steps on his beer can.

“I see now. She is yours. Sorry man.”

With his attempts lost this smelly man waddles back to his truck. I was not paying much attention to who just helped me, all I knew was that I was pissed off by this drunk guy and it flared inside me. The tall man looked over at me as I bent down to pick up my dinner.

“Are you ok ma’am?”

I shook my head in anger seeing my fries scattered about and my burger layered across the ground. My dinner was ruined by this stupid drunk.

“Damn it. My dinner is trash now!”

Seeing my frustration he kneels down to help pick up my food when he hears me blow up on him when I shouldn’t have.

“I was handling it, you know!”

He smirks as he picks up the bag. “I saw. A five foot nine punching a six foot and two hundred and fifty pound drunk guy.”

I still did not look at him and continued grabbing fries off the ground. He looked at the food and his watch then noticed the dinner rush inside.

“Well since your dinner is seasoned with dirt would you like to have dinner with me?”

His response took me by surprise that I looked up and quickly answered,

“What!”

In that moment I finally saw clearly the man who helped me. It was him! The guy I have been running into from time to time. Reaching over he grabs the rest of the trash from my hand and we stand up. I wipe my hands off and point to my truck.

“I think I will just go to my truck and get some rest. Thank you.”

I was trying strongly to weasel my way out of his offer. As I bring my hand back down he lifts an eyebrow watching my hand.

“Which truck?”

Rolling my eyes I point again. “That truck and don’t get any bright ideas.”

He raises his hands full of trash in surrender but his eyes stayed steady on the hand that I punched the guy with. It was shaking almost uncontrollably and color was forming as it started to bruise.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he answered.

Within that moment of silence my stomach growled loudly since what I lost would have been lunch and dinner for me. He looks down at my stomach and then back to my eyes again.

“Not to be rude but I think your stomach would like to join me.” He smiles to ease the tension.

I started to laugh, finding his comment amusing. It was true and I was starving. I look at him and figure he seems ok.

“Alright,” I answered him.

It was strange to me but I felt comfortable around him. It may be the fact that he helped me but I never let someone get this close. I must be getting soft. We turn to go back inside and throw out the trash. While walking he introduces himself.

“We never properly met. My name is Rhett Bristol.”

I turn to shake his hand. “Hi. I’m Rae Collins.”

His smile gets a little bigger as he reaches for the door. We go in and order our food. He grabs the tray while I get the drinks. I have never really bothered to get to know anyone after high school so it was a little new and strange to me. I sat there just eating my food and resting my drink against my hand. With my mouth full of food he had to start the conversation. Reaching with a few pieces of ice from his drink he places them in a napkin to help me with my hand.

“You never answered my first question?”

I look up and swallow my bite. “Oh, yeah I’m ok. I’m a little sore from hitting him but still ok.”

He looks to my right side and puts his hands down all concerned.

Confused by his look, I ask, “What is it?”

He nods his head towards my right arm. “How bad does it hurt?”

I look at my arm and the edge of my sleeve. Two finger bruises shine on my skin. No wonder I was sore. He had a tighter grip on me than I thought.

“A little sore but not that bad really,” I told him to not worry him further.

“Rae.” He answers with such care in his voice as he reaches to lift my sleeve.

This huge hand darkened my arm revealing a bigger bruise. His finger grazed it just barely and I pulled back in pain. I tried to play it off like it was minor. Not convinced after seeing how much a light touch hurt he continues with a look like he has seen this before.

“It is worse than I thought. Are you sure you will be ok tonight?”

I laugh a little at his response. “Hell yeah, I will be fine. I have had cuts and scrapes on my arms by car parts most of my life. This will heal.”

He began to lighten up some. “A grease monkey huh.”

I giggled some. “Yep, I learned it from my dad.”

I started to take a drink and he pulled out a photo of him next to a beautiful deep blue hemi cuda.

“Wow, is that yours?” I say.

He sets it down on the table smiling. “Yeah, she was my first car. I miss driving her down the roads back home.”

It was interesting finding someone kind of like me with the same interest. I reach back with my good arm and pull my photo of my dad’s car. He reaches to look at it in awe at what I showed him.

“Whoa! A 69 GTO Judge, she is a beauty.”

