All Chapters of Travel, Love, and Let go: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Helotes appears quietly, the way small towns do on this stretch — Stone Churches on either side, the country dance store where concerts are often held. The Helotes gas station is on the right: white stone, country rustic appearance with clean lines, the kind of place that has been kept up and shows it. A couple of vehicles are parked at the pumps. Some customers are entering and exiting the store. Gracie pulls in, cuts the engine, and swings her door open into a wave of still air. Even hotter without the highway moving under her. The air thick and stuffy, barely breathable. She releases a sigh. Gunner looks over at her from the passenger seat, assessing the surroundings, and watching her with loving whiskey eyes; almost like a dark amber marble, softened, melting with love and admiration. I know, she told him, without saying it. We’ll get there. The woman gazes at her dog, pouring her green eyes like sparkling emeralds into his as her long curly golden brown hair flies about in

Gracie mentions to Paxton in calm voice, “It is getting late, I need to go find a spot for Gunner and me to camp for the night. Thank you for dinner, it was wonderful.”“You’re welcome, so you’ll be around at the beach for the weekend?” Paxton inquires.“Yes, I plan to.” The woman casually responds to Paxton as she opens the door for the dog to climb in, “let’s go Gunner.” “Ok, maybe, I’ll see you around then.” The man says, with a hopeful tone. “Ok, have a good one.” Gracie says with a smile that reaches her eyes. Paxton sits there with Delilah petting her as Gracie gets in her van and drives off. He sees her wave happily as she and Gunner depart. The dark sandy road ahead, uneven terrain lays out a bumpy ride. Reduced visibility causes Gracie to strain her green amber eyes whilst navigating from White Beach. Turning right down a paved road, covered in sand slowing her speed, the tires rumble over the gritty road. There it is, the camping zone. Tents and RV’s fill the darkene

A few hours later, Gracie and an entourage of women meet at the country dancehall. There is a live band, people shout to hear one another. It is somewhat dark in the seating or standing areas and carpeted walkways. The bars are lit up, beer stations are sporadically located through the dancehall. There are cocktail servers walking around with test tube shots. The dance floor is lit up by overhead lighting. The dance floor features a bar that people can stand and dance on. Gracie and her friends get shots! She chooses butterscotch and Bailey’s, then a shot of tequila rose! After two rounds of shots at, they all order a regular drink. Gracie asked for a vodka and cranberry with lime. The cluster of women walked around the bar together until finding a spot to sit. They watch the band play as they talk and laugh. Gracie notices that classmate from middle school as he asks one of her friends to dance. His name is Frank Spencer. His blonde hair falls around his cheekbones, and his green eye

It’s Tuesday and Gracie has signed up to volunteer with building a house. She is interested in woodworking so maybe this can help her with acquiring skills and learning how to handle the different types of saw machines. Upon arrival, Gracie sees Paxton. The house has already been framed with the siding and roof put on. They are inside working on the interior. Gracie and Paxton work closely together on a task, laying tile together. The two on their knees on the floor. Paxton hands her a tile as she looks into his soulful brown eyes, he peers into her sparkling green eyes and takes a step towards her. He leans closer to her face ready to kiss her but one of the other volunteers walked in. They resume tiling the floor in the room. Soon it is lunch time, someone has brought sandwiches and drinks. The volunteers take a break to eat and mingle. Following lunch, since the tile was done, Gracie is paired with a group performing a different task. She mingles with the other volunteers while the

The Following week Gracie is at the blood drive to donate blood. Paxton is beside her donating as well. He finishes before her and sits waiting for her. Once she is done, she gets up too fast and faints as she walks in front of Paxton, he stands up and catches her. He looks at her displaying concern then lays her back down on the donation bed. She is assessed by the workers. The lack of blood made her faint, but her vital signs are good.” I’ll be back in about thirty minutes” he said. “Please keep an eye on her, and do not let her get up again.” Paxton went to get his tow dolly to put her jeep on so he can take her and the vehicle home. I think she needs to rest for the remainder of the day. He thinks to himself. After he returns, she is still laying on the donating bed, recovering from giving away her blood to needy people. “Gracie, I have your jeep on a dolly attached to my truck, I’m going to take you and your jeep home ok. I’ll stay with you the rest of the day,” Paxton picks Grac