The road trip had been Claire’s idea. A week off, just the two of you — no shows, no meetings, no airports or planning. Just a sleepy town by the sea, slow mornings, hanging out with some friends she knows there and sand sticking to your skin in all the right ways. You weren’t picky about the place. The apartment wasn’t nicer than hers, maybe not even close, but it was cozy, had a wide window with a view of the beach, and Joanie was allowed. That was more than enough.

You had left early, around 7:30 in the morning, coffee barely kicking in, but Claire had been in that sleepy-sweet mood of hers, kissing you, doing everything excited and walking around her apartment to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything,carrying her tote bag with books she likely wouldn't finish. Joanie had curled up in the backseat, tail wagging now and then with excitement she didn’t know what to do with.

Now it was almost 10. You were still a little while from arriving. The view outside the car windows had shifted to mostly trees and dead grass, winding roads with the sea scent somewhere ahead, still hidden.

Claire sat with one leg tucked beneath her, her sundress the kind that made it hard not to stare a little when you glanced her way. Pale yellow with tiny blue flowers. Her hair was loose and slightly tangled from the drive, sunglasses pushed up to her head.

One of her songs came on through the Bluetooth, and without hesitation, she began to sing along — not performing it, not overthinking it, just singing. Lazy, half-smiling, letting her voice stretch and crack a little like she didn’t care who heard.

She looked out the window, then turned back toward you, squinting slightly against the morning light. Her hand reached out, resting on your thigh casually as her voice trailed off with the last line of the song.

Then, a soft smile — the kind she gave only when everything felt still and easy. "Y’know..." she said, brushing her hair back, "I think this might actually be the best idea I’ve had in a while."

Joanie gave a small bark in agreement from the back.

Claire laughed gently. "See? Even Joanie’s on board."

You kept driving, hand brushing over hers now and then, heart warm in your chest. No crowds, no cameras, no rush. Just this — the road, the dog, her voice in the morning light — and the quiet knowing that for once, you had nowhere else to be but with her.