Page 76 of Lake
“I sure do,” he said, getting to his feet. “Come sit on the couch and I’ll get out the photo albums.”
“I got the dishes,” I said though I kind of felt like I’d been forgotten about there for a moment. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
We stayed for another hour. Mr. Watkins showed Bridget pictures of his Gertie but made sure not to overshare and ruin any future stories she might hear.
I took in the pictures of his wedding day, the man was beaming in every picture and so was his beautiful bride. Maybe I didn’t necessarily believe in soul mates, but it was clear that they were meant to be together.
He’d pause every now and then to grumble at the TV even though the game show contestants couldn’t hear him. Bridget laughed every time. Then he would pick right back up where he’d left off. He wasn’t joking, he was still sharp as a tack.
I hated that I had to push Bridget out the door but, alas, I had a job to get to. I wouldn’t be getting a nap in this morning, that was for damn sure. But it had been worth it, to share this part of me with her and watch as Mr. Watkins embraced her right away.
Wish it had been that way with me when I first walked my ass over here. But then again, he had called the cops on us and I imagined with the bikes and the cuts full of patches, we looked like we were up to no good. But he had let me in. And he told me to take a seat eventually, even going as far as to offer me a cup of coffee.
And I just kept coming back.
Only, I knew he loved the shit out of it.
Deep down, I think he liked having someone to help keep Gertie alive, even if it was just in memories.
“I hope to see you again,” he said to her as he walked up to the door.
I could tell her lack of response was because she hated to disappoint him.
Another reminder that she wasn’t going to be here that much longer.
But she did embrace him tightly as he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. He shot a wink at me over her shoulder. The kind of wink that told me she was a keeper.
Oh, I know, old man. Only, it isn’t in the cards for me.
“Ever been on a motorcycle?” I asked as we made our way back across the road to where my bike was sitting.
“Uh, no,” she replied, drawing out the O.
“Hold on tight and don’t freak out,” I said with a smirk as I plopped my helmet on her head and made sure it was secure.
“Wait, that’s it?!”
“For you, yeah. I think you’ll get the hang of it right away.”
I climbed on and smiled when she didn’t hesitate to toss her leg over and settle in close behind me. Her arms fit just right around my waist and I didn’t even have to tell her to hug me tighter.
I took off slow so she wouldn’t do that so-called freak out shit, though I kinda had a feeling that she wouldn’t. I heard her giggles in my ear and felt them against my back. Never had riding my bike been so… joyful.
And that was saying something.
Because I loved to be on my bike, no matter how fucking cold it was outside.
I pulled up in front of the compound and she didn’t let me go until I had my kickstand down.
“Hold on,” she said in my ear. “I’m not ready to get off yet.”
“Oh yeah?” I asked jokingly.
“I mean… well, yeah. I can’t lie, I’m a little wet right now.”
Her laugh was soft but the air she pushed out of her lungs with it blew over my neck and caused a shiver to hit my body hard.
Finally, her arms slid away from me and I held back a sigh.
