Possible Clues:

• Argue after Major Tom stupidly suggests better things ahead
• Expectation of rush hour delays, an empty promise?
• Promise to stick to mark on gold line
• A better road ahead, maybe, but not for motorists
• Promise press: thumb or racket?
• Promise to get married to doctor in NE town
• Better things to come after traffic congestion in the morning?
• Prospect of snarl-up at start of White Queen's rule
• Ever-deferred reward (Alice)