Gas Giver

Vanessa’s Journey continues...

Glancing down at the gauges on the dashboard, I noticed two things. It was well past noon, and I was running low on gas.

About ten minutes later, I pulled off the interstate and headed to the nearest, yet least suspicious gas station. As I went inside to use the restroom, I stopped short when I noticed a dark SUV pull up to the gas pump across from me. The truck was black with black-tinted windows. Strange, I thought, I noticed the same truck a few times during my trip here.

Niklaus?

No. Why would he follow me? He was a rebound, that’s it.

Ignoring my thoughts, I went about my business, then searched the aisles for the most nutritious meal I could find. Settling on a Reeses cups and a Diet Dr. Pepper, I made my way to the counter and patiently waited my turn to check out my goodies.

“Pump 6?” the cashier asked when I stepped up. I looked at her wondering why she would ask me that because how would she know what I drove?

“Yeah, I think that’s where I…” Turning my head toward the window to look at my truck. “Yes, I’m at pump 6. I was gonna’ use the credit card thing.” I used my hands to make a square, describing the shape of the card slot as though she had no clue what I was talking about. Hey, I’m from the south, it’s how we talk.

“It’s already paid.”

“What?”

“The gas is paid. Someone filled it up.”

“Who would-“

“Lady, who cares? You got free gas. Must be nice, now, move on.” Some idiot behind me rudely interrupted my conversation with the cashier. I sighed loudly. I turned around and pointed my finger up at him because, of course, he was a lot taller… and a lot fatter.

“Hey! I had less than four hours of sleep,” I raised four fingers, then pressed my index finger and thumb together, “A tiny cup of coffee, no food, and no chocolate! So unless you want me to turn into a total psycho on your ass, I suggest you shut it!”

His eyes widened at my outburst and his fat face turned red from embarrassment. The customers in the store, the cashier, and even the security guard laughed. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and summoned Jesus. Turning back to the counter I asked in my sweetest voice,

“Do you know who it was so I can thank them?” I turned to my side and gave that fat fucker behind me the side eye, waiting for him to say something else. Turning back to the cashier, I gestured behind me. “He’s paying for my stuff. Oh and add a small bag of ice, please.

“Fuck no, I’m not paying for shit!”

“Pay for the woman’s stuff, man!” The security guard shouted. When the rude man didn’t reply, the cashier responded,

“Already done, Frank,” she replied to the guard, then turned to me, “Don’t know, but it shows paid for. Maybe you have a secret admirer.” She smiled as she handed me the receipt. Sure enough, someone put gas in my car.

“Yeah, maybe. Um, thanks.” Although a nice gesture, this didn’t sit well with me. Who would do this and why? I paid for my items and left the store. Before I made for the final destination, I drained the ice chest I kept in the back and added more ice. Glancing over to the next pump, a different vehicle replaced the strange one from earlier. I shook my head from the thoughts of being followed. I’ve been a cop too long.

By the time I made it to Virginia, I had forgotten about the mysterious gas giver.

It was turning dark when I arrived in Midland. Using the Yelp app on my phone, I searched for the nearest pizza place. The app sent me a mom and pop restaurant called, Pop’s Pizza.

The smell of the pizza made my stomach growl and my mouth water. Hurriedly, I grabbed my bags and food and made my way to Phoenix’s house.

From what I could see in the dimness of the upcoming night, the house appeared to be a vintage home. It sat around a large circular driveway. From what Phoenix told me when she first moved, Stanton Winery was one of the top wineries in Midland. The Stanton’s also housed injured soldiers during the civil war. The Stanton family owned the large, two-story house and kept it up with the modern times as the years went by.

The home Phoenix rented was once an old ground keeper’s home. There were other smaller houses on the property but I couldn’t see them at the moment. With so much history and my love for old homes, I plan to investigate tomorrow and check out the property.

Slipping the spare key in the lock, I could hear Max barking, warning me to stay out. Thankfully, he was in a cage. He would definitely attack first and ask questions later. I crossed the threshold, placing my bags on the other side near the door.

Turning on a few lights, I found my way to the kitchen which wasn’t hard to find since it was attached to the living room. A hallway was straight ahead of me leading to the bedrooms. I set the pizza on the countertop and went to Max’s cage who abandoned the guard dog act and began wiggling his butt so fast he could barely move.

“Maximus!” Grabbing the leash from the nearby hook, I unlocked his cage and pushed to the floor. Max unleashed his fit of wiggles and kisses. This is love. Pets are the best. They love unconditionally.

“Hey buddy! Did you miss me?” He barked in response. I managed to get us outside and went for a quick walk around the circle driveway. Once he did his business, we made our way back to the house.

Back inside, I moved the pizza to the top of the refrigerator so Max couldn’t get to it. Grabbing my bags, I made my way toward what I assumed would be my bedroom. As I grabbed my things, I saw headlights pull onto the drive. I froze, wondering if it was the same black vehicle from earlier.

Shrugging my shoulders, I set off to wash away the day. I stood at the door frozen. Wow. The bathroom was gorgeous with a brown and beige stone shower that was large enough for at least four people. An antique claw tub sat on the side of a long cabinet. I wondered if I accidently walked into Phoenix’s room but as I looked around I saw none of her things.

Since Max and I were starving, I decided on a quick shower. I stood under the spray and allowed the hot water to drench over me. My mind wondered to my encounter with Niklaus. My hand found itself between my thighs while my body remembered what Niklaus did to me.

Niklaus.

His name. His voice. His body. His tattoos. His mouth. His control.

Best one-night stand… ever.

Anyway, now that that’s taken care of… I’m so freaking hungry!

I quickly washed up, shampooed and rinsed my hair. Stepping out and quickly drying off, I rubbed body lotion all over myself and slipped on a lavender camisole top with matching lacy cotton shorts. It barely covered my breasts but since I was alone, it didn’t matter and I’m sure Max doesn’t care. My plan was to eat and then pass out. I would wait until tomorrow to figure something out for my future in Midland, Virginia.

I squeezed the remaining water from my strawberry blonde hair and quickly dried it with a towel. The only thing on my mind was the deliciousness of a certain pizza.

Throwing the towel over the shower rail, I walked out of the room and toward the mouthwatering pizza and completely froze as I stared at the large man in the hallway.

Instinct yelled at me to forget the food and react immediately, but staring down the barrel of a gun kinda had me rethinking that.