Cross Country Chaos Read online

  “Or, we can drive. It won’t be an easy trip, like to Orlando and back. We’ll be up very early every morning, driving until very late, and sometimes driving all night or sleeping in the car. We’ll see more, but it’ll be a lot of work. It won’t be comfortable spending that long in a car every day. You can’t hit every hotel pool between here and Spokane. Or sit and watch cartoons late at night on TV. And we’re not stopping every two hours for food.”

  “But what’s the good side?”

  “We’ll go to Yellowstone, and see Mount St. Helens and Mt.Rainier.”

  “Yes!” both boys screamed in unison, high-fiving each other.

  “Hey, don’t agree to this unless you understand what I’m saying.” Who was she kidding? They’d be complaining before they reached Gainesville.

  “Yellowstone!” Denny yelled, pumping his arms up and down. “I want to go to Yellowstone!” Ever since seeing Supervolcano on the Discovery Channel, the boys were fascinated by the park.

  “No complaining. No fighting. No giving me a hard time. No whining how boring it is, or how tired you are. Especially since I’m driving.”

  Both boys nodded.

  “This will also count as the camping trip I promised.”

  They nodded again.

  “So no complaining I didn’t take you camping, right?”

  More nods. They looked like a couple of puppets.

  “So we’re agreed? We drive?”

  The boys looked at each other and screamed, “Yellowstone!”

  Kelly crunched numbers again after the boys were in bed. She’d pay for this trip for the better part of a year. It had been years since she’d taken a car trip like this.

  Well, actually, she’d never taken a car trip like this. Her parents took them to the SmokyMountains or Disney or the beach. The farthest she remembered was Mammoth Caverns in Kentucky.

  And they were always punctuated by a fight. Make that fights, plural. Leading up to the trip, her father would get tense. She and her younger sister, Leanne, gave him a wide berth, making sure to do their chores and walk the straight and narrow.

  When they got on the road, the constant bickering between him and her mother nearly drove them to tears in the backseat. It wasn’t always like that between them. With adult hindsight as a parent, Kelly wondered how much of it was his stress over paying for the trip.

  She wouldn’t do that to her boys. She would stay calm. She wanted this trip to be remembered for how good it was, not that Mom bit their heads off every time they asked a question.

  And if it made her ex-husband look like an even bigger jerk in the process for cancelling his trip, all the better.

  * * * *

  The boys talked about little but the trip. For once, something eclipsed the end of the school year in their minds. They scoured the Internet for information about places they wanted to visit, researching Yellowstone and practically memorizing the brochures Kelly brought home from AAA.

  Denny, ever sweet and helpful, was concerned. “Can you drive all that way by yourself?”

  “I won’t be by myself, honey. You guys will be with me.”

  “Grandma can go with us.”

  “Honey, I’m sure Grandma doesn’t want to spend three weeks cooped up in a car with us.” I know I don’t want to spend three weeks cooped up in a car with her.

  “Yes, she does. I asked her yesterday.”

  Kelly winced. “Denny, what did you ask Grandma?”

  “I asked if she’d come to Nationals with us.”

  Oh boy. “I’ll have to call Grandma and see if that’s okay.” And talk her out of it. “Maybe she doesn’t realize how long the trip will take.”

  “Yes, she does. I told her.”

  Kelly forced herself not to swear. The last thing she wanted—needed—on the trip was her mother. She loved her mother. But three weeks in a car might destroy the fragile relationship they’d forged since her father’s death. Before then, she was the daughter, and mother knew best. And mother didn’t hesitate to say she despised her son-in-law.

  Then again, her mother had been right.

  It was her father’s death that made Kelly put their difference in opinion behind her. Then Denny was born, bringing them even closer.

  But Kelly wouldn’t ask for a handout. Her pride was still too bruised from years of bad decisions about marrying David and trying to make her family and friends like him. She’d made her bed, she’d lay in it. But her mother was a godsend when it came to taking care of the boys, and Kelly welcomed every minute of that respite.

  Just not her money. Kelly didn’t want it, even though she could use it.

  It would be different if she was losing the house, or the lights and water were getting turned off. In a case like that, yes, she’d grit her teeth and ask. Unless or until that day came, Kelly was determined she’d make up for her bad choices and eventually stand on her own two feet.

  Well, part of that was due to David’s threats.

  No one will ever love you the way I do. You can’t make it on your own. You’ve never lived on your own, how will you support yourself and the boys?

  He was right that she’d never lived on her own before the divorce. From her parents to David, then married a year later. As for the rest, she’d prove him wrong.

  * * * *

  Kelly sent the boys to do their homework and called her mother. “Mom, you don’t have to go.”

  “I want to. How are you paying for it?”

  “Equity line of credit.”

  “You can’t do that.”

  Kelly bristled and tried to keep her tone level. “Yes, I can.”

  “Let me rephrase that—you shouldn’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “Kelly, you have to hold onto that house. I don’t want to see you going backwards on the mortgage. How much do you think the trip will cost?”

  Kelly looked at her list. “Probably around five grand. Depends on gas, and how much I have to spend on hotels.”

