Stop for gas? What’s he talking about? We just got on the road.
“Why didn’t you fill up before we left?”
“I did, but the tank’s getting low and there’s a station just up ahead so I’m going to stop.”
“How long was I asleep?”
“About four hours.”
I sit up. “What? How is that possible?”
“I guess you were tired. Why? What’s wrong?”
“I told Garret I’d call him every hour. Shit! He probably thinks I’m dead in a ditch somewhere.” I reach down for my purse to get my phone.
“Why would he think that?”
“Where the hell is my phone?” I don’t have a very big purse and my searching has turned up nothing.
“It’s right here.” Carson points to the cup holder in the center console. “I didn’t want it to wake you up so I put it on vibrate.”
“You what? No! You can’t do that.” I grab the phone and see the long list of missed calls from Garret and a string of texts. I call him back.
He answers right away. “Jade, what the hell? It’s been four hours.”
“I know. I’m so sorry. The phone was on vibrate and I fell asleep.”
“Why was it on vibrate?”
“I don’t know. I must’ve hit it by accident.” I feel guilty lying to Garret but I don’t want him hating Carson even more.
“I was freaking out here, Jade. I thought something happened. I was about ready to have the state patrol start looking for you.”
“It won’t happen again. I promise. So how’s everything at home?”
“Boring. I miss you already. This totally sucks.”
“I know. I miss you, too.” I turn away so Carson can’t hear. “Did you have people waiting around your house when you got there?”
“Yes. It’s crazy. Girls are lined up on the street taking photos of the house and trying to climb the gate. Photographers are waiting by the entrance. My dad doesn’t want me leaving the house until school starts again, but I don’t know if I can make it that long.”
“Well, it’s only a week.“ Carson pulls into the gas station and parks at the pump. “We just stopped for gas and I really have to go to the bathroom so I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Yeah, but it better not be another four hours. And turn your ringer on.”
“I will. Bye.”
We hang up and I go in to use the restroom. Then I grab some energy drinks in the gas station so I won’t fall asleep again.
“Let me get those.” Carson walks up to me holding his own collection of caffeinated beverages. “You want anything else?”
“I have money. You don’t need to pay.”
“My dad gave me trip money. Might as well spend it.” He turns to the rack behind him and grabs three bags of potato chips.
“You must really like potato chips,” I say.
“These are for you. I know they’re your favorite.”
