Page 41 of Unexpected Adventures

“I’m sorry, what did you ask?”

“What’s got you so excited about a motorcycle with a side car? Wanting to ask him for a ride?” He chuckles.

“Not exactly. Well, yes, in fact, but not for me.”

“Okay, care to elaborate?”

“Sylvia. She said she thought she’d love to experience skydiving. A feeling of exhilaration. And while I don’t think at her age, sky diving is the answer—experienced instructor or not—don’t you think she’d love a ride in his motorcycle?”

“The way you describe Sylvia, I think it’d be perfect.”

“Me too.” I grin, very pleased with myself.

“You’re a sweet person, Abby Carter,” Shaun says.

“Thank you. Now, to make arrangements for the ride. Think Drake would be open to that?”

“Drake’s a good guy. You’d like him and his wife, Rachel. They’re a few years older than I am, no kids, as they’re still big kids themselves. They love travelling, taking road trips on their bikes.”

“What does Rachel do?”

“She’s a freelance graphic artist. Gets to work from home most of the time.”

“That’s really nice: being your own boss, setting your own hours.”

“It can be, if you’re disciplined, which she most certainly is.”

“And what about you and your free time? Have you done much travelling?” I ask him, wondering what kind of adventurer he is.

“Only a little. It’s kind of lonely by myself, and with other couples, I’m kind of odd man out.”

“I can’t picture you as an odd man out, and certainly not someone who isn’t comfortable with being who he is.”

“I wear my masks well,” he jokes. “No, seriously, I do enjoy certain things alone, but it’d definitely be a better time if I had someone to enjoy it all with.”

I watch him as he looks over at me, such intensity in his eyes. He looks back at the road, thankfully, because there’s a curve coming up that would’ve been ugly if he wasn’t paying attention.

After negotiating the curve, I notice that we’re nearly back to the 101 as city lights are thicker, along with the traffic. My thoughts linger on what a wonderful time I had with Shaun before nerves take over, and I contemplate where my final destination will be for the evening.

I’m brought out of my thoughts again as Shaun asks, “Where to, Abby?”

The million-dollar question…

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