Alex grabbed what he needed, threw it in the trunk of Kevin’s car and hopped in. He couldn’t believe the events of the day, what did he ever do to deserve to meet people like this, people who were so willing to help out a complete stranger.
As they pulled into the Olive Garden for lunch, Brian was the first one out of the car; he immediately recognized CJ’s car waiting in the parking lot for them. Howie had called his apartment and invited her to meet them for lunch.
CJ was waiting for them at the bar. She was still wearing her clothes from last nite, but she had showered and looked refreshed. As they all sat down at their table, Howie quickly introduced their newest member to CJ. Alex politely shook her hand, but continued to wear his sunglasses. CJ thought this to be odd, but Howie had already whispered in her ear not to ask. “So how long until we leave?” Howie asked the fellas as they devoured their second big salad. “Doesn’t matter to me,” Kevin replied. “If it was up to me, the sooner the better. The faster I can put some distance between here and Ireland, the better,” Alex said as he wiped his mouth with his napkin.
“What’s in Ireland?” CJ asked. “No, not the country, Ireland is Alex’s girlfriend, er soon-to-be ex-girlfriend,” Brian explained. “Well, it’s only lunch time...if we leave now, we could probably make it into New Mexico before dark,” Howie said. “CJ, you are more than welcome to stay at my apartment if you and Mo aren’t speaking,” Howie offered. “Thanx D, but I was sorta hoping that I could come....listening to you guys plan this crazy road trip...it’s got me feeling kinda jealous.” CJ said.
“What about your life here? Can you just pick up and leave?” Kevin asked, wondering how much room there was going to be in his 6-seater car. “Hey! You only live ONCE....I can’t let a little thing like a job hold me down. Now, does anyone object to me coming?” CJ asked. “I don’t,” Brian answered eagerly. The rest of the guys all answered the same.
The mood through lunch was high, forgotten was the fight between Morgan and Howie the previous nite, forgotten was the forbidden escapade between Kevin and Morgan, forgotten was the pulsing throb of Alex’s left eye. All minds were focused on the future, hitting the open road and making a fresh start. Kevin hadn’t realized it at the time, but he did now, when he ran from his wedding and hopped into his car and headed for the interstate, he was rushing to make a fresh start. Originally when he left, he swore that he would go back, but today, as he embarked on a new chapter in his life, he knew that going back was not an option.
The motto of this adventure seemed to be ‘travel light.’ CJ learned that the hard way when Brian took her back to her apartment to pick up some of her belongings. Kevin had threatened her that she could only fill one bag. ONE BAG! That was like trying to eat one potato chip, but she did it, reluctantly. The guys promised that she could buy what she needed as she needed it. They knew that the promise of constantly shopping would make her happy.
Brian and Howie sat in the back seat with CJ between them. She couldn’t help but snicker to herself at all the attention these two were giving to her. Kevin continued to drive as Alex sat in the front seat fiddling with the radio.
Kevin hadn’t been on the interstate for 5 minutes when suddenly he smelled something burning. He worried that it was his car, although no smoke seemed to be coming from under the hood. “Do you guys smell that? Do you think the car is over-heating or somethin’?” Kevin asked as he began to slow down in the right hand lane. “I don’t smell anything....just Alex’s cigarette,” Brian answered. Kevin looked to his right and was stunned to see Alex happily dragging away on a glowing butt. Kevin swerved for the shoulder and hit the brakes so fast that Howie hit the back of Kevin’s seat.
“What the F*CK do you think you’re doin’????” Kevin yelled. Alex looked over in shock, “What? What do you mean?” “NO ONE----EVER--- smokes in MY car!!!!!!” Kevin bellowed. “Oh, .....the tops down.....”Alex tried to appease him. “Did you hear me the first time??? Don’t make me repeat myself. There will be NO SMOKING in my car! I like you, man, but we’re not too far away, I can take you back!” “Oh, c’mon, Kevin!” Brian pleaded. “What’s the big deal?”
“What’s the big deal? It’s a disgusting habit that causes cancer.........my father died of cancer.....that’s the big deal!” Kevin continued to scream. “But I’ve gotta smoke. I’m addicted. I’ve tried to stop, but it just makes me so happy.” Alex answered. “Well than let me drive then...” “Drive? Why would I let you drive? I’d rather drop you off at home,” Kevin said.
“If you let me drive, I won’t smoke. I’ve just gotta do something with my hands. My hands need to be busy. So either you let me drive......or.....” he looked back into the back seat at CJ, “unless you’re up for a good grope!” he said with a smile and a wink. “Not a CHANCE!” she laughed back. Kevin snickered at the ridiculous request too and took a deep breath and released it in the form of a great sigh. He unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car. “C’mon then, let’s switch....but if you do anything to my car.....I’ll really raise my voice,” Kevin said, as he smiled kindly to Alex. Alex knew that he was going to be the ‘big brother’ of this trip and he also knew that this wasn’t going to be the last time he got on Kevin’s nerves.