I smiled. Rhett knew his cars. That was a plus to me but a part of me was still worried about being too close. We kept talking about cars and our hometowns to the point we realized we needed to get some rest. We walked out the door and I immediately looked over to the truck that the drunk came out of. Rhett noticed my glance and put his hand on my shoulder. I jumped at his touch that he let go.

“Sorry. There is a space next to my truck if you want to be further away from him.”

I grin and look over at the open space thinking I am a tough girl. This is nothing.

“No, I will be alright.”

In the back of my mind I can feel that dark feeling deep inside. I was a little scared, no I was really scared. I have dealt with so many men but none were as strong as him and they would give up easily. He was a hefty guy. Still worried about me he walks me to my truck. As I open the door the company logo comes into view.

“You’re with Lindon Transport too!”

I looked back at him surprised that I found a decent guy in the same company.

“Yes. Do you have a CB?” I ask him curiously.

“Yeah, it is One Shot. What is yours?”

I smile and start to climb in. “It’s Sugar Boots.”

I wave goodnight and close the door and lock it. He stands there for a second repeating my call name before heading back to his truck. It was a rough night for me and my sleep was minimal. I tossed and turned from the images of that bruise on my arm but I made it through it. Getting out of the truck I walk towards the store to grab some breakfast before heading out. I looked to the left and the guy that hurt me was not there. I breathed a sigh of relief as I held my arm feeling the pain was worse today. I walked in and paid for my quick breakfast and started heading out the store. Looking up I was able to see Rhett leaving. I wanted to wave bye to him for some reason but he did not see me. It was probably a good thing I didn’t since I needed to head back out on the road. I did my walkthrough of my truck while eating. As I came around the passenger’s side on the step were two flowers. I picked it up knowing it was from Rhett before he left. I am beginning to wonder outside my comfort zone, I thought as I put my flowers in the cab an empty bottle and got back to business. A few weeks go by getting back to the normal routine that I pay the flowers no mind. One night I stopped at a resting point and the radio picked up a distant call.

“…Sug…Boots….One….S.”

Was it him? I picked it up and answered back.

“One Shot you there!”

Static came through for almost a minute, then it cleared.

“Sugar Boots it’s One Shot.”

I never thought I would let myself go crazy like this. I actually smiled as I answered him.

“Hi bud. What are you up to?”

The reply came back quickly and more clearer. “I’m just heading back home for a bit. What about you?”

I leaned back in the chair and wondered if he had a family back home.

“No, I stay out delivering or hanging out at the yard.”

He comes back, “What, no home time for you?! I don’t believe it.”

I wanted to tell him more but then I would have to tell him about my life and only a few people know me.

“Believe it bud. Is the family meeting you at your stop?”

He comes through laughing which was odd to me. “Ha ha ha, just me, my parents, sister, and dog are on the farm.”

For some apparent reason I sighed. What am I thinking getting nervous over his life. And a farm boy is a positive in my book.

“Oh, ok. Well I need to get something to eat. Catch you later.”

He replies in a relaxed but serious voice.
“Ok. Stay safe out there and if you need me call me. I can be reached at 308-226-3656.”

I could not believe what I just heard. This guy is giving me his number. I suddenly felt odd taking his number but it is for safety so I guess it wouldn’t hurt.

“Ok. Thanks Rhett.”

I quickly write it down before hanging up the mic and going in to grab a bite to eat. Afterwards I grab some clothes from the truck to take a shower inside. Before heading out I looked at the flowers and thought of him. Another chance hanging by a string and I know what Foxy Tail will say. She will fuss at me for not taking the chance. Maybe I am ready to clip my carefree wings. After my shower I go to lie down and again think nope that is not for me. That night I dreamed of my father and the times we had working on my car. I was never alone and it was the best times of my life. Too bad we can’t do that anymore.

The weeks flew by and summer gave way to fall weather. The changing leaves were companied by strong winds and rain. This horribly yucky and miserable rain that we get that stays throughout fall. After a while on the road Rhett and I started seeing our trucks pass by and would chat for a moment on the CB then it was business as usual. I finally took his advice one day at a stop near the border and kept the number ready so I could call if needed. If I ever called he would be the first guy to have my number since high school. Being near the border is not too bad but there are people willing to do anything to steal a ride in the states. With every chance we had to chat there was always a question in there. Rhett would find a way to sneak one in.