  “I’ll give you three grand. Can you put the rest on credit cards or something?”

  “Mom, no. I don’t want your money.”

  “I know you don’t want it, but you’re going to take it whether you want to or not. Quit being stubborn. This isn’t charity, it’s a gift for the boys.”

  Kelly didn’t want to take it but ran the numbers in her head anyway. She had two credit cards paid off, probably could get the limits raised. Raid savings if she had to. “I’m pretty sure I could swing it with that. But

  Mom—”

  “Then it’s settled. I’ll go and help out.”

  Kelly closed her eyes, silently groaning. “You don’t have to go.”

  “I want to see Denny race. Besides, we haven’t been on a family trip since you and Leanne were kids.”

  “Mom, our family trips were never great.”

  Understatement of the century. There wasn’t enough therapy in the world to heal those emotional scars. World War II was a family squabble compared to family vacations with Sharon and Daniel Exeter.

  “That’s because your father was so intense about everything. This will be fun. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

  Kelly didn’t want to give in but it was really tempting. “You’re sure you want to do this?” she asked.

  “Absolutely. It’ll give us time to spend together as a family.”

  That kind of family time might kill me.

  Chapter Nine

  Kelly’s phone rang an hour later. She groaned when she looked at the screen. “Hi, Leanne.”

  “Hey, big sis. What’s up?”

  “You tell me. You called.” They loved each other but weren’t close. Leanne was three years younger, single, and a successful stockbroker. She’d moved to New York five years earlier and rarely visited.

  And it was awfully coincidental she happened to call this afternoon.

  “I just got off the phone with Mom.”

  “Uh huh.” Kelly had an uncomfortable feeling where this was
going, that her hunch was on the money. Literally.

  “Yeah. She told me about Denny’s trip.”

  Kelly closed her eyes. How many people would her mother call and portray her as the poor, pitiful, struggling single mom? “Yeah, she’s going with us. I guess.”

  “I’d like to help.”

  And there it was. It was bad enough taking money from her mother. Kelly’d spent several years struggling financially with David before he started earning his keep, but she’d always been able to work while writing on the side to keep money coming in. Without begging family for handouts.

  She wasn’t about to start now.

  “I appreciate the offer, Lee, but it’s not necessary.”

  “Kelly, you’re a stubborn woman. I haven’t exactly been the best aunt. I’d like to give the boys—not you—money for the trip.”

  A handout was still a handout. “That’s a technicality, right?”

  “One you’d better live with. I’ll put a check in the mail today for three grand. Make sure to give the boys a great time, tell them it’s courtesy of Auntie Lee, right?”

  “I’ll make sure they send thank you cards.”

  “Send post cards. I’d love to see the country, but I’m too damn busy.”

  They chatted a few minutes before saying good-bye. Kelly stared at the phone and tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She wouldn’t have to dip into equity, raid savings, or run up credit cards.

  Or ask David for money.

  That last thought was enough sugar to make the medicine go down a little easier.

  “You called Leanne,” Kelly said when her mom answered.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “I didn’t ask you to do that.”

  “You didn’t have to. She loves the boys, she doesn’t have any of her own, and she’s single and successful. It’s not going to break her.” She paused. “And you won’t have to hit David up for money.”

  Kelly closed her eyes. Despite how aggravating her mom could be, she could get to the point when she tried.

  And she loved her for it.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “You’re welcome. I knew you wouldn’t ask us for it. I’m damn sure not letting that jerk put you in debt. You have enough stress. For once, would you swallow your pride and accept the help that’s offered without feeling bad?”

  She didn’t want to but tried to keep it in perspective. It was for her boys. “Yes, fine. I do. Thank you.”

  “How goes the plans?”

  “I already made reservations at Yellowstone.”

  “I’ve never been out there. Oh, hold on a minute.” Her mother put the phone down. In a moment, she was back. “You need to run over to Bradenton to the De SotoNationalMemorial park. They sell these things called passport books for the parks, the kids can get them stamped. They also have special park passes for people with disabilities to get into Yellowstone and other places for free. That’ll save money.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. I had to find the stuff I printed.”

  “You’re doing research?” Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad having her mom to distract and entertain the boys.

  “Of course. I don’t want to look stupid when the boys ask me questions.”

  “Printed, as in on the computer?”

  “I gave up stone tablets last week.”

  Kelly laughed. Her mom didn’t exactly embrace technology. More like kicking and screaming. Leanne gave her a computer last Christmas, and her mom eventually overcame her terror of Nigerian scams and email viruses to learn how to Google.

  Kelly talked with Mart the next day after practice. “My mom’s going, and we’re definitely driving.”

  “That’s a long trip.”

  “It’ll be the trip of a lifetime. I don’t get to take them places very often. This will make up for it.”

  He watched the boys shooting hoops. “Will you be okay driving that far?”

  “I already asked people on the Element owner’s forum about it. They said no problem with the trailer.”

  Mart looked like he wanted to say something else when Paulie ran over. “We’re hungry. Can we go eat?”

  “Sure,” she said.

  Mart picked up his bag and glanced at his watch. “I wish I could eat dinner with you guys, but I have an early flight tomorrow.”

