Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip

CHAPTER 11: TO MAKE CONNECTIONS

As their sister entered the business, the eldest sibling greeted her at the front door. She looked at her older brother quizzically, while peering around him to smile at her younger brother, who smiled back, but then went into the office.

“So, what’s going on?” she asked of the elder sibling, who then brought her up to speed about why their younger brother was back home.

She didn’t know quite what to think, so she blurted out, “Why don’t you go with him?”

A brief moment of silence passed between them. Then, seemingly without missing a beat, the oldest said, “You knew what I was planning to do, didn’t you?”

“Yes, of course, I did,” was her swift reply, though she knew it had only been a hunch, but obviously a very good one. “You think I couldn’t tell what was going through your mind?”

“Well, no, I didn’t think you did.” He was startled she knew, but the more he thought about it, the less surprised he was.

“I’d be willing to bet that you’ve already made some contacts to people along Route 66 about it, too. Which is why you wanted to make sure I’d be able to watch over the business while you were away. You never explained, but I had a hunch.”

“I suppose I’m not surprised,” the eldest said. “And, yes, I have made some contacts. I’ve called people in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico & California.”

He paused & his sister just looked at him, expecting him to say more. So, he added: “I just want to get to know Route 66 more … the way Dad & Mom knew & loved it. I get the distinct impression our younger brother is also longing for that connection. What about you?”

She didn’t know what to say. Instead, she thought back to a conversation before her first year of college.