The Summer Seekers

“Are you feeling okay, Kathleen?” Martha glanced at her, the first time her eyes had left the road. “You’re quiet.”

“I was imagining how I would introduce this place if I were recording the show.”

“I’d love to see some of your shows. I’m going to see if I can find them on the internet.” Martha’s eyes were back on the road. “Do you need me to stop? Do you want a coffee?”

Kathleen checked the guidebook. “There are a few recommended stops ahead, one of which includes a particularly interesting historic diner. I presume it’s the building itself that’s historic, and not the contents of their fridge.”

The towns fell away, the road became quieter as drivers chose the faster route and each side of them were fields and farmland.

They stopped for a delicious lunch of fried chicken and Martha ate while she studied the guidebook, tracing the route with her finger.

“When we reach this point we have to decide which road to take.”

“Route 66.” Kathleen smiled her thanks as the waitress topped up their drinks.

“It’s more complicated than that because the route deviates from the original road. According to this book, there have been improvements and realignments. And there are faster routes if we want them.”

“We don’t.” Kathleen was determined to stick as closely as possible to the original historic Route 66. She wanted to savor every moment.

“It says here that there are two choices. We can drive on the road as it was in 1926 or pick the route from 1930.” Martha abandoned the book and returned to her chicken. “This is delicious. I’ve decided this trip might be all about the food. I ate this amazing slice of pizza yesterday, by the lake.”

“You mentioned it.” Five times.

“We should take the route that has the best restaurants.” Martha turned her attention back to the guidebook.

“That plan works for me. I’m enjoying myself tremendously.”

Martha looked up. “You’re enjoying yourself?” A tentative smile formed. “You’re sure?”

“It’s all thrilling.” Kathleen finished her chicken and wiped her fingers. “You have no idea how I’ve longed for this. I’m living the dream.”

“As long as my driving hasn’t turned it into a nightmare.” Martha handed her the book. “You might need to give me instructions. It says here that SatNav tries to take you on the interstate, not the old route.”

They headed back to the car and Martha eased her way cautiously from the parking lot to the road. Her lip was caught between her teeth and her knuckles were white on the wheel.

Kathleen wondered what she could do to help the girl relax.

“Tell me a little about yourself.”

“Oh—” If anything the question seemed to add to Martha’s tension. “I’m pretty boring. Nothing to tell.”

“You live with your parents?”

“Yes.”

“And is that a harmonious arrangement?”

“Harmonious? Oh, you mean do we get on? Yes.” She slowed as they reached an intersection. “Actually no, not really.”

Having discovered that Martha didn’t need much encouragement to talk, Kathleen shamelessly encouraged her. “It can’t be easy. A girl like you needs independence.”

“Needing independence and being able to afford independence are unfortunately not the same thing. Do I go right up ahead?”

Kathleen checked the map. “Yes.” She waited until Martha made the turn. “Are you close to your mother?”

“No. Are you close to Liza?”

Kathleen wished she hadn’t asked the question. “We have a satisfactory relationship.” That was true on her part. Probably not true for Liza, but she had no intention of discussing such an intimate topic with anyone. “Have you never been close to your mother?”