  “Oh.” She swallowed her disappointment. “Well, when do you want to get together again?”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “Next Saturday.”

  “We can get together this weekend, and again on Friday. I’ll have all Denny’s paperwork ready for you by then.”

  She nodded. “That sounds good.” Kelly wanted to force the words out, I really like you, but she couldn’t bring herself to say them.

  No. Too much to deal with. After summer was over, the craziness of the trip behind her, then, maybe, she’d think about it.

  “Mart, thank you. I never could have done this if it wasn’t for you. You’re the reason Denny’s going to Nationals.”

  “I think you give me too much credit, but you’re welcome. I fly out to Spokane, late, the Wednesday before Nationals. You’ll probably still be in Yellowstone?”

  “If all goes according to plan.”

  “It sounds like a neat trip.”

  “I hope so. David finally signed off on letting them go. Formality, but I like having my I’s dotted and my T’s crossed when dealing with him.”

  “Good. It’d be stupid for him to say no, especially after he canceled their camping trip.”

  “Tell me about it. But then again, you and I are rational.”

  They both laughed. She loved the sound of Mart’s voice, so warm and rolling and genuine. Not David’s fake, forced braying guffaw.

  When would she stop comparing him to David?

  Chapter Ten

  Kelly made her preparations and tried to stay sane. Truth be told, she was looking forward to seeing the country with the boys. David usually had the honor of taking them to all the fun places. For once she would be able to show them a great time.

  If David got his nose bent out of joint listening to the boys talk about their trip, well, that was a nice bonus. Serves him right, the cheating son of a bitch.

  She planned and shopped and packed, and in the final days double-checked everything. The day before their departure, she took the car in for servicing.

  While her mechanic went over the SUV, Kelly sat in his waiting room with her laptop and tried not to tick up the bill in her head. Lee’s check was in the bank. She could afford this.

  He totaled her invoice when he finished.

  “Can you send both your girls to Harvard now?” Kelly joked.

  “Not quite. Maybe a good prep school. We did everything we talked about. You’re good to go.”

  She closed her laptop. “How bad?”

  He handed her the bill, and she didn’t choke. It was actually less than she’d anticipated, but still a huge chunk of money.

  “Make sure you get the oil changed when you’re out there. Then bring it in again when you get home.”

  “I will. So I’m all set?”

  “Yep. It’s in great shape. You shouldn’t have any problems.”

  “Thanks.”

  Next stop—pick up the trailer.

  She nervously filled out the rental paperwork. This made it real. They were going.

  Kelly remembered how excited the boys were when she broke the news to them. She smiled and took a deep breath and signed the form. This would be a good trip. Even if her mom was coming along.

  “Have you ever towed a trailer before?” the guy asked after he hooked it up and tested the lights.

  Kelly looked at the rig. The trailer was a few inches shorter and narrower than the back of the boxy Element. “It’s been a while, but yes.”

  At home, her mom suspiciously eyed the trailer. “I still say it looks like an orange toaster. At least we’re color-coordinated.”

  Kelly didn’t
comment. She loved her Element, and it was a happy coincidence it was nearly the exact same shade of orange over grey as the trailer. She considered it a good omen.

  “You realize I won’t be able to drive with the trailer, right?” Sharon said.

  Kelly nodded, relieved. She’d been trying to find a tactful way of telling her mom there was no way in hell she was letting her drive, especially with a trailer. “That’s fine, Mom.”

  “It’s not too late to fly. I’ll pay for it.”

  “We’re driving. I promised the boys a camping trip.”

  “We won’t be camping.”

  “No. But we’ll be in the woods. You don’t get any woodsier than Yellowstone. Do you honestly want to sleep in a tent?”

  “And get eaten by a bear? Not on your life. I looked it up on the Internet. Bears have killed people out there at Yellowstone.” She thought about it. “Can we stick David in a tent and cover him with honey?”

  “Mom!” Kelly looked around to make sure the boys were out of earshot.

  “Just a thought. Okay, more like a revenge fantasy.”

  Mart showed up around five with Denny’s paperwork and looked at the trailer hook-up. “You’ll be okay driving this?”

  She nodded. “I’ll take it easy.”

  “Have you ever towed a trailer?”

  “I worked for a landscaping company in college. I drove a crew cab truck and pulled a twenty-two foot equipment trailer.”

  He smiled. “Go Girl Power.”

  “Don’t be too impressed. I was one of the few employees with a legal, clean driver’s license. The owner could insure me.”

  “Oh.” He laughed again.

  The trailer was half-loaded, the throwing chair already buried at the front. She wanted the luggage toward the back, with enough room for the coolers and Denny’s everyday chair near the doors for easy access. The racer should sit on top of everything. She had an old, thick comforter to cushion it.

  “Could they have held it any further from Florida?” she asked Mart.

  “You missed out. A couple of years ago, it was in Tampa two years in a row. Hey, at least it’s not in Arizona again.” Mart looked like he wanted to say something else. “Kelly, I wanted to ask you—”

  “Hey, Mom! Paulie’s being a butt-head. He says I can’t watch his DVD player on the trip!”