Page 6 of Ripper
“Of course.”
She grabbed a fresh glass from the shelf, scooping some ice into it before filling it with some soda.
“Hey, maybe I should take my bike over to Axle’s on Thursday. I’ve been meaning to get the thing looked at. It’s been a little slower than usual lately.”
“You ride?”
“Hard to work in a place like this and not,” she murmured.
“Man, I’d really love to learn.”
“Girl! Let me tell you what, you help me get my bike fixed, and I’ll be happy to show you the ropes.”
I thought about it for a moment, knowing I could have her bike up and running in no time, and I looked back at her with a smile.
“You’ve got yourself a deal, Charlotte.”
I smiled brightly, knowing this was my chance to finally feel what Uncle Axle and my father felt whenever they rode. It was something I’d wanted for such a long time, and now I could really see what all the fuss was about.
***
I was hours into working on a bike alone at the shop because Uncle Axle needed to head to the bank this morning. It was strangely comforting to be working in silence, but I couldn’t shake how much the heat was getting to me. My hair was sticking to my forehead, and my body was soaked in sweat. I was getting worried it would start to seep through my jeans. I didn’t mind much until I heard a voice coming from the front of the shop. I looked up to see someone pop their head out from the corner of the garage door.
“Axle? You here, man?”
“No, uh, he’s not here. He’ll be back after lunch. Is there something I can help you with?” I asked.
I bit my lip, looking at this gorgeous man before me. He had his leather jacket slung over his shoulder. His muscles bulged out of his tight, white T-shirt. The silver chain around his neck sat perfectly still as he ran his fingers through his slick brown hair. He had the perfect amount of stubble, and I couldn’t help but notice the sleeves of tattoos on each arm. I caught myself wondering if they all had meanings, and I must’ve been staring because he snapped me right back to reality.
“Hey? You okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. Sorry. It’s just so hot out today,” I said, trying to mask my nervousness.
“It is. I see you’ve been hard at work on my bike. Axle said to come by now to pick it up,” he said.
His voice was warm like melted honey, and the closer he got to me, I could smell his intoxicating cologne. I tried to snap out of it, knowing that this guy was clearly a biker.What have I learned so far being back home? Bikers are trouble. Stay away from bikers,I thought, but I couldn’t help myself. I was intrigued, and I wanted to show him just how much work I really managed to get done on his precious bike.
I started up the engine so he could have a listen, and his eyes widened.
“Damn. She sounds brand-new. You did good. Man, Axle needs to give you a raise,” he said, with a chuckle.
“Nah, I’m just glad to be helping out. He’s my uncle.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’m Veronica. Ah, Ronnie. Nice to meet you,” I said, stretching out my hand to shake his, but I quickly pulled it away because it was covered in oil.
“Ay, Ronnie, I’m not afraid of a little grease. Name’s Ripper.”
“Now, what in the world did you do to get a name like that?”
“That’s a story for another day and probably one over drinks,” he said.
“I-I’d like that.”
“Well, it was nice meeting you, Ronnie.”
“You too, Ripper.”
