Rumble strips

I wanted to put as many miles behind me as I could. When I kept driving over the shoulder rumble strips I knew I had to stop. The sun was just cresting the horizon.

After finding the only open spot in the crowded parking lot, I shuffled into the hotel lobby. If I was more alert, I would’ve bolted when the desk clerk called me by name. That didn’t register until later.

Key card in hand, I stumbled against my room door, fumbling with the lock. I found him inside, waiting for me.

“Hey, baby. What took you so long?”