“Can’t plead insanity, now.” she mumbled to herself. She filled up both tanks and went inside to settle the bill.

“How much do I owe you?” she asked not bothering to look at the young man as he spoke to her.

“That’ll be 109.00 ma’am.”

“Why don’t you add a pint of Jack Daniels to that.” Tina said counting out 150.00 for the clerk.

“I need to see your I.d. ma’am.”

Tina chuckled a little bit. It had been a long time since anyone had carded her. She flashed her I.d. and the young inspected it as he was told, and said, “Wow, L.A., what are you doin’ all the way out here?”

“I don’t know yet.” she answered honestly and bluntly through eyes veiled by big and dark sunglasses.

“That sure is a beautiful car. I got a ‘67 I’m restoring myself.” by now Tina was getting impatient, all she really wanted was to pay, get her bottle and leave. But it was her southern upbringing that barred her from to being rude to the young curious man. “How long did it take you to restore yours?”

“It was my brother’s car. But it took me 3 years… to finish.” Tina stumbled as she thought about her final destination. It was all clear now. She knew exactly where she could go to clear her mind and not have any type of interruptions.

“I got a 454 in my…”

“You know I really would love to hear all about it but I’m in a hurry, Sweetie.” Tina had to interrupt him, as much as she loved being a gear head she really just wanted to lose herself on the road again.

“Oh. I’m sorry, here’s your change ma’am.”

“Keep it.” Tina said grabbing her bag and heading out the door. She got in her car and started it up, the roar of the engine made the whole car vibrate. As she revved the engine she threw it into gear and smashed on the gas pedal leaving behind a big cloud of dust and rocks flying. She hopped back on highway 10 and just floored it through the small cities she barely recognized.