“So where did you get those boots?”

I laughed. “My dad bought them for me.”

But sometimes it was never enough to ask one. What is your favorite thing to eat? What happened to your car? I would answer bacon burgers and it is in storage. Then one day I asked a question.

“Hey Rhett, how old are you?” It was quiet for a moment.

Then he replies, “I am 23 and you?”

In a light voice I answer, “I’m 22.”

I never really thought about it. I just wanted to know his age and replied without hesitation. He is slowly knowing who I am and I am letting it happen. Does that mean I am stronger or am I weaker letting my defenses down a little? This loneliness must be getting to me.

Weeks later traveling back to the northern states I came into a stop in the pouring rain. I was running low on supplies that I had to run in for a few items. Walking the aisles I came across a man with a black hat facing the videos.

“Rhett?” I ask walking closer to him.

He turns and smiles so big. “Hi girl, how are you doing?”

I gave him a big hug pulling him close. “I’m good. Are you looking for a movie for tonight?”

He smirked, nodding yes. “Yeah, I needed something new to watch.”

I look for his truck but don’t see it. “Where are you parked?”

He looks back to an area with no one else around him in a corner.

“Over there where no one has parked.”

I look at my truck and back to his truck. Rhett notices a movie he hasn’t seen in a while and picks it up.

“Have you seen Due West?”

I move closer to walk to the next aisle. “No, I missed that one. Is it good?”

He walks with me as I collect more supplies. “Oh yeah, it is a great movie played by my favorite singer.”

I look back at him and grin. “Sounds intriguing,” as I look back at his truck.

I must be a fool for attempting this. Seeing me look at his truck he cautiously asks.

“Would you be interested in watching it with me in my truck?”

He looked nervous about my answer as I stood there for a moment not sure what to say. I wanted to but then I would definitely be letting my guard down. I started thinking do I go or just let friends be friends? It’s just a movie, nothing else right.

“Yes. Let me get the rest of my stuff and I will pull over next to yours ok?”

God now I feel like my legs are having spasms. He taps the case on his hand and walks backwards towards the registers.

“Alright then, I will see you over there.”

I finished my errand and got in my truck to move it to the other side of the lot where Rhett is parked. I backed it in and got my jacket to leave to get in his truck. Locking the door and running over covering myself in the rain he swings open the door to let me in.

“Here you go.” He hands me a hand towel to dry off with.

Wiping my arms off I mutter, “I hate the rain.”

As Rhett clears the bunk to sit and watch he turns slightly towards me.

“Oh but the rain feeds the plants, and cleans the ground. Not to mention the rainbows.”

I looked at him smirking and then I gave him the towel back.

“Ok, you have your thoughts on the rain and I have mine.”

I stood there a second and saw the bunk cleared. He had a monitor on a shelf in one of the bunk compartments connected to a personal DVD player. Rhett sits down and leans back against the wall.

“You ok? You can sit down. I promise I won’t bite.”

I roll my eyes and grin as I start to crawl onto the bunk next to him but not too close. Rhett takes the remote and sets it up but quickly turns and grabs a bag of popcorn.

“You like some. It will be like being in a theater for two.”

I nod. “Yes. Please.”

He pops it in the mini microwave and grabs two cans of soda from the cooler.

“Here you go. Here is a bowl for you and one for me.”

I thought that it was nice of him to have our own bowls as we started into the movie. At points the rain got worse and the thunder started to rumble louder that I jumped just a little. Noticing this Rhett takes a piece of popcorn and tosses it across my face. I thought, what a goofball, so I threw one back. It was fun for a moment and then it was back to the movie. The further into the movie we got the more I tried to get more comfortable. Noticing me fidgeting, Rhett lifts his arm up and behind inviting me to rest against him. I looked at him, not sure but the light from the TV on his face reminded me of my dad on movie night. I slid to rest up along his side and his arm beside me just draped open. He could wrap me up if he tried but he did not attempt too. He just made it easier on me to watch. Just before it got to a big scene I looked up at him.

“Do you have to leave in the morning?” He tilts his head over to see me better.

“No, do you?” Rhett asks back.

He takes a look at his watch to see it is ten o’clock.

“No, I don’t have to leave till the afternoon.”

