Page 4 of Her Nosey Biker
Yeah, this girl keeps my hands full as it is. Or at least that's what I’ll keep telling myself.
CHAPTER FOUR
GRACE
Isigh as I turn the corner and squeak louder than the cart when I almost ram into my boss, Eddie. Oh no, what is with me this week? A few days ago, I slammed into some random person in the hall. Today I nearly mowed down the man kind enough to give me a chance, even though I know for a fact there was no maid position open when I swept into town. He saw a struggling nobody and offered her shelter and a chance.
“Oh, hey there, Miss Grace, just the person I was coming to see.” He smiles with kind eyes. I can tell there is no malice in this man, but I still back up a few steps, keeping my distance.
“Uh, yes, sir. I was just getting started. I’ll have the top floor finished…” He waves me off before I can finish. I’m really starting to freak out. Did I do something wrong? Is he going to fire me? I arrived on time today, despite my schedule being different on Friday. It's more like a half-day; I don't have to come in until noon, and I get to clock out at six. Glancing at my scratched-up watch, I see it's just now noon, on the dot. Nope, I wasn't late.
“Oh no, no, no. I, uh, actually ordered some food down at the diner and needed a favor. Would you mind running down thereand getting it?” he asks, adjusting the headset he always seems to wear but never uses. My eyebrows draw down in confusion. I wonder what has him looking so uncomfortable? When I first met him, I read him immediately. He's one of those no-nonsense guys. He knows this inn like the back of his hand, knows when to crack a joke and when to quietly hand someone a free coffee at 2 a.m. Let’s just say nervous isn't what I would usually call a guy like him.
“I don't own a car or anything.” I shake my head, looking away. I rode a bus into town, never even bothered to get my license since I knew I wouldn't be able to afford a car. Plus, it's hard to get any official documentation when you don't have a Social Security card or even a birth certificate.
“Oh, it's not too far; actually, there’s an old beach glider out back I cleaned up for you. It's been sitting out there forever, long forgotten. Saw it the other day and thought you might want a way to explore the town a bit,” he says hopefully. “Plus, I figured if you wouldn't mind running and getting the food, you could have the rest of the afternoon off! With pay, of course.”
“Wait, what? Really?” I ask, completely shocked. His chuckle is loud.
“Yes, Miss Grace. You've been doing a wonderful job. Take it as a reward.” He smiles at me, and I can't help but give him a small smile and a quick nod.
“I’ll go pick up the food. If you don't mind, could you give me some directions? I still don't quite know my way around here.”
“Of course, dear. Just stop by the office when you get ready, and I’ll get you going.” He smiles once more before tapping the end of the cart. “Let me grab this for you. I’ll drop it off in the supply closet on my way to the front office.”
I open my mouth to argue, but before I can get a word out, he has the cart rolling down the hall. He doesn't get more than a few steps before he stops and leans over to the side, looking downat the wheel. I see him shake his head before straightening back up and continuing on. I stand awkwardly in the hall for longer than I should before realizing what I’m doing and turning back toward my room. I genuinely don't know whether to be happy or nervous as heck about the new task ahead. I have been meaning to head into town eventually, but I was kind of hoping for much, much later. Well, there's no changing it now. Pushing up my glasses, I turn and head to get dressed.
Twenty minutes later, I’m pedaling out of the motel parking lot and trying my hardest to follow the directions Eddie gave me. He drew them out on a piece of paper, but also explained them in detail to me. The problem is, I suck at directions. Whether that's from maps, furniture assembly, or even knitting patterns. That's probably why it ends up taking me double the time Eddie said it would to see the first glimmer of hope. I see a sign for Tall Tales & Turned Pages, oh, a bookshop! How cute!
The more I ride, the more I see the town in all its beauty. I don't really recognize anything from when I first got into town. Which isn't really saying much since I was dropped off outside of town in the middle of the night. I was lucky that the bus driver told me about the motel and patiently explained how to get there. Since then, I’ve been so focused on keeping a job and finishing at least one knitting project, which is still a work in progress. See, I have a problem: I start one only to get either bored or frustrated with it, and then I give up and start another project. I know, it's a serious problem. I swear, starting and completing knitting projects are two separate hobbies.
“Oh, there you are!” I say out loud. Another problem of mine is that since I was little, I didn't really have anyone to talk to, so I would talk to myself. Wow, my life really sounds a bit sad, huh?
I keep pedaling, breathing hard, and really realizing just how out of shape I am. I’m breathing so hard I don’t hear a motorcycle coming down the road. I stop the bike in front ofthe diner and carefully slide off the seat, not to trip. Carefully placing the beautiful yellow glider with a white basket against the light post, I smile at the old girl. It's such a beautiful bike, and I'm honored that Eddie let me use it. Just as I’m taking a step back, however, a flash runs in front of me. I stare in shock at the empty spot where the bike was just leaning.
“Ha ha! Gotcha, old lady!” some snot-nosed brat says, laughing as he grabs the bike and runs away down the sidewalk. I’m about to chase after him; it's not my bike, and there is no way I’m losing it to some kid. But just as I turn in that direction, a dark figure steps into his path, grabbing a hold of his ear.
“Jeremy, Jermey, Jermey, how many times do I have to tell you? If you're going to be a thief, at least be better at it. Now you know what happens,” a familiar deep voice says.
“Ahhhh, come on, Loot! Don't tell my Ma,” Jeremy whines.
“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Now fix it.” Loot, what kind of name is that anyway, says and shoves him toward me with an almost loving, maybe? Smile. Jeremy walks my way with the bike before setting it back in place where he grabbed it.
“I apologize, ma’am. I shouldn't have taken your bike. Please forgive me,” Jeremy says, looking down and shuffling his feet. He can't be more than eleven years old, but where are the boys parents? Before I can tell him it's alright, but he shouldn't be doing those types of things—it wasn't even my bike to steal—he’s gone, run off back down the opposite way of Loot. I watch him go until I hear a voice close to my side speak up, causing me to jump dang near out of my britches.
“His worthless piece of shit dad ran out on him and his mom almost a year ago. His mom's been working two jobs to keep up with everything. He’s just hurting and acting out in the only way he knows how. I keep an eye on him as best as I can,” he says from my side. I don't dare turn to look him in his face; his words alone have me melting into a puddle at his feet.
No, I shake my head at that. Can't get soft, can't get close, can't risk my peace. I need this nosey biker to stay in his lane, and I’ll stay in mine.
“That's terrible to hear,” and I mean that. The poor kid, but at least he has a mom who cares. “Excuse me,” I say rapidly, then make a break for it.
I turn and practically run through the doors of the retro Bottles & Bites Diner, doing my best to shrink back into my bubble. It’s the only safety I’ve ever known, and I refuse to let anyone risk that. The day my mom told me I was a woman and ready to “find my journey and purpose” was the day I swore to never let anyone in. I was sixteen years old when she left me with one hundred dollars and a bus ticket. She didn't even glance back as she giggled and danced away.
All I can remember thinking is, if my own mother is so happy to be rid of me, why would anyone else care too? And am I really strong enough to risk repeating history?
All those thoughts are wiped out when I get back to the motel and Eddie informs me that the food he bought was for me. Apparently, I’m not as invisible as I’d like to think I am if I can’t even fool Eddie.
CHAPTER FIVE
