Page 31 of London, Love, & A Little Something Irish

It’s a spring night, and I feel some of the brisk cold outside as I put on my helmet. I’ve just got my motorbike leather jacket, and not my entire gear.

I’ve always been into motorbikes. I remember I used to go on a motorbike game in the arcade down in Newcastle in Northern Ireland when I was a kid. I’d ride all the time, it was my favorite game. I finally got my first bike when I was 17, and it felt like I was claiming a part of myself I’d been waiting for. My hands were itching to get on a Suzuki Bandit 600cc. Not just for the speed or the power, but for the freedom it promised. There’s something about a bike that strips everything down to the essentials: you, the machine, and the open road.

I love the adrenaline. It’s the same kind of feeling I get when I take risks, when I chase adventure—and maybe even when I take my time figuring out my feelings for someone like Nataly. The bike has always been more than just a ride; it’s been a reflection of my need to explore, to push forward, to feel alive. When I finally passed my test, that freedom became my reality. And when I passed my test, fully free to adventure around, we planned the most epic road trip.

My dad and I did an 18-country motorbike tour across Europe when I was eighteen, along with a group of guys from church. We started in Northern Ireland, rode down through Scotland and England, then crossed the Channel and kept going—France, Switzerland, Italy, all the way to Albania. Croatia was my favorite stop. The amount of countries we hit felt like a bucket list cross-off. The coast was stunning, the heat unbearable in full leathers, so we’d pull over and dive straight into the Adriatic. As soon as I was able to sink into the warm yet refreshingly cooling sea, there was nothing like it.

One evening, after a long day riding through the sun, we stopped by this no-frills restaurant right on the water. Pizza, sunset, sea breeze. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect. We were salty, sunburnt, and happy. That trip was everything I loved—freedom, adrenaline, adventure. And now, years later, it’s that same pull toward adventure that makes me feel as if I’m ready to chase something new… someone new.

Tonight, it’s a lot colder than it was on our trip around the Mediterranean. The air inLondon nips a little still at night as it’s the beginning of spring. But my leathers keep me warm, and the feeling of being able to lane split in traffic in London just spurs me on. I can get anywhere and everywhere in London as quickly as possible.

I park up next to church and head in with my gear on. Since it’s only my leather jacket and helmet, I put them away in the cloak room so I can get around freely and meet Eddie.

“Hey, bro,” Eddie says as he claps me on the back. “I see you’ve come on your motorbike. Not quite as dapper as the queen’s soldiers, but it’s a good look,” he teases.

It’s his job to outfit the queen’s soldiers.

“Hey, not all of us are living in the queen’s palace,” I chuckle. “By the way, you up for some waffles after the service?”

“Waffles? Count me in,” he replies as we walk into the service.

As we’re leaving the service, I text Nataly right away.

Me: Hey, you guys still heading to Tinseltown?

Nataly: Yep! Joy’s already talking about those waffles like her life depends on it. You and your friend coming?

Me: Wouldn’t miss it. Hope you’re ready to defend your dessert obsession. I take my milkshakes very seriously.

Nataly: You’re on. But fair warning—I’ve never been beaten when it comes to dessert.

I grin down at my phone and then look back up. Eddie’s giving me the look. I haven’t told him yet who we’re going for waffles with.

“So, who’s the girl?” he says, his voice teasing.

“That obvious?” I reply.

“Ha! Mate, you’re always chill and easy-going, and it’s hard to ruffle your feathers. But whoever she is, I can tell from the way you’ve been looking at your phone that you like her.” He raises an eyebrow. “So? Spill.”

I hesitate for a second, but I know Eddie. There’s no way he’s letting this go. “Her name’s Nataly,” I say, trying not to smile too much when I say her name, and probably failing. “She’s from Brazil but grew up in the States. She’s crazy talented. She’s got this YouTube channel where she sings, and man, you wouldn’t believe her voice. She’s really bubbly and outgoing. I think for the first time I’m actually more attracted to her personality than I am her looks. She’s gorgeous, sure—but it’s her personality that really gets me. That’s new for me.”

Eddie grins. “So what’s her friend like?” He winks.

“Shut up,” I laugh, shaking my head. “Anyway, we’re just hanging out. I’m still figuring out how she feels about me. I’ve been dropping hints, but—” I shrug. “When we met, I wasn’t sure if she was dating this guy from church or not. She hasn’t mentioned him at all though. I want to spend some more time with her and then I can go from there.”

The question nags at me more than I’d like to admit. I don’t see her with Joel around anymore. But does that really mean she’s available? Or am I just reading into things because I want it to be true? The thought keeps circling in my mind. I know I’m playing it cool on the outside, but every time my phone buzzes, I hope it’s her. Every time she smiles at me, every time we text late into the night, I want to believe it means something—but there’s always that sliver of doubt. It’s a strange feeling, this uncertainty—exciting, but also unnerving. And tonight, I can’t shake the idea that maybe what happens after waffles will tell me everything I need to know.

Eddie claps a hand on my shoulder. “Sounds good bro. Here, let me show you something real quick. Shemight like it.”

Tinseltown’s buzzing when we arrive. The smell of sugar and fried dough hits us the second we walk in, and my stomach growls on cue. Across the room, I spot Nataly and Joy. The second she sees me, her whole face lights up—like a streetlamp just flicked on. Except brighter. Warmer.

Since it’s not too far from church and I carry a spare helmet, I gave Eddie a ride to Tinseltown.

“Hey, you made it!” she calls, waving us over.

I introduce Eddie, and we settle in, the conversation taking off right away. Joy’s talking about her favorite dessert spots in London while Eddie’s animatedly comparing South African food. But my attention keeps drifting back to Nataly: the way her eyes crinkle when she laughs, the way she plays with her napkin when my gaze lingers on her a little too long. I order my Oreo milkshake, ready to see if it gives GBK a run for its money in my book. I have to try Oreo milkshakes wherever I go.

“So,” Eddie says suddenly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Nataly, you want to know a secret talent Nathan has?”

---