They pulled into the service area, a sprawling complex of fast food chains and gas pumps and families that looked just as road-weary as they felt. Lauren climbed out of the RV and stretched, her back popping in three different places.
“I'm too old for this,” she muttered.
“You're not old, you’re just not used to RV life. Neither of us are. I can’t believe Grandma loves driving it. She’s eighty, shouldn’t she be taking it easy?”
“I heard that,” Grandma Sarah called from inside the RV, where she was gathering her purse.
“I meant for you to hear it.”
“I don’t plan on spending the rest of my life in a rocking chair, thank you very much.”
Sarah followed Lauren inside, and the two of them made their way to the ladies room followed by a stop in the Starbucks line.
The line was long and moved slowly.
Maggie texted Lauren:How's the drive? Casualties?
Lauren typed back:No casualties yet. Minor psychological damage. Will need therapy. How are the babies?
The response came quickly:Perfect. Beautiful. Beth is exhausted but happy. Can't wait for you to meet them.
Almost there. Tell Beth we love her.
She knows. She can't wait to see you.
Lauren smiled at her phone and shuffled forward in line. This was why they were doing this. Not for the drive, not for the questionable rest stop coffee, but for the family waiting at the end. For Beth and her babies. For the chance to be together, to witness the newest additions to a family that had weathered so much and somehow kept growing.
Sarah chuckled. “Grandma's holding court next to the RV. She's already made friends.”
“Of course she has. I think that’s why she does this. She’s such a social butterfly. She needs interaction with people.”
“Whatever it takes, I guess. I know we always tease her, but the truth is I’m happy she’s found something that makes her want to get up in the morning.”
“I agree. I just hope I’m able to have as much energy when I’m her age. Right now, I can’t find the energy just to be a passenger, let alone drive that thing.”
They got their coffees and found Grandma Sarah exactly where Sarah had said, engaged in animated conversation with a young couple who looked slightly overwhelmed. The woman held a toddler who was systematically destroying a packet of crackers.
“And that's why you should always pack extra diapers,” Grandma Sarah said as they approached. “You think you have enough, and then suddenly you're in the middle of nowhere and the baby has had three blowouts and you're using napkins from a Wendy's. Trust me. Extra diapers.”
“She speaks from experience,” Lauren said, joining them. “She raised three kids, and has been a babysitter to five grandchildren, and now, occasionally several great-grandchildren. We’re at twelve now, my sister having just given birth to twins.”
The young mother's eyes widened. “Twins? Oh my goodness. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. We're on our way to meet them now. Drove all the way from Florida.”
“That's a long drive.”
“It's worth it. Family is always worth it.” Grandma Sarah stood and gathered her purse. “Well, we should get back on the road. You folks have a safe trip. And remember…extra diapers.”
They made their way back inside the RV, coffees in hand, the brief interaction with strangers having somehow lifted everyone's spirits. That was the thing about Grandma Sarah, Lauren thought. She could talk to anyone, anywhere, and leave them feeling like they'd known her for years.
“You're a menace,” Lauren told her as they climbed back into the RV. “That poor family didn't know what hit them.”
“I gave them valuable information. They'll thank me later.” Grandma Sarah settled into the driver's seat and started the engine. “Now. Let's see if we can make Connecticut before dark.”
“And then?” Sarah asked.
“And then we check into our hotel and have a lovely dinner before getting to bed. We’ve got two new babies to meet tomorrow.”
