“I agree. We might close early. I hate the thought of driving home.”

Jorden, Alex, and Tom paid for their individual items as the clerk continued to talk about the weather. “The forecast says it’s going to get worse. Better be careful!”

On their way out, Tom turned toward the clerk. “Well, we’re going on. We can handle anything!”

Alex grinned at the clerk. “He just wants to make sure he gets back in time for a hot date.”

“So? I’ve been thinking about this woman for weeks. I don’t want to blow it because of Jorden and the weather.” Jorden could see Tom give Alex a killer look.

“We’ll see how far we can go. I hope we can make it through the night.”

“I’ll drive,” Tom offered.

“No way! I don’t want you to wreck my car!”

Jorden wondered what he would say if she offered to drive? She was a good driver, but the idea of driving his car seemed off limits.

Alex drove another five hours. The roads became slicker and deadlier. This time, Tom stayed awake. All eyes were glued to the road. Right and left cars had skidded off the Interstate.

“It’s after one thirty. I’m exhausted!” Alex declared. “We’re pulling off at the next exit. Hopefully, we can find a place to stay for the rest of the night.”

Tom didn’t argue. Several miles down the Interstate Jorden noticed a lighted billboard advertising the Chelsea Retreat Motel. Open 24 hours a Day—One Mile Ahead. Alex turned off at the exit. Four minutes later, Jorden saw the motel off in the distance. It looked run down, but that didn’t matter at this point. A Vacancy sign flashed dimly.

Alex went in—Jorden assumed to get two rooms. When he came out, he shook his head and threw up his arms in disgust. “They only have one room left. It’s a single with a double bed. I took it.”

Tired and beat, she watched Alex open the door to the room. It was garish with a grungy overhead light fixture and a small lamp which put out little light. At least it featured a small bathroom, its one redeeming feature.

“This will have to do.”

Jorden started to laugh. “Hey, Tom, look what you have to tell your hot date. This should spice up your evening—a threesome!”

They started laughing and couldn’t stop until someone in the next room banged on the wall.

“Hey, keep it down! It’s after two!”

“These walls are paper thin. It’s good we’re in an end unit,” Alex muttered.

“Why? What are we going to be doing?” Jorden asked. This made them howl even louder. They had to force themselves to stop when a second bang came with stronger language.

The laughter released tension; even Tom seemed to mellow out. “I’ll take the chair. You two can have the bed.”