“You ready?” I grinned.
“Yep, time for some adventure, for old times’ sake.”
I took it slower with someone on the back of the bike. Crystal's hands were firmly wrapped around me. Not the same feeling as having Misty’s hands there. We cruised at a lightweight pace until we got out onto the open road. I picked up the speed as we hit the freeway. We drifted through the back streets, passing vineyards, the California palms, and old white churches. We stopped through the smaller suburbs and uncovered new places together. We admired the undulating brown-speckled ranges of the California hills, until we reached the iconic Santa Cruz. The bike percolated at a low-level growl as we parked in the main strip. I could taste the fresh saltiness of the air and freedom.
I stretched my arms wide as I got off the bike. “This is why I ride. Man, that felt good. Real nice place, Santa Cruz. I remember riding up here with the chapter when we were together.”
Crystal tilted her head as she looked at me. “Yep. I remember that. I was stripping doing double shifts and you were riding a lot. Might have been the reason we broke up.”
I grabbed Crystal’s hand and said, “We are still talking, just sometimes things don’t work out. Nothing to dwell on.”
She kicked a pebble under her feet as she looked out to sea. “Yeah. If you say so.”
I was starting to rethink the whole ride and doubting if I should have extended the olive branch to her.
“Hey, this place across the road looks good. How about we head in there for a bite to eat?” I pointed to a café with an open window. People were super chill, sitting in the window.
“You been here before?” she asked.
“Yep. On that last ride. They got a nice courtyard out back so we can sit out and get a drink.”
Crystal came in close and put her arm around my back and the old affectionate familiarity of us slipped me right back to how we were. From my standpoint it was platonic. I didn’t know about Crystal’s.
I walked in with a motorcycle helmet in hand, leather jacket and white tee. I ran a hand through my tangled hair. A middle-aged lady with blond hair greeted us with a smile.
“Hey, how you doing? Any outdoor tables out back?” I asked.
“Sure do, follow me.” We slid into the wooden outdoor seats surrounded by plants. “Can I get you guys any drinks to start?”
Crystal’s bubbly voice rang through: “I will have a Mojito and some nachos.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“Right in there, okay, let’s go. I’m going to get the tap beer. I don’t care what it is. And I will have the nachos too.” I smiled at the waitress.
“Okay, easy. Coming right up, guys.”
I eased back in the seat. “So, Crystal, what's been happening in your life? Tell me.”
“Welp. I stopped stripping a year ago. It was wearing out my body and I didn’t like being in the club anymore. Diaz turned into a complete fucking nightmare and started skimming some of our tips for the night. One of the girls he was sleeping with found out he was bankrupt and she told us.”
“What the fuck? That’s crazy. I’m glad you stopped. I know you were getting tired of it.”
“I was. I’m in school now for cosmetology. You know I always like to do my nails and stuff.” She twinkled her hands at me and showed off her nails; they were multi-colored with fake jewels at the tips.
“They look good. I’m happy for you. You got any clients?”
“I have about ten clients I see regularly. I’m working on it. So far so good. I feel good, you know? I get to work from home and walk Sammy instead of not being there. It’s like he doesn’t recognize me anymore. My own dog. Can you imagine?”
“Ha! That little… Ah, I’m going to leave you alone. He was super protective of you. I don’t miss him chewing up my shoes.”
She laughed softly and hit my forearm. “You leave my Sammy alone. He’s good peoples.”
“I guess the little puffball’s all right.” Our beers came and we sipped.
“Sooo. You wanna tell me about the chica you’re dating?” Crystal asked.
“She’s great, a medical student, studying to be a doctor.”
