This is my first ever submission of this type, so please be kind... It is purely fiction -- well almost.
The life of a big rig, over-the-road truck driver is nothing like people have come to believe after all the movies and television series from a few years back. It consists of long hours behind the wheel fighting traffic, shippers, receivers and worst of all, the DOT (Department of Transportation). In spite of all that, it can be fun, exciting, and even rewarding. I want to tell you a little about the fun and exciting part...
First, let me tell you just a little about myself. I'm divorced (twice) and have two great adult kids and three grandkids that I spoil rotten every chance I get. Since I have no one waiting for me, I can spend as much time running "down the road" as I want and don't have to worry about going home. The fact is, I really don't have a home like most people would imagine.
My "home" is my rig. I have a sleeper with all the bells and whistles. There is a television, a small microwave, a coffee maker and a very comfortable bunk with expensive sheets and a down comforter. Most truck stops I go to have Wi-Fi connections now, so I can access the internet any time I stop for a break. When I'm not "home" (that is not on the road), I spend time on my boat in a small marina just east of Pensacola, Florida.
But enough of that stuff... this experience I'm about to share with you is one that happened a few years after my divorce. I'm not some over-sexed stud out looking for anything in a skirt, so when something like this happens to me, it always comes as a pleasant surprise.
I had picked up a load of medical equipment out of San Diego headed for Cleveland. It looked to be a great run with lots of miles and some great scenery to enjoy along the way. Plus, I had been forced to push myself pretty hard to make my earlier delivery in S.D., so I was pleased when my dispatcher said there was no rush on this load.
As I was getting ready to head down the road, I heard a woman on the CB asking for directions. Since I was at the location she was looking for, it was an easy task for me to help her out, thinking once she was on the right track, I would take off.
After getting her headed in the right direction, she thanked me and offered to buy me a cup of coffee. Well, I need to get some miles under me for the day, so I said I was on my way to Cleveland and needed to get moving.
"Wow, that's where I'm going too!" she exclaimed. "What route are you taking?"