“Maybe, but if she did, why would she send a gift?” Avian asked. “She could have brought it herself.”
“Would you have talked to her? Taken it from her?” Elias countered.
“Not unless she was there to apologize, and it was sincere.” Avian paused. “I see your point.”
They continued to converse throughout lunch, and the two cakes his zia had delivered to the restaurant ahead of time. When they exited the building, Elias walked Eri to her dad’s car.
“Are you coming over?” she asked.
“In a few hours. I told you, Amate. I get to have you the rest of the weekend, and I have plans for us.”
She smiled at him before rising on her toes. Elias kissed her before opening the door and saying bye to Tony. When they pulled out of the parking space, he went to his car and headed home.
When he arrived at Eri’s apartment a few hours later, he took his bag into the bedroom and pulled out the jewelry box on top before joining her in the living room. Elias passed her the box.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“A graduation present.”
He watched her open it, and she smiled before kissing him. “Thank you, baby,” she replied, pulling the bracelet out of the box. It matched the pressed-flower necklace he’d gotten her for her birthday. “Will you put it on me?”
He took the jewelry as she held her arm out and secured it around her wrist.
“You said we had plans this weekend. What are we doing?” Eri asked, draping her legs over his lap.
“Tonight, we’re going to pick up dinner and watch the light show they’re putting on in the park.”
“And tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow is a surprise.”
She pouted momentarily. “You want to give me a hint?” she questioned with a hopeful smile.
Elias chuckled. “You’ll need your helmet.”
“You weren’t kidding when you said you were trying to make riding with you my new addiction.”
“No, I wasn’t, Amate.”
She hummed. “What time are we leaving?”
Elias glanced at his watch. “At eight.”
Eri nodded. “Oh! I ordered you something last week, and it came yesterday.”
She got up, and Elias watched her head into her bedroom. His phone vibrated, pulling his attention. It was a message request on his social media from someone wanting to do a consultation for a tattoo. He made a mental note to reply to them on Monday. It wasn’t like he’d schedule it for that weekend if he responded right then.
He put his phone aside as Eri came back with a box, and Elias furrowed his brow. She set it on his lap before retaking her seat. He opened it, pulling out the contents wrapped in plastic. Eri took the box from him and moved it as he pulled the motorcycle bag out of the wrapping.
“I saw it while I was looking for furniture, and it matched your bike. You said you wanted to get a bigger one than the one you have now.”
He had said that, but it had only been a passing statement when they’d been trying to make things they’d picked up while riding one day fit.
“Thank you, baby.” He kissed her temple.
“You’re welcome. I hope it isn’t too big. I wasn’t sure of the dimensions of the one you have, but I know this one is bigger. It said it was a medium on the site.”
“It’ll fit perfectly.”
