Six

A nine hour drive on rough terrain was miserable enough, but spending those hours with nothing to see added on to the pressure. The mass of swinging trees grew shorter as I got further into Texas, the humidity drastically changing to a dry heat, which I can't say was worse than Louisiana.

As my killer headache increased from the long drive, I finally spotted a broken sign reading Armego, Texas.

At last, I was here with not much left of me to go. I felt as if I had ran a marathon in a thick fog instead of driving on cruise control and a climate-controlled vehicle.

I remembered exactly where Uncle Rudolph lived, and I noticed the two-thousand plus square foot home almost immediately down the first street I turned. My uncle lived in an average sized metal building home with four, wide beams and a veranda that wrapped around the home. It was a classic country home with cathedral ceilings and in the solace away from town sitting on ten acres just like Uncle Rudolph liked it.

I pulled onto the horseshoe driveway and parked my vehicle outside of the closed garage. Without bothering with my suitcases, I took a walk up the broken steps, stretching my legs and adjusting my ears to the sound of flying bugs instead of my heavy radio volume. I ran the back of my palm over my sweaty forehead and pulled my shorts down by the hem.

I opened the double doors before admiring the new shutters installed since I've last been here. If only he cared for his overgrown grass and dying garden like he did on the physical home. I swear, if I had motion sensor in my Tacoma, it would think the long grass was a blockade.

Inside, I was greeted by new stainless steel appliances and an epoxy-coated floor that was too nice I felt the need to take off my slip-on shoes.

"If it isn't little Lilah. Come here." Uncle Rudolph stood in a dirty work shirt and torn jeans with his arms open wide for a hug. He didn't age a day over thirty since I saw him last. His hair was dyed grey to hide the auburn, which always struck me as odd, but I didn't question it, and his loving, bright smile was inviting as ever.

"If it isn't Salt and Pepper. I missed you." As I took one stride to meet his arms, I was interrupted by a swinging door and footsteps coming from behind.

"Uncle Rudolph!" With arms wide, Tanner West shocked me into a still image of myself as he took my uncle into a big hug, Tanner's army green duffle bag hitting Uncle Rudolph lightly on the back.

Tanner West followed me here! How had I not seen him following me?

With my fists to either side of my hips, I watched as Tanner eased away from my puzzled uncle, grabbing onto his shoulders as if he were ecstatic to see him.

"I'm Tanner West. I've heard so much about you from Lilah, but she never described how young you were. Man, you could be playing college football with Ryan." There's nothing my uncle loved more than compliments, and despite what I assumed before coming here, Uncle Rudolph was falling for Tanner's persuasion.

"Nice to see ya. I've heard about you from Lilah, also."

"I'm sorry I've come unannounced and without invitation, but Lilah was insistent on having me over and assured me you would have no problem if I stayed. I could stay in a hotel room if it happens to be an inconvenience." I'd like to smack that smooth-talker! (Only I won't say where.)

"Oh, don't worry about it. We can find you a place to stay here if Lilah invited you."

"Great. Thanks, Uncle Rudolph. Tanner, can you help me with my bags, please?" I nodded my head toward the door, ushering him to follow me as I gave a forced smile.

As we walked out of earshot from my uncle, I took the time to take a breath and let out my rage.

"I can't believe you followed me! I told you not to come."

"You told me not to come because of your uncle, but it looks to me like he's an understanding guy. I think he likes me." Tanner rubbed the back of his neck, following me to my car. I stood on the driver's side, barely looking over the top to see him across on the passenger side.

"I'm so mad you followed me. I mean, how did I not notice?"

"You were too busy listening to music, which if it's any consolation, you've got some great dance moves for someone sitting down." He winked.

"Hey, your flattery will get you nowhere with me."

"Oh, come on. Don't act like you're not happy to see me." He was right, sadly so.

"I am, but I'm not very happy you didn't listen to me when I told you to stay home." I said.

"Don't tell me you're not going to let me stay."

"Well I'm not going to throw you to the side of the road, or make you sleep in your truck like I should. You heard my uncle; you can stay. I do have a few conditions, though." I tapped my fingers on my dusty truck, giving me goosebumps against my arms.

"I don't epect anything less from you. What's the conditions?" He cocked his head to the side, staring with wide, blue eyes.

"I'm going to need your help with my online fashion portfolio, but we can get into the specific details later. Also, remember that rock band I was telling you about that I planned on seeing live in concert? Well, they have a concert booked in an arena not far from here, and you're coming with me. Do we have a deal?" I knew Tanner hated new rock bands because if they weren't from the early two thousands or nineties, they were no good, according to him. It was perfect punishment.

"It's a deal, little Lilah."