We stare at each other for a moment with a nervous grin then we get adjusted back to the movie. The movie had just finished but we had fallen asleep next to each other, lying down and curled up together wrapped in each other’s arms under this long stormy night. The next morning I felt so relaxed and rested. I stretched my arms and opened my eyes to look around and realized I am not in my truck. Sitting up I looked over to see Rhett and I was spooning! Clothed thank goodness but my stirring woke him up.

He answers, “Morning.”

I look for my boots and hat while he stretches. I respond back in a slight panic,

“Morning.”

Rhett looks at me confused about what has me spooked. He sits up and puts his hand on my shoulder.

“Did I do something wrong?”

My stomach aches and my heart was pounding like I had been running. To feel this way about him now meant things were never going to be the same and I was scared.

“I need to get ready and go through my checklist.”

Letting go to let me get my stuff he puts his boots on and reaches for my hand again to hold it in his.

“It is only seven and I don’t know about you but that was the best night of sleep I have had in years.”

His hand felt so nice in mine. They were strong but gentle at the same time. I look down at our hands together. I was afraid to let someone in and he could see it.

“I could not have asked for a better night, but the company will not allow any fraternizing with other employees.” I told him, feeling a bit worried.

I slipped my hands away and just looked out the window not wanting to show my face. Rhett looked down a moment and knew the company did have a policy about employees getting together in relationships. His eyes showed his determination in his feelings and spoke with such confidence.

“I don’t care. I am not giving up.”

My heart was pounding so much it felt like it could stop when he uttered those words. He was serious about us, about me. Why did I let this go on like this? How could we possibly make this work? Rhett stands up and turns me to him.

“How about we go inside and grab some breakfast and talk about this. Maybe it will help ease our minds?”

Looking into his eyes I settle down and nod yes thinking maybe we can figure something out. I actually missed feeling close to someone and I never thought I would again. We leave his truck and head in to grab something to eat. Sitting at the table I don’t say much again. He sits almost nervous to speak. Suddenly he leans in to let everything he is thinking out.

“Ok I have to know! Rae do you have feelings for me?”

I did not answer being afraid of my own feelings for him.

“Do I scare you?” He asks.

I shake my head fiercely at him. “No, that is not it at all,” I answered him.

Rhett reaches his hands to hold mine. “Then what is scaring you to want to run?”

My eyes got as wide as it possibly could. Wow, he can tell what I am feeling.

“I’m not scared,” I say nervously as I pull my hands back.

This made Rhett persist more because he can see that I was afraid of something but also did not want to push me away either.

“Rae, you don’t know how much I worried about you after that dinner we had together.” He sits back and looks deep into his coffee and he continues.

“That day has been on my mind since then.”

I had no idea his feelings were so strong from the beginning. Leaning forward with his drink he looks up from it and asks again.

“Please, tell me what it is?”

I was so conflicted with myself, a part of me wanted to spill everything in my life and the other part of me just wanted to run to my truck and leave. I looked at him and held my coffee.

“I don’t…” I start to freeze trying to explain.

“I don’t know how to make this work with their policies, and I will not be housebound, I love the drive too much so please don’t ask me to.”

I begged. He looked up with such caring eyes that I got scared again.

“My life has been mine alone to bear. I don’t want to burden someone else with it. I’m sorry Rhett, I can’t.” I pick up my jacket and hat and run to my truck.

Rhett stands up from his chair calling me while he chases after but I made it in before he got to the café door and I was off and running. Still trying to flag me back from the door I kept rolling. Staring at my mirrors Rhett was able to see me wipe my face from the tears I started to cry as I left the lot. I let him in and I shouldn’t have. Rhett headed back to his truck a bit upset and distracted and got ready to leave. We didn’t talk after that and maybe that was a good thing or maybe we were just too busy to try.

Load after load and delivery after delivery I would look at the trucks going by to see if he was near but that was as far as I would get. It was the same for Rhett. He would look around for me and pick up the mic only to get frustrated and put it back down. I hurt him, I hurt him deep. You read about love at first sight or true love but that was all it ever was a story in a book. How could this be real? I pulled in for a break and found my girl from school Foxy. Walking up to the building I called her from the lot. She turned around and stomped where she stood in excitement to see me.

“Sugar Boots, How have you been girl?”

I laughed and hugged her close. “Not bad.”

I explained not really acting like my wild and crazy self. Leaning back she looks at me questionably.

