Technical Threat (Westin Force #4) - Julie Trettel Page 0,18
is our oyster. How many opportunities like this come up in a lifetime?”
“Weekly,” I said dryly. “I literally go on missions like this every week.”
“Well not for me, and not with me. You need to lighten up some and live a little before you’re too old to enjoy it.”
“You certainly don’t seem to be having any trouble,” I muttered.
“I heard that. Uh-oh.”
“Uh-oh what this time?”
“We’re going to need to find a restroom soon.”
“Nonna we just stopped an hour ago.”
“Oh look, twenty-three miles to the next rest stop. They always have the nicest bathrooms. I think I can hold it until then.”
“Seriously? Again? Are we going to have to stop at every rest stop from California to Idaho?”
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
“And I’m sure you’ll still be around to remind me just how right you were.”
“Don’t you sass me, boy.”
“Sorry.”
We drove in peace for several hours as Nonna stared out the window watching the scenery as it passed or reading a book on some device she’d brought with her. The only time she spoke was to use the bathroom again, and again, and again.
“I’m sorry, Nonna,” I finally said, hating the awkward silence that had set in between us. “If you want to go to the casino we can, but on the way back, okay? I only have a week so the faster we get there and get this over with the more time we’ll have to play on the way home. Okay?”
“Well why didn’t you just say so? It’s fine. I’m just happy to be here with you. I’m just along for the ride. It’s getting late. We should start looking for a place to stay the night and get some dinner.”
“Nonna, it’s only five.”
“Five? No wonder I’m starving over here.”
I bit back a groan. “Okay. We’ll stop for dinner, but then I’d like to get a few more hours up the road before we stop for the night.”
“Oh look, there’s a Cracker Barrel. I love Cracker Barrel. Let’s eat there.”
With a reluctant sigh I pulled off on the next exit.
Dinner was good. The service was great. The food was warm and filling. I stifled a yawn as Nonna shopped in the attached store for a lot of random things I was certain she didn’t need.
“I saw that. You’re tired. It could be dangerous for us to go any further tonight. You’ll feel much better if you get a good night’s sleep and then get up early to hit the road. I saw a lovely hotel just next door and besides, who knows when the next exit is going to come with an opportunity for a good hotel.”
I knew there was no point in arguing with her. Nonna had a stubborn streak a mile long.
After paying for all of her finds, I drove us across the parking lot to the hotel next door. I pulled up to the front door. Before I could say, “Stay here.” Nonna was out of the car and in the building.
I just shook my head and walked inside. I found the desk while she found the cookie and coffee table they had out for guests. She was helping herself before I even knew for sure they had a room for us.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Do you have a room available for the night?”
“Absolutely. Is a king room okay?”
“Two queens please.”
“Certainly. How many are in your party?”
“Just two.”
Nonna stepped up beside me. “Oh, Caleb, isn’t she lovely?”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
“Yes, Nonna, she is.”
“This is my grandson, Caleb. He’s single and available.”
My mouth dropped open and I turned to glare at her just in time to see her grin and wink at the receptionist before waltzing off for another cookie.
“I’m so sorry for that. She clearly doesn’t get out enough.”
The girl giggled. “It’s cute. Where are you headed?”
“Idaho.”
“Road tripping with granny. That’s so sweet,” she gushed.
That was my cue to get far away fast. I cleared my throat and she seemed to snap out of whatever Nonna’s trance she’d been put in.
“Right, well, you’re in 412. The elevator is around the corner. Breakfast is served daily starting at seven. If there’s absolutely anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call.” She leaned forward and I was certain she squeezed her breasts with her arms to draw attention to them. “I’m here all night.”
There was definitely some heavy sexual tension in the air, and that was the absolute last thing I needed right then. “Thanks,” I