Page 40 of Broken By It

“I love El’s! I haven’t been here in forever.”

Reaching out, I unclasp her helmet and remove it along with my own and secure them in my saddle bags before taking her by the hand to the picnic tables they have to the side. While the scenery isn’t much at El’s Drive In, with a hospital to the back and highway to the front, the place has a reputation for the best burgers in town. I don’t need a view because I can spend all my time looking at her.

“How was your day?” I ask as we sit across from each other.

“Well, let’s see,” she says with a sly smile, “I called a couple of units that are late. Sent the prospect to put the overlocks on for me and had lunch with a hot mechanic.”

I laugh, “a hot mechanic, huh?”

She giggles as the waitress approaches to take our orders.

“Have you had El’s before?”

I shake my head.

“Dillon, you’ve lived here like ten years or more, how have you not had El’s?”

I shrug, “I’ve been here over ten years but lived closer to base before that. Didn’t have the time to go out to eat much, I was always working.”

At first, she looks sad, I reach over to lift her chin up. “Don’t let my past invade tonight. Anna is gone and I’m glad I haven’t had El’s before so I can have the total experience with you.”

She reaches up to hold my hand. “I know Anna is gone. I just hate that you haven’t seen so much of the hidden gems of the area.”

“Just gives you a reason to show me the good ones.” I lift her hand to my lips and kiss it softly.

Our conversation goes easy until the food arrives. We eat and the meal does not disappoint. After sharing an ice-cream sundae, we put our helmets back on and hit the road. The way home, I go through the bridge to Atlantic Beach. Riding up the coast on this two-lane stretch, the salt in the air from the ocean, her tight against me, I breathe.

There is a freedom to riding a motorcycle. The way the air kisses your skin, every noise is heightened as life literally exists all around you. Unlike being caged in a car, every part of you is exposed.

Kind of like falling in love. Every piece of me is exposed now. My failures and all are laid bare. Still Maritza holds onto me. With that thought, I twist the throttle taking us back to her condo.

When I pull to a stop, she leans in hugging me close, “you’re taking me to my house?”

I place my hands over hers on my waist, “baby, I told you I want to do this right. It’s our first date. I’m gonna walk you to your door. I’m gonna kiss you breathless. I’m gonna watch you walk in and wait until I hear the sound of your deadbolt lock engaging. Then I’m still gonna stand there leaning against the doorframe smiling about having a great fuckin’ night. After a few moments, I will get on my bike and go get Hollis before going home. I’ll see you in the morning. We can go to breakfast the three of us. I know Hollis will be missing you.”

Satisfied with my answer, she gives me a squeeze and climbs off. “I know a great diner on fifty-eight we can eat at.”

“I love that idea,” I reply climbing off as she removes her helmet.

“I can’t believe my dad gave you this.” She states holding it.

I extend my hand for it.

“I can take it inside.”

I shake my head. “Baby, if you’re gonna be on a bike, it’s gonna be mine. Never had anyone ride bitch before until you, tonight. This spot,” I pat the seat behind me, “belongs to you. That helmet goes in that saddlebag for you. Get me?”

She bites her bottom lip, “Is this for real?” she asks more to herself before she steps in and puts the helmet in the saddlebag herself.

After removing my own lid, I walk her to the door where I kiss her breathless before watching her go inside. While my dick wants nothing more than to take her home to my bed, there is something to be said for dating especially as a man in my thirties.

Everything has more meaning.

FIFTEEN

MARITZA

TWO WEEKS LATER

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