“What is wrong honey?”

I just shake my head and step back. “It’s nothing to worry about?”

Of course she didn’t believe me and I happened to check my phone. I still had his number on my home screen for emergencies which means she caught a glimpse.

“Oh I know.”

I look up at her like she lost her mind. “What!”

Pointing at my phone and resting her other hand on her hips she explains.

“You found someone didn’t you?”

I looked away from her still hurt by the last time Rhett and I were together.

“Oh Sugar, why did you let him get away?”

I looked back at the phone number thinking about calling.

“Because, if he knew that part of my life he would want to keep me safe and I can take care of myself.”

Foxy moved to stand beside me and wrap her arms around me.

“Honey, you can take care of yourself only so far. Sometimes even us hard as nail girls need someone to take care of us from time to time. He may not want to keep you grounded. You never know till you try.”

I looked at her and grinned a little. Maybe she was right and I do need someone sometimes. I gave her a hug and said goodbye and walked to the register. I got some cigarettes and saw the pepper spray and picked it up. I don’t know why but I felt I needed it after losing Rhett. Losing him? I didn’t lose him I ran from him and he was a really good guy. I ran like a scared chicken and missed another chance. I paid and headed to my truck. I sat there for a moment just trying to find the courage to call him. After seeing a truck drive by similar to his I pulled up the phone and called it. It ringed and ringed. My stomach was getting butterflies the longer I waited. Every sound echoed in my head. Then the voicemail picked up.

“Hi, this is Rhett Bristol, leave a message and I will shout back.”

I smiled hearing his voice even if it was a recording. The beep rang to leave a message and I just looked at the phone hating that he did not answer so I hung up. Maybe next time, so it was back to the pavement. Rhett was getting cleaned up at some stop in another state during my call. Walking back to the truck he picks up his phone to check for messages and sees a number he did not recognize. Could it be, he thought as he held his phone in his hands? Rhett dialed the number and it rang for a good bit. He listened intently till it ended with the voicemail.

“Hey, it’s Rae. You know what to do.”

It was her he thought. At that moment he knew there was still a chance and I must be on the road and not able to answer. It made him happy but he doesn’t want me to run again so he decides to ease back into this. As time went by all we did was think about each other and how we could be together, if it was even possible. A few times Rhett would find me late at night and place a single flower on the step outside before heading out. I would find it and look around to find him only to miss him again. I know he had left it and I had to hit the road too.

Well here we are in spring again and my DM is bugging me to take some home time to relax a bit instead of working all the time. I didn’t want to go back home right now. I turned to get a jacket and I got out to go walking to the store. The store was busy with warmer weather bringing everyone out. After grabbing something to munch on I hear a familiar voice from behind.

“Hi Sugar.”

I turn around and see him standing beside me in the other line.

“Hi.”

I was happy again just to see his face.

“So…What are you doing here?”

He smiles and says, “Just stopping in before I get to my stop back home.”

I look at my hands and fiddle with my candy bar and bag of chips.

“Home time huh, yeah my DM has been begging me to take time off too.”

Rhett takes his hand and lifts my head up and asks, “But you don’t want to go home do you?”

I smirk and answer, “No I don’t.”

I can see in his eyes that he was thinking of something. He perks up and replies.

“Would you be interested in taking your home time with me? We can make this work, I know.”

I thought about it while in line.

“How would we do this if I agree?” I ask.

Rhett pulls me from the line.

“I had a friend a few years ago that wanted to go to a concert and we just put in our home time location stops, but his home time was at the concert, in message. You just put down for the concert in town.”

I started to think about this even more.

“And they were ok with it?” I asked.

He nodded yes. We walked back over to the line.

“What are you going to do for home time?” I say.

Moving up to the register I put my stuff down but he puts his up there as well to pay for it all.

“I am heading to my family’s farm to help out.”

It sounded fun. A simple life and honest hard work, plus maybe I can get to know him more without worrying about work. Rhett notices I am getting pushed too far at work cause I sighed and rubbed my neck some worn out from doing the same thing.

“Your DM is right, you need some time off.”

Feeling a bit drained, I smile at him. I was not just physically drained but emotionally and didn’t care about running.

“Ok.” I replied.

Surprised by my answer he looks at me intently as he is grabbing our stuff.

