Aimless: A Love Story?

OK, it's time to flash back about five days.

Immediately following his Dallas delivery, it looked like Vernon Almighty would be going to Indiana or something, but I guess he was able to decline that load because he needed to sleep. The next morning when he found out where he'd be going from Dallas, he woke me up to let me know we'd be going to San Leandro. He knew I'd be pretty excited about that.

By this time, having read Missy's somewhat recent e-mail message, I felt much better about the state of our blossoming friendship (which I've patiently tried to initiate for almost four years now), so I sent a text message to her e-mail address.

At 12:32 PM EDT on August 14, I said simply: I bet you could use a vacation in San Francisco right about now.

I didn't necessarily expect a response because, well, I mean, how does someone in Oxford, Mississippi respond to a message like that?

So the day continued as any normal day might. Vernon and I took US 287 from Dallas to Amarillo, where we switched to I-40 West toward New Mexico. About 70 miles before reaching Amarillo, we went through some nasty weather. I'm pretty sure it was the kind of weather that forms tornadoes, so it was a little scary. Aside from the scare, I really enjoyed the sights along Route 287 and I recommend driving that route if you ever get a chance.

At 2:21 AM EDT on August 15 we were in New Mexico, approaching Albuquerque, when my phone beeped four times, indicating a new text message. For some reason, only part of the message came through. It said: ancisco around monday or so. When will you be there?

With the 662 area code and the San Francisco reference, I knew it must have been Missy, but I wasn't 100% sure, so I responded at 2:28: Is this Missy? (Don't know your number.) Your message was incomplete. Are you going to be in San Francisco?

After sending that message, I received the first part of the initial message (2:26): Hey, it's Missy. Guess where i am? Sacramento! There's a pizza spinning event that me and caroline are doing here. We were thinking about going to san fr

Then I received a response to my message at 2:29: Yes and yep. I think around monday, with caroline.

Missy (2:36): Let's meet up.

Ryan (2:37): I'm game. This is crazy.

Ryan (2:39): We're coming up on Albuquerque. Should be in Bay Area Saturday afternoon.

Missy (2:42): I know! When will you be in sf?

Ryan (2:44): Probably Saturday. Have no plans of leaving right away, either.

Missy (2:48): What are your lodging plans?

Ryan (2:53): You know I almost always sleep in my tent, right?

Missy (2:59): Yeah. Well i'm off to bed now. I'll contact you when i'm close to arriving. If it's not monday, I'll let you know ahead of time. Goodnight!

Ryan (3:01): Very good night! ; )

TO BE CONTINUED...

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