It was hot. Probably over 100 earlier in the afternoon, but it was still hot. She'd driven this road a thousand times, between Palm Springs and Carson City, but today, after an hour driving, she'd hardly seen a car travelling either direction. Well, there had been that one a half hour ago. Maybe it was the heat. Four hours to go, she thought, glad her gas tank was full. She would just make it.
The heat made her drowsy and she fought to stay alert. Why, she thought. Nobody's around, anyway. Usually, she could at least play mental games to stay awake like racing with another car for a bit, although she rarely exceeded the speed limit. She was that kind of person. Or, she could fantasize about what the couple up ahead might be doing. But it was not to be, today. Not a soul in sight, she thought, the whole planet could be destroyed and I wouldn't have a clue. Something up in the shimmering distance caught her eye.
No. Yes, there it was again. It was a car. Non-descript, probably a rental, her mind automatically catalogued this. Beside it, waving his jacket, was a man obviously, white dress shirt, tie open at the neck. As she got closer, she could see he was youngish, thirty something, sunglasses, clearly overheated as his suit trousers were dark in patches with his perspiration. Without thinking, she pressed the door lock button, satisfied to hear them clunk into place. Then her mind began to work. She saw the exasperated look on his face as she passed him, remembering that he had passed her, obviously speeding. Serves him right, she started to think, then realizing that he might be in danger in this heat and no one on this road. She slowed. Conflict was her dominant emotion. Picking up a stranger was not smart. Wanting to help was the decent thing to do.
She stopped. Slowly she backed towards him, not even bothering to get out of her lane. Why bother? No one was going to run into her, after all. As the figure increased in size as she looked through the rear window, she thought of her options. Doors locked, she'd only lower the window a bit. If anything didn't seem right, she'd just take off. No one could outrun a car. Satisfied but still nervous, she drew even with the man and cracked the window on the passenger's side.
Boy am I glad you came along! Suntan, white teeth, nice smile, maybe good looking, but it was hard to tell with the mirrored sunglasses covering his eyes. I think I snapped a fan belt, he was saying. I know it is a lot to ask, but any chance you could give me a lift to the next town? I can call from there. Geezes, the guy at the rental counter said no problem driving up to Reno. Wanted to see the dessert. Anyway, in this heat I thought I was gonna die, until you happened along. Please help me out, he pleaded, I don't know when another car might chance along.
Against her better judgement, she relented in her mind first. Justifying her decision, she noted he was well dressed, obviously not from around here, not to say he was in dire circumstances if she didn't. It didn't hurt that he was probably quite handsome, if she could only see his eyes. Unlocking the door from her side and sliding the window all the way down, Sure, get in. Anything you want to bring?
Naw, I'll leave my stuff. No need to bother with it. I've got money and my credit cards. What else do I need?
Better grab it, she said, it's several hours to the next town.
Your kidding, he sounded genuinely surprised, confirming her earlier surmise that he was from out of town. Turning, he unloaded a small bag from the back seat of his car. Just in case, he said as he tossed it in the back of hers and slid into the front seat. Oh boy! That air conditioning feels terrific. She started off.
Frank Powers, he said after a moment. Startled, she turned to glance at him seeing his open hand extended. Thanks for helping me out. She took his hand. Warm. Manicured. This is OK, she thought. Else, she said.
Else, what?
Else, my name. My name is Else, Else Svendlap. Slightly embarrassed by the awkwardness of the moment, she concentrated on the road ahead.
After several minutes, I'm starting to get a chill from that air conditioning.