Ten seconds later.
“OMG! You have it! Can we meet near McDonald's downtown in the next few hours?”
“Sure I can meet you. I have a request though.”
“What is it?”
“Are you up for a coffee? I would love to spend some time with you.”
Twenty seconds later she responded.
“I would love that. “
“In 20 mins ok?”
“Perfect see you then.”
I showered and took the opportunity to shave up. Not bad for thirty-six. I held the strong jawline of my father. My ice-blue eyes came from my mother. Time to meet the Puerto Rican princess.
Merced in the evening had it going on. People were out doing their thing. A few other guys on bikes, I noticed. Ducatis. Harleys. All of this bode well for me. I took it as another sign I was in the right place. I would take her home in a heartbeat, that was how fine she was. I would override that voice that told me I needed to focus on the chapter first. No questions asked. If she was down so was I. I picked up my second helmet which I always carried with me and put it in my carrier bag on the back of my bike. I pulled up to the McDonald’s minutes later and waited. Cars moved in and out of the parking lot. it was only half full. The stars were out and shining bright. It was about nine o’clock. I watched as Misty stepped out of her Honda and made her way over to my bike.
“Hey. Thank you so much! I didn’t even know it was missing. Imagine if someone got a hold of it,” she gushed.
“It’s all good. In safe hands with me. I only spent ten thousand. You’ll be okay.” I broke into a corny grin. She laughed and lightly tapped my forearm in response. I was still sitting on my bike and resting there. Her touch made me want to drag her into me and take over her lips.
“You’re a funny guy, huh?” She tilted her head with interest.
“Sometimes.” A moment went by, the still cool of the night making me think she might be getting cold. She was dressed the same as when I saw her earlier. The McDonald’s light pole shone an amber light right on her pretty face.
“Soooo, do you want to get outta here and we can go grab a coffee?” I asked. She looked at me for a minute as if considering her options.
“I don’t know. Can I trust you? I mean—I don’t know you so well to be getting on the back of your bike.” The subtle pick-up of the wind had her moving strands of loose hair from her face.
“Sure you know me. I’m the guy from the diner who picked up your black card and returned it to you the same night,” I ventured. Shyly, she crossed her legs over and breathed out loud.
“Okay, you got me… Fuck it!” She gestured with defeat. “Let’s go. Get me to the coffee shop alive, okay?”
“You think I wanna get killed? I’m all about safety. Check back there, your helmet awaits.” I gestured to the back of the bike. A light hand pressed on the top of my shoulder as she maneuvered to sit behind me and I put my helmet on.
“I can’t believe you! How did you know I would want to get on the bike with you?” she exclaimed.
“Haha. I didn’t.” She didn’t ask me any questions. She knew about bikes, I could tell. No fear at all. “Do you know the rules?” I spoke through my helmet, turning side-on.
“For sure. Lean when you lean…and hold on tight,” she replied.
“Good lady. Let’s do this.” I flicked the plexiglass of my helmet cover down and waited for her to get situated. Her arms wrapped around me, her fingers splayed across my abdominals. My body responded with an increase of fire running through my veins. A few streets over, I pulled up. I saw an intimate coffee shop with dim lighting. We parked and entered. I opened the door for her like the gentleman I was raised to be. Soft jazz music played in the background with golden light enhancing the space. More like a lounge bar than a coffee shop. We found a spot near the front window that faced the street. We slid into the front and ordered our drinks.
“So are you from here?” she asked.
“No. I just moved here today.”
“Oh really? Why Merced?” she quizzed. The waitress came to our table not long after with our coffees.
“Why not?” I replied. “Why medicine?”
“Why not?” she retorted with a smirk. Sassy and could keep up with me. She was starting to tick a lot of boxes for me. “There you go with that funny guy business again.”
“You started it,” I challenged.
