It’s private, away from the prying eyes of the campus and her neighborhood, with a very low chance of running into any other students or faculty members. In fact, it will be pretty quiet at this time of day, which will allow me to get to know her better.
We’re strangers in many ways, something I hope to change tonight. But I feel I’m starting to understand her in a few ways. When she’s vulnerable, and that guard is down, I love what I see. But shit, when it’s up, it’s impenetrable.
My cautious driving makes the ride longer. I take it slow, considering her crash, which seems to have her walking stiffly despite trying not to show it. She’s not plastered to me like she was the other night. She's more controlled and aloof, which is something else I hope to change out here.
Shit.
I’m pinning all my hopes on this one night.
It’s do or die.
I’m trying to calm down enough not to fuck it up. When we pass through the entrance and find a spot close to the water, I kill the engine. My boot hitches on the kickstand, catching in the gravel and holding the bike steady as it leans toward the ground. The sun fades in the west, casting an orange glow over the ripples of water, adding to the serene surroundings.
“I forget how pretty it is out here,” she mutters behind me.
She slips her hands from my waist to disembark, draping her helmet over the handlebars and letting it hang by the strap. I mirror her actions, placing mine on the opposite handle.
The chill from the cold air has her rubbing her hands together for warmth. Another damn reason I should have taken my truck. I swing my leg off, capturing her hands in mine to warm them.
They are icy cold, and she doesn’t pull them away initially, letting me get a bit of friction going before she shoves them into her blazer’s pockets.
“Yeah, I come out here all the time. It’s nice to get away and think. But not on the weekends. Too many families, kids, and pets.”
The water laps lazily at the coastline. The boats are in the distance to our right. Her eyes reflect the last colors of the fading sunset.
“It’s peaceful here. I can see why you like it.”
I nod, appreciating her observation.
“My bike is totaled.”
Her surprise announcement derails what I want to say. Even I feel the hit of her loss, which is written all over her sad face.
“Are you sure? They can’t fix it?”
“They called and gave me the bad news. I’ll have to save up for another because insurance won’t give me what she’s worth.”
“I’m sorry. I know how special that bike is.”
She glances up at me. Her eyes hide her genuine emotions. I almost hate myself for the next thing I’m about to do. But there’s something I need to say. Something I can’t hold back any longer.
“Look, Isabella. Was it immature to walk your dad into the class as my partner today?”
She catches a strand in her hand, moving it from her face to tuck behind her ear.
“Then what were you doing?”
The fire and accusation aren’t as stinging here. More a curious look and muttered inquiry, which I can deal with better.
“I don’t know, being selfish.”
“How?”
Her lower lip pulls inward, nibbling on the edge as she simply listens, which surprises the hell out of me.
“I don’t know. Maybe I just wanted to be part of something bigger for once. I’ve spent so much of my life trying to stand out, to prove myself, that I’ve never stopped to think about what it means to be part of something real.”
Her brows furrow, trying to understand.