“Really, you will come with me?”

I walk with him to my truck lightly smiling.

“Yeah, why not, they are waiting for me to put in some time off.”

Rhett gave me my stuff with a grin on his face.

“Alright, here is my stop address. Let me give my parents a call.”

I nodded ok and put in my time off in Nebraska for a concert trip. We had seven days once we landed at the stop. This time off and him here worked out like it was fated or something like that. So I took a chance. Rhett radioed to follow him and we were off. After several hours Rhett pulled up to a dirt lot and met his sister parked there waiting.

“Hi sis, how are you?”

She gives him a hug and asks, “Who’s this friend coming over for the spring planting? Is it Tyler?”

Rhett laughs and says, “Wait a few minutes she will be here.”

His sister looked at him surprised.

“She is it?”

He just gives a look as I pull up to the lot.

“There she is. Now please be nice. She needs this time off and I hope being around family will help her.”

His sister nods, “Ok, Ok.”

I park the truck and grab a bag with everything I need for my week off. I walk up and see this woman standing next to Rhett. I hoped it was his sister.

“Hi. I’m Mia, Rhett’s sister.” She said as she shook my hand.

I smiled as Rhett introduced me to her.

“Hi, sorry to make you guys wait.” I answered politely.

Mia waves her hand by.
“Don’t worry about it, we’re good. Excuse the lack of room, it is the farm truck.”

This old truck had sacks that weighted the bed of the truck and it had enough room for three up front. This is going to be an interesting ride.

“It is fine.” I replied.

We got in the farm truck and headed to his parents. On the way down Mia asked the basic sister questions. Where did we meet? How long have we known each other? Rhett answered them since I am not very sociable.

“We met at a stop and knew each other for about a year.”

I could see she hoped I would tell her this though. It was late when we got to his parents farm. Mia opened the door to the house and I saw they had dinner waiting on the table.
I looked down the hall and told Rhett.

“They didn’t have to wait on us.”

I was so worried their food was cold and we ruined dinner. His mom comes walking in with open arms.

“You two are home!” She gives us both the biggest hug.

“You must be starving after traveling so far so I cooked a second dinner for you two. It is still hot.”

I was not used to strangers hugging me but she was so kind I gave a shy hug back. I look at Rhett smiling and laughing as she takes my arm and walks me towards the dining table. Rhett, still laughing, follows us to the dining room. Rhett gives his mom another hug before sitting down.

“How are you mom?” He asks as he gets my plate and fills it up with chicken, corn, collards, and mashed potato.

She answers, “I’m doing good. Your father is still trying to work as hard as you till I tell him to take a break.”

They all start to laugh. His mother is so loving and happy that I thought this must be what it is like to have a mother.

“So Rae, where are you from?” She asks.

“I’m from Kansas ma’am.” I answered her.

She smiles and replies, “Oh a neighboring state.”

Rhett adds in. “Rae is with the same company mother.”

His mother looks at him with a pleasantly surprised look, “Really now, isn’t that fascinating.”

I just smile and look a little shy. Rhett’s father walked through the door and came to the dining room.

“Well son, good to see you home.”

Rhett gets up to give him a hug.

“It is good to see you too, dad. Oh, this is Rae, she works for Lindon as well.”

His father walks around to hug me so I stand up.

“Well this is a beauty to behold, and a tough one at that to drive the rigs.”

I was flattered. It made me feel really good inside. Rhett still bragging about me added to what I can do.

“And she is a bit of a grease monkey.”

His father was now intrigued.

“Well you don’t say.”

I nodded and swallowed but before I could speak Rhett’s mother interrupted and got up.

“Alright dear, let’s give them a chance to eat and get some rest. We have a big start in the morning.”

Looking at his dad Rhett swallows to ask.

“What time?”

His father points to him with a smile.

“Be ready to start at five in the morning.”

Rhett shakes his head yes and sets his watch. I put down my fork and look at him.

“Do I need to be up that early? If I do, I don’t mind.” I ask.

He smiles, “No, you just enjoy your time here and relax.”

I smile and finish my dinner. We clean our plates and put them up. With the long ride behind us we head up for bed as well.

Rhett leads me upstairs and asks, “This is up to you, we have two beds in this room and the other has one queen bed. Where do you want to sleep and where do you want me?”

