Maps for the Getaway by Annie England Noblin

Author:Annie England Noblin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Published: 2021-03-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Genie

The accommodations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were much better than in Oklahoma, and it was once again difficult for Genie not to fall, exhausted, this time with relief, into bed as soon as they’d opened the door to the hotel room. They’d had to pay nearly one hundred dollars in a pet deposit, which Kate happily forked over.

Now, however, there was the task of finding a veterinarian open late enough in the evening to see the dog Kate had taken at a gas station, of all places, and Genie wanted to scream about it. Not because she disliked dogs. Quite the opposite, in fact, but it was completely irresponsible to take a dog none of them knew anything about on a cross-country road trip.

“Aren’t you two tired?” Genie asked.

“Exhausted,” Kate said. She scrolled through her phone, calling out numbers of veterinary clinics for CiCi to dial.

“There are restaurant suggestions on the itinerary,” Genie said.

“We have to find a vet clinic,” Kate replied.

“Is that really necessary?” Genie asked. “He looks fine.”

The dog, after eating and drinking his fill, had fallen asleep in the little kennel Kate bought for him, on top of a pillow that belonged to the hotel and that Genie was sure she’d have to pay for before it was all said and done.

“I’m sure he is fine,” Kate replied. “Even his leg isn’t as bad as I thought it was, but he still needs to be checked over and have vaccinations before we get to Las Vegas.”

“I know you’re right,” Genie said. “You two keep calling. I’m going to call and check on my dad.”

Genie pulled the hotel door open and stepped out into the hallway. She pulled her phone from her pocket and pressed the call button. Ugh. Seriously. A dog. Now, instead of a nap and dinner, she was going to spend her evening at a veterinary clinic.

“Hey, Leah,” Genie said when she heard the calm, smooth voice on the other end. “It’s Genie. How’s my dad today?”

“Oh, honey, you know,” Leah said. “Today was a bit of a rough one.”

“What’s wrong?” Genie asked. “Do I need to come home?”

“Oh, I don’t think it’s as bad as all that,” Leah replied. “He’s just not eaten much the last couple of days, and he’s got a bit of chest congestion.”

“Okay,” Genie said. “Has he noticed I haven’t come by?”

There was a pause on Leah’s end. “Which answer would make you feel better?” she asked.

“The truth,” Genie replied.

“Genie, the truth is that he wouldn’t remember even if you had come. It’s nice you come, and don’t think it doesn’t matter when you visit, but no, I don’t think he’s noticed that you’ve been gone,” Leah said.

“Thanks, Leah,” Genie replied. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Genie,” Leah said. “Oh, and Genie?”

“Yeah?”

“Have a good time. You deserve it.”

Genie closed her eyes but couldn’t get rid of the overwhelming guilt she felt for not being there for her father. At the same time, she was also glad he didn’t know where she was, because if he had known, he wouldn’t have approved.

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