Page 93 of Gabriel's Salvation

“So is your Ol’ Lady, bigger or smaller than my Trixi?”

I eye up the young woman, smiling away beside her. “’Bout the same height, but a ‘lil curvier. My girl’s got bigger, erm… assets” I say looking down at the girl who can't be any older than around fourteen.

“Lexi, be a doll and try on a few jackets,” the older woman says before walking away.

I feel kind of awkward playing dress up with some random kid, especially when she's looking up at me with those innocent doe eyes.

She models two different jackets for me, both look almost identical, though.

“Which one would you choose?” I ask

“This one,” she replies straight away as she reaches for the one in my left hand.

“You seem pretty sure about that,” I say with a small laugh, “What makes this one so special?”

“It has pockets, duh,” she replies, like it's the most obvious answer and I’m a complete fool for not knowing that.

“And pockets are important?”

“Trust me, your girl will love that it has pockets. And she’ll love you for choosing it.”

“Thanks!” A warm feeling settles over me. I know this was the right thing to do. This is dating - Gabe style.

“Does she need a helmet too?” the girl asks, bringing me back to reality.

“Erm, yeah.”

I look at the helmets for a few moments, looking at the different types. I hear the girl rummaging around before pulling one out. “I'd go for this one,” she says proudly.

“Why that one? Is it the newest?” I ask.

“No, silly,” she laughs before turning the helmet to one side. I notice now it has some flowery swirls in gold. “It’ll match the jacket.”

She thrusts the helmet into my arms before asking. “Does she need anything else?”

“No, I think that's it,” I say with a genuine smile.

I take it to the register, where Mama Biker is waiting. “Found everything you're looking for, Sugar?”

“I think so,” I reply hesitantly, “but erm... is this helmet decent? Like road worthy? The girl is sweet and all but I don’t wanna buy a piece of crap just because it looks pretty if you know what I mean.”

“Don't you worry Sugar. Trixi may look like a dumb kid but her daddy has had her around bikes since she was in diapers. That girl knows more about bikes than most men do,” she laughs. Of course, she's Tate’s daughter.

She rings up the items and I pay her, ensuring that I round up the cost as a tip for the kid. “Tell Trixi thanks for her help.” I remember being a kid and what a difference a few dollars made.

“The bike is near perfect again now,” Tate says as he comes over and hands me the keys.

“Thanks old man,” I reply. I look at my phone and realize it's almost ten o'clock already. Shit! I fire off a quick text to Riley letting her know I'm running late but will be with her in about half an hour.

Riley

Pulling out my phone again I check the time, 9:45 a.m.. I open up my messages, just in case he’s messaged and I've somehow missed it

Yesterday 10:30 p.m.

Dark horse

Yeah, I'll pick you up around 10 a.m.

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