I look back and forth at the rooms. Do I want to fall asleep next to him or separate, or alone? I slept so well with him last time but this will start us over again.

“What would your parents think?”

He smirks. “It is ok. They set it up that way just for us.”

I bit my lip looking back and forth at both the rooms. I point and choose the room with the two beds. He took my stuff in the room and looked around before asking.

“Now where do you wish me to be? Either place is fine with me.”
I look at the room through the door. He sees me look so he turns to leave. I didn't even say anything and I kind of shouted.

“No!”

He stops and turns around surprised.

“Please, stay here with me.” I was nervous about being in his family house.

He says ok and closes the door and sets his bag next to the other bed. I turned around so he could get ready for bed and hear him do the same for me.

“Goodnight Rae.” He says before going to sleep.

“Goodnight Rhett.” I replied.

I laid there looking around the darkness of the room and then fell asleep. The next morning I woke to the sun shining through the window curtains. Getting up I looked to see the barn through the window. Rhett’s father was in the barn tending to the animals and Rhett was off in the distance working the land. The smell of bacon and biscuits filled the air. It smelled so delicious that I got cleaned and dressed and headed downstairs. His mother had a big country breakfast like my friend Susan’s mom would do on Saturdays.

“It smells wonderful Mrs. Bristol.” I reply as I walk in the kitchen.

She smiles and makes me a plate. “You're welcome darling, and please call me Maddie.”

I shake my head no.

“Oh, I couldn’t do that.”

She pats my hand like I used to with my dad.

“It is fine a lot of people do.”

Once full from her delicious cooking I helped her clean up in the kitchen.

“So Rae, what do your parents do?”

Oh boy! Something I thought I would never have to talk about. I replied with a smile.

“Well my mother died after I was born and my dad was a mechanic.”

She wipes her hands with the towel noticing my long face and takes my hand.

“I understand darling. I never knew my father so don’t you fret you have a family here ok.”

I smile at her kindness as she gives me a hug. After the kitchen is clean she faces me towards the back door to hand me a basket.

“Now it’s time to pull the vegetables.”

This country life was interesting and I was starting to enjoy it. We walked out and she taught me how to pull vegetables and herbs. She told stories about her family and the life they had on this same farm. It was like something in a movie. Rhett stopped the tractor to take a break before changing equipment. Grabbing his water bottle he looks to the house to see his mother and me in the garden. Rhett begins to smile at seeing me do housework with her. Later we go in to clean the vegetables and his sister comes in to join.

“How was work dear?” Maddie asked.

“Oh the usual, inventory, balance the books, you know typical office stuff.”

Mia looks over at me washing the carrots, “I take care of the hardware office for the town. I’ve got to keep the men honest with their money just to keep them open for business.”

I laughed as she smiled at me. She is as wild as me sometimes. Maddie and Mia help me through the rest of the house chores which has been a long time for me. I hear the tractor pull in the barn as the sun starts to set. Dinner was ready and set as the men walked in ready for chow. Maddie slapped his father’s hand as he tried to reach for a roll and Mia and I giggled a bit.

“Wash up first both of you.”

Rhett pats his dad on the back laughing.

I remember my dad sneaking a bite before dinner was done and felt a little sad but shook it off. After dinner everyone was in the living room listening to his dad talk about Rhett as a child. We ended our night on the couch and I was sideways with my legs over his lap and his hands resting on my legs. The stories of him taking the car before he could drive, and feeding one of the cows a chocolate bar that didn’t need one to make his father’s day a little bit more difficult were amusing to hear. Being with his family felt so nice I relaxed some and laughed more times than I could remember. Mia and I got along really well and we stayed up watching a movie while Rhett took a shower. When he came out I had fallen asleep on the couch. Mia whispered to Rhett.

“She picked up on gardening and cleaning pretty well.”

He smiled and kneeled beside me and said, “Oh yeah! She is not much of a home bound girl. I’m surprised she enjoyed herself.”

Rhett leans over and picks me up to take me to bed.

“Goodnight Mia.” He says walking away.

She turns to the TV.
“Goodnight bro.”

He carries me upstairs and into the room. Lays me down on the bed and pulls off my boots and covers me over. Moving my hair aside he kisses my forehead and I twitch. His mother is outside the room and sees him put me to bed and she smiles before going to bed herself.