Author Lon Hieftje
_____ Portion of the 1st Chapter _____
Desert Highway
My car's radio is blasting old rock and roll songs, overwhelming the sound of the pavement clicking below my vehicle's tires. I crack a smile as the song California Dreaming hits its second course. The warm air is rushing through the car's open windows as my singing and thoughts flow into the seemingly never-ending highway air. I can't stop thinking about California and helping my cousin with his business. My cousin Pete has been relentless with his calls and continually upping his offers. It isn't the offers, but moving from Michigan to California was the biggest hurtle to get over. The job he has offered me is definitely on top of my desires. So, with high anticipation, I'm on my way. The time is now forty minutes after eight in the evening. I see vehicles in the opposite lane with their headlights on as the sun gets low in the sky. Ten hours on the road has me feeling the driving monotony. It was good that I broke my driving boredom by making several brief stops, checking out a few interesting sights along the way.
The sky shows its beautiful sunset over the tree-covered mountains miles ahead as the pavement wines westbound. "Yep, it's time to look for a place to spend the night."
After another half-hour of watching the ever-darkening sky, I can see a dim light coming into view ahead. Turning the car's cruise control off, then slowing down. I can realize is over a crudely handmade, bed-and-breakfast sign.
This looks good enough for me. I'm tired and stopping now. I've got just another day or two to go.
Pulling into a lengthy, cracked, and rutted driveway, the car's headlights bounce up and down. Ahead there is an older formal style, three-story building.
What is this place? Could it have been an old office or library or something?
Stopping with the headlights of the car shining on the front of the building, a gorgeous, tall, slender, sandy brown-haired lady supporting a flowing red dress slips out of the front door. She stands with a welcoming smile. Turning the car off, not being able to take my craving eyes off the beautiful lady. The car lights go out, exposing a dim yellow glow from the two large open doors behind the shapely figure.
Here I go, my first night on the road.