Page 68 of Unexpected Adventures

“You’re a stranger no more. And I look forward to becoming your friend.”

“Thank you. Me too.”

“Looks like we’re here,” she says, pulling off the road and stopping at a wide spot.

I notice a sign that says Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and as we exit the vehicle, I can hear the ocean waves out over the bluffs in front of us.

Shaun and Drake exit the SUV and begin unloading supplies from the back of Rachel’s vehicle. As Rachel and I make our way around back, it’s clearly evident what is planned. Large bags, all labeled OP—Oxygen Paragliding—are set out in rows. My eyes widen a bit and Rachel leans in close to whisper. “Don’t worry, you’re going to love it. And you couldn’t be in better hands.”

I notice another vehicle pulling in and two more men exit. Rachel informs me they’re also from OP and are here to assist in the riggings. “Once one couple is all set, the other will need help getting themselves set up.”

“Got it,” I say shakily. We reach the guys and Shaun stands, embracing me.

“Ready for that all-time high I was telling you about?” He pulls me in for a noisy kiss.

“That better not be our last kiss, because if I gosplatand that’s all I have to take with me to Heaven, I’m going to be really upset.”

“Hey, stop. You’re going to love this.”

Drake chimes in, surprising me with his words. “I’ll make your first time memorable.”He sends a wink my way. I give Shaun a startled look, wondering why I’m going up with Drake and not him. Just as Shaun begins to answer, Drake chimes in again. “You can’t have your first time with this guy,” he gestures with his thumb in Shaun’s direction. “The guy you like and want to respect you. No, ma’am. But you can let loose and scream like a baby with me. That way, you won’t have to embarrass yourself with him and never live it down.”

“But…” I weakly begin to protest just as Rachel is admonishing her husband.

“I made him a deal,” Shaun says. “You go up first with him, then you can really relax and enjoy on your second go ‘round with me. Besides, it’s the only way I could convince him to let me borrow the motorcycle with the side car.”

Shaun must sense my hesitation because he reassures me that I couldn’t be in better hands. “Drake taught me everything he knows, and he knows what he’s doing.”

“Well, not everything, buddy,” Drake adds. “Some things you gotta learn as you go.”Again with the roguish grin.

“Drake, you are incorrigible!” Rachel says, leaning down to help him with the gear.“Don’t worry, Abby, as much as he likes to tease, you can trust my husband.”

Only slightly more convinced, am I. And suddenly I’m Yoda.

Relax and enjoy, you will.

I’m given a jumpsuit to put on as I see Drake donning his. Rachel hands me an elastic band to bind my hair in a hasty braid, as I see she’s done with hers. We get geared up and strapped to the chute one of the guys is spreading out and holding on to so we don’t get swept away prematurely.

I’m positioned in front of Drake and Shaun sees to my security. He sends me off with a good lip lock.

“Okay, okay, you can resume that when we’re back on the ground. Outta the way, pretty boy,” Drake jokes. “Abby, when I tell you to, you start running like the Hounds of Hell are on your heels. Okay?”

“Oh, okay.” We’re positioned parallel with the cliffs.

“And then I’ll tell you to turn, so be ready. Here we go. Now,run!”

I take off, and my heartbeat is deafening, drowning out Drake’s stomping behind me.How am I going to hear anything he says?

“Now, run right! Turn right!”

Off the cliff? What. The. Heck?

But I have no choice as Drake is heading that way, propelling me forward. I run as hard as my legs will carry me and squeeze my eyes shut. Before I know it, we hit open air, my feet pedaling as if I’m on an invisible bike. We drop only slightly as the wind catches the chute and I feel the resistance keeping us afloat.

“You can open your eyes now. It’s a spectacular sight!” Drake says, not even yelling, as I can hear him plain as day.

I pry my eyes open and see nothing but water in front of us. The glare from the sun should be blinding, but the goggles I have on help with that. It is indeed a spectacular sight, and I feel the cool air rushing past us, whistling in my ears. I feel almost weightless, suspended in the harness being expertly guided by Drake.

“How ya doing, Abbs?”

---