Page 84 of Gabriel's Salvation

“Er, I'll have a beer,” I shrug. I see Riley’s disapproving look and decide to change my mind. “Actually, on second thought, I'll take a Coke as well.”

“Two Cokes coming right up,” the bartender says as he turns to grab two glasses.

“I'm so glad you changed your mind. I don't like the idea of you drinking when we're on your bike,” Riley shares with me as she wraps her arm around my bicep and rests her head on me.

“Riley, I've always been drinking, one beer is nothing,” I scoff.

“I know, but please, for me? Don't drink and drive. It worries me so much that one day you'll crash and I'll lose you,” she sighs.

And for a moment I'm transported back to when I was a kid, and used to think the same when my dad used to go out drinking then drive home. The difference was I'd pray he’d crash.

“I'll try,” I whisper.

“That’ll be $4.50 please,” the bartender says as he hands us our drinks and chips.

I see Riley take out her purse from the corner of my eye but reach out and stop her. “I got it,” I say as I hand my card to the barman.

“You can't pay for everything Gabe. You already paid for the hotel which couldn’t have been cheap.” Riley sounds concerned.

“Don't worry, I can afford it,” I laugh as I open my wallet to place my card back and flash her the wad of bills inside.

I see her eyes widen. “Did you rob a bank or something?” she jokes.

“Or something,” I mumble under my breath. Shit! Why did I have to even say anything?

“Still, I don't care how much money you've got, the next round is on me,” she says defiantly as she takes a sip of her drink.

This girl amazes me. Normally girls have no issues with me paying for everything. They see the fancy bike I drive and the money I blow on booze and think I'm a cash cow. Yet Riley is arguing over me spending $4 on pop for us.

“Are you coming or what?” she asks as she makes her way over to a table.

We spend the next few hours sitting here. Chatting about nothing in particular.

“How about some food? I'm starving again,” I suggest.

“Good thinking,” Riley smiles as she reaches for the menu.

“What are you having?” Riley asks after spending far too long flipping from page to page.

“Gonna go for a burger and fries. I think. Those are usually safe bets.”

“See, I don't know if I should have the lasagna and salad or chicken and waffles.”

I look up at Riley, expecting her to make a decision so I can go order, but instead she's just staring at me expectantly. “Well, what should I choose?” she says finally.

“How would I fucking know? What do you want?” I ask.

“Weren’t you listening? I can’t decide between chicken and waffles or lasagna,” She huffs like I’m the one having trouble making a decision.

After having the most annoying debate over the merits of the two dishes, she finally makes her choice.

“I’ll go order then,” she states. “Do you still want the burger?”

“It's fine. I'll get it, it's my round anyway.” I may be no gentleman, but I'm still not gonna expect her to pay.

“Is it? I thought it was mine?” she asks, furrowing her brows.

“Nope, you got the last one,” I lie.

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