I got the call from Craig saying my truck was ready.
I took a quick shower, got dressed and caught an Uber to the shop to find my baby sitting out front, shiny as when I first bought it. I gave the driver a hefty tip for the quick ride, and I would walk over to my ride as I fell in love all over again.
"I'm glad you're mine," I said as I eyed it up and down, looking like a weirdo to pay homage to a vehicle that provided greatly to my well-being.
"Brotherman, she's good as new, ready to roll," he told me as he handed me the keys.
He gave me a run down as I paid the bill before reviewing and signing some paperwork, and I couldn't walk fast enough to get to the passenger side to hop in. I was giddy seeing the sun shine perfectly on the glistening tires, and I would turn the ignition and do what I call an op check, checking all devices on my ride while hearing my engine purr again. I climbed out of the cab to finish the inspection, then took my ride for a quick spin as I was whole again. Not rolling did something to me, as it was more than just earning a living, but trucking was a big part of my personality. I heard George Strait crooning from my phone through my Bluetooth speakers, and I felt I needed to get back to business, so I contacted dispatch back west.
"I'm up. Still in Connecticut, and I'm ready to rock," I told Shelly as she picked up the phone.
"I can hear it in your voice, Big Wayne," she said as she was jubilant.
Shelly always had something tucked away to make my pockets fatter, for our decade long dealings forged a relationship where I always took care of her, and vice versa.
"Got a mission for you, sweetcakes," she said in her midwest drawl.
"Trailer transport to grab another. 20-foot container from Bridgeport, already on wheels, dropping off to Port of Virginia. Bobtail out, then grab a load out of the bacon and ham plant in Smithfield. Unload in Indy, and I'll get you back out here where you belong."
"Baby, I got a set of roses coming your way," I told her once she unloaded the price tag, as this was some hefty revenue.
I needed to pay for the maintenance and get my checkbook back in order, and this was easy work. It was Wednesday, and I didn't need to drop the specialized port load until that coming Saturday afternoon, so I had time.
"You can drop it anytime before Sunday," she added. "Just call the number when you're 50 miles out and they'll be waiting for you. Please, don't be late."
Shelly deep down I delivered on time, or even early at times, and a ride south to Hampton Roads was easy work, especially since I'd been frequenting the area as of recent. Gabe was on my mind, as was the two truckers I played with at the truck stop in Virginia Beach, so I was extra motivated to get down there. The deadline allowed me another night to relax, and so I'd book one more night at the Comfort Inn by calling the front desk to extend my reservation.
"I got an itch for some fresh seafood anyway," I told her.
"Get your seafood honey, and eat enough for me," she chimed as she was slightly jealous. "Just be safe getting back this way."
I overheard some chatter time back about a place called "Hook and Reel," as evidently they were well known for good mussels, shrimp, and lobster tails, three of my favorites. I decided I would indulge, but first heading back to the motel to gather my things. Once done, I cleaned out the rig, made it smell super fresh once I cleaned all the linens and scrubbed surfaces before catching an Uber to the grocery store to replenish a few items. I would take a nap, and wake around 6 p.m. to check my phone for any messages. Nothing, and a sudden feeling crossed me not to be alone for the evening under any circumstances.
"Hey man, you know I'm still in town if you wanna hang out," I messaged to Davey.
"I'd love to," he said as maybe 30 seconds passed between texts. "I'm calling Craig to join us, by the way."
I was elated, and would do a quick shower and shave, then throw on one of my favorite flannels, jeans and cowboy boots before stepping out.
"Looking good, trucker," said Craig as we stepped simultaneously to the front door.
We walked inside and were greeted to live music, and an aroma of deliciousness as we were being seated. This "guys only" event for us was heartwarming, being I didn't come to the east coast, let alone Connecticut often. I also didn't hang out unless I was trying to get fucked or blow some cock (not to say I didn't want both from the duo). We'd sit, and Davey mentioned he was a step further transitioning into being a full time trucker.
"Talked to the wife. She's all for it," he said before Craig declared he'd buy the first two rounds between us.
Craig offered his advice, and I gave a piggyback of thoughts, as we bonded like three boys in the school yard, celebrating like long tenured friends when I barely knew these three not even a week. The food would come and I couldn't get enough of the mussels, for all I mentioned I ordered, but the mussels stood out the most.
"Get some to go," Craig said as the two of them laughed while the whiskey and food worked us.
We left the restaurant via Uber, and I'd encourage the three of them to come back to the room to hang a bit as I was destined to roll the next morning.
"Where to next," Davey asked.