(Yea, I m still a little depressed over HER leaving me, leaving US and not writing any more. I know that little twit took some of my other favorites with her. But SHE just wont go away – I saw her name in several stories in the comment section ! The NERVE ! She wont write but shell comment — I just hope SHE realizes that I am leaving HER, I am seeking a new ONE. But the choice is way too difficult right now with all the good stuff out there, especially the new writers. Im a little depressed, — dazed and confused as well.
But I got my head together enough to remind you all AGAIN that you will not find what you are looking for here if you are looking for BnT hot stories of love, lust, longing, . .
If you havent been reading all the chapters here, things will not make sense and you will not like this stuff — please, trust me — Im begging you not to upset your L search by hanging out here. I dont want you unhappy – – unless you are HER !)






The next few weeks flew by pretty quickly and Shorts and I were ready to leave the next Wednesday after his final Tuesday show at the hospice.

I had no trouble arranging the time off from my waitressing job since Treys dad was my boss. I still had my Monday Fight Night with Jose Cuervo at Sneaky Petes – a losing battle which I refused to acknowledge. Tuesdays at the hospice were really quite enjoyable these last few weeks ever since some of the boys and I spent time discussing the previous Sundays episode of the L Word.

The boys were all up in arms about Marina and they way she was dissing Jenny. They all liked Marina – not so much on the show but because of the way she got all up and in and over Brad Pitt in the Legends of the Fall! But much of the talk centered around Bettes impending infidelity – they believed it was a no-brainer and were disappointed but not surprised – Bette being that big ***** hot shot — controlling, manipulative almost man-like in her assertive ways. Gawd, they loved her !

With one week to go talk was running rampant and speculation was vocal on everything from Bettes inevitable cheating to Shanes impossible love scenario to Danas doomed wedding plans with that grifter! And Ivan – now she was another hottie those boys loved and her leading Kit down that path of the not-so-Straight and narrow was definitely a high-five screeching topic of discussion. I didnt know what I was going to do for all those months until next season!

I hadnt seen the doctor with the familiar features for a while. The boys found out that she was a House Call doctor – making rounds to patients who were home bound and wasnt there all the time. I was beginning to like this woman more and more – her job, her commitment, her wild hair – and I never even met her. The boys told me her name was Faith – healer, comforter, ambassador of hope and the ultimate party planner – word was she threw a hellava wake for those without family or those whose families refused to accept the way they died. Yep, I was liking this mystery woman – too bad she wasnt on my to do list cause I would love to do her!

Shorts had told the television station that he was resigning because of the length of the trip and because of the progression of his illness. When he told me that, I got scared that we might not make the casting call in July. I never let on to him how I felt but I am sure he sensed it. He always made a point of telling me how soon we would be leaving, how soon we would be there, and how great it was going to be. But I was still scared.

The auto club did an excellent job of putting together the Trip Tik for us. Shorts had made a list of people he wanted to see one final time – and I had a list of people and places I wanted to visit as well. There were several stops in locations where we knew movies were being shot and commercials were being planned. Shorts connections in the industry were solid and everyone was willing to help him out. He was awesome – I was so lucky to be a part of his life.

Barring any unforeseen obstacles, the trip would commence in our beach resort town on the west coast of Florida. Our first scheduled stop was in North Carolina then on to New York, swinging west through Ohio and Michigan. Next we would make a little southern turn and on to St. Louis then due west again stopping in Vegas. California was one state with multiple destinations then north to Seattle and finally across the border to Vancouver . That was the plan.

We were hoping to make this a working trip as well as an L expedition. Restaurants, car washes, camp grounds were just some of the places that we would work for food – literally get a job for a few days in exchange for freebees – like meals or lot rent, whatever. Despite his success and prominent position in the television industry Shorts believed in the common man. He realized that the everyday joe was an important part in making the world go round – Joe wasnt afraid to get his hands dirty – he fixed your car, your toilet, your roof, picked up your garbage, drove your bus, taught your children, bagged your groceries — he was someone you could depend on – he went to church, provided for his family , loved his country and accepted, not tolerated, all men. Shorts loved the common man and every opportunity we had to mingle with them on this trip, we would.

With neither of us was in any type of a personal relationship, leaving on Wednesday would be no problem — no teary-eyed goodbyes to a lover left behind. I had one more Monday night at Sneaky Petes to find a truly meaningless, ***** and ***** only fling before the trip. This time of year was still considered seasonal for us so finding some young, ignorant attractive coed fascinated by a scar-faced armless local should be childs play – in a manner of speaking. AH, too be young and stupid again – how I long for the good ol days.

Sunday nights final episode of L left me feeling a little shaken and looking forward to the round table discussion with the boys on Tuesday. So when I walked into Petes one final Monday night I didnt want to waste time. Even before I took my usual seat at the bar, Katey the drink tender saw me come in, nodded hello and lined up three shots of JC in response to my raising three fingers as I crossed the room. Two were for me and one for her – a toast to us – a Monday night ritual. Katey was Petes most popular bartender — funny, friendly, attractive, attentive — all the locals were in love with her and all the tourists wanted her for just one night !

Next to Shorts, Katey was probably my best friend. She and her long time companion Jade used to hang out a lot with US before the accident. The four of us partied together, vacationed together, recreated together, . . . truer friends could not be found.

After the accident, Katey was wonderful. She never offered me advice, but rather was supportive of anything I chose to do – always telling me I would know when the time was right to move on. She called me a cab often on Mondays, sometimes she drove me home, sometimes she walked me home. She held my hair back when I tossed my cookies, and held my hand when I needed it most. I loved her like a sister – she was the best.

She and Jade owned the WHO-ME? a sushi bar / Japanese steakhouse on the beach – one the most well-known tourist destinations – a must-eat on every visitors itinerary. Jade was the maniacal manager who every employee feared when she walked through the door — she was demanding, loud, foul-mouthed and an expert at her job. She was extremely customer-service oriented which made her place so popular in addition to the superb menu. She and Katey made an odd couple but one that withstood the pressures of time and circumstance – they were committed and I often thought they should BE committed – they were the best.

The television station was giving Shorts a going away party this Monday so I was on my own for one last *****-with -a-stranger romp. Sneaky Petes was not a ***** bar but it was very ***** friendly – and Monday nights were Hospitality Nights which meant service-oriented workers – restaurant, hotel, touristy places- drank for price. And with it being in season, the place was packed and my choices endless.

I had Katey send drinks to several tables of young women – I know she didnt approve but I was grateful she didnt say so. Soon a young woman approached the bar, thanked me for the drinks and began chatting about how it was her first visit to the beach being from Kentucky and all. (~~God, this was just too easy~~). I had enough to drink to know that I had had enough and it was time for ***** – all night , all consuming, all ways, anonymous *****-like ***** – ***** to last me until Vancouver.

I left Katey $100 for the drinks and the friendship and left the bar with my little Louisville lucky number . . . I just hope I didnt oversleep tomorrow being the last Tuesday at the Hospice show before we leave. Thank god I am already packed . . .



TBC . .