“And you’re almost late,” her sister hollered back.
Elvira motioned for her and Luigi to get out of the way, to which they reluctantly complied. As soon as the path was clear, she continued driving all the way to the end.
Dernice nudged Luigi’s arm. “Did you see what she has?”
“A chopper,” he said. “I thought she was gonna rent a Honda Gold Wing or something along those lines. Can she handle a chopper?”
“I have no idea, but I can’t wait to find out.”
Luigi, Dernice, Carlita and Mercedes strolled to the end of the alley where Elvira was hard at work unstrapping the motorcycle.
Dernice shaded her eyes. “Do you still have your Class M motorcycle license?”
“Sure do. Give me a hand.”
Luigi stepped onto the trailer and steadied the bike while Elvira finished removing the straps. “Why did you pick a chopper?”
“I didn’t have a choice. That’s all the rental place had left.”
“When’s the last time you drove a bike?”
“A coupla years ago.”
“Choppers handle differently than regular bikes. You sure you can handle it?”
Elvira stopped what she was doing and glared at him. “What is this? Fifty questions?”
He shrugged. “Your business, boss lady. Just trying to help.”
“Luigi is right,” Dernice said. “Choppers can be a little tricky to handle.”
“Blah, blah, blah.” Elvira tossed the straps in the back of the van and held out her hand. “I’ll take my fifty bucks.”
“You said you were borrowing it from a friend,” Dernice grumbled.
“Friend, rental. Stop splitting hairs. I have a ride. You owe me money.”
“Fine.” She pulled a handful of crumpled bills from her pocket, counted out two twenties and a ten, and gave them to her sister. “It might be worth the cash to see you drive this thing.”
“I’ll take it from here.” Elvira gripped the handles. With minimal assistance from Luigi, she backed the chopper down the ramp and onto the alley.
“Those ape hangers can give you a sore back.”
Elvira frowned. “Did you call me an ape hanger?”
“Ape hangers are high handlebars.” Luigi lifted his hands. “The position can sometimes cause back pain.”
“I’m not afraid, ape hangers or not.” She swung around in a wide circle so that the chopper faced the opposite direction. “Easy breezy. I need my helmet. It’s on the passenger seat.”
“I’ll get it.” Carlita jogged to the front passenger seat, grabbed the helmet and handed it to Elvira. “Do you want to take a couple of spins around the block to get comfortable before we ride?”
“It might not be a bad idea.” Elvira shifted her weight. Balancing the frame between her thighs, she slid the helmet on and secured the strap. “How do I look?”
“Like a bona fide biker chick,” Mercedes teased. “You want me to take your picture?”
“Sure.” Elvira lifted both thumbs, cocking her chin to the right. “How’s this?”
“You look like an old pro.” Mercedes snapped a few pictures. “I gotta admire you, Elvira. I’m not sure I would be brave enough to drive this kind of motorcycle.”
