ten minutes before noon, when we're supposed to check out, we finally get up to get
our stuff packed. we may not be adults who have all other aspects of our life
sorted out, but we are well-versed in the ways of quick-packing and
light-footed gypsy travel. the room is empty in minutes and the volvo is
loaded up. john cracks a second beer and packs a little marijuana
pipe while sitting in the front passenger seat with the door open.
an older local couple of mainers strolls past looking at us with poker-faced curiosity. i wonder if she can smell john's mary jane and wonder if what she thinks of it if she can. she catches me watching her and i give her a big genuine smile. she has won me over with her new england poker face. she sees my smile is genuine and smiles back. i see her husband notice my smile peripherally but he doesn't turn his eyes or head to investigate further. not out of unfriendliness, more of a no-nonsense hurry to get to the motel office to get some kind of thing squared away.
