Page 26 of Mac
She walked back and forth for a minute, her lips rolled as if she were biting them.Mac had to bite back a laugh.It was funny but not really.He remembered his first long ride and knew she was stiff and a little sore now, but it would only be worse by the time they made it home, not to mention tomorrow after everything had stiffened and become even more sensitive.Still, her next ride wouldn't be so bad.Assuming she went on another.
"Come on, let's go inside."He carried his helmet with him and took hers on their way, sticking it under his arm before opening the door so she could go in before him.
Inside they found a table with no problem.The place was one large room with tables scattered throughout, only about half of them full.Large screen TV's lined the wall near the ceiling with football, hockey and NASCAR playing along with a few things he didn't take the time to identify right away.
"I'll hold the table if you want to use the restroom," he pointed out the direction to Elyse as he set one helmet in the empty chair beside him and the other on the table in front of it.There were four seats at the table, and Elyse had already pulled out the chair directly opposite his.
"Oh, thanks!I'll do that."She pushed her chair back in before taking off.
Mac glanced around and a waitress in a black t-shirt bearing the restaurant logo and jeans moved from table to table.She caught him watching her and spoke up.
"Thanks for coming in, I'll be right there."She smiled a friendly smile then hurried off to deliver the beer on her tray.
"No hurry."He smiled back.He really was in no hurry.The longer they took here, the longer Elyse got a break from the bike, and he knew she could use one.They were a little over halfway through their trip and experience had taught him that even an hour would help how she was feeling by the time they got home.
Elyse had just come back, sat across from him and let out a big sigh when the waitress appeared next to their table with two glasses of water and a pair of menus.She must have seen them come in, because she hadn't had time to grab both since Elyse's return.
"Thank you," Elyse said as she took the menu and scanned it.
"Can I get you anything to drink?"the waitress offered.
"Just water for me, thanks."
"The same for me," Elyse said with a smile.
"No problem, I'll give you a few minutes to look over the menus then I'll be back, all right?"
"Sounds good."
Mac stayed quiet and just watched the two of them talk, he'd always been a bit of a people watcher, but he enjoyed the spark Elyse seemed to get when she talked to people.It was more than just entertaining, it was entrancing.
"What?"Elyse asked after the waitress had walked away.
"Nothing, just watching you."
"Why?Do I have dirt on my face?I know my hair's a little flat from the helmet."
"Not at all.You look great.I just like watching you, that's all."
"That doesn't sound creepy at all."She shot him a playful look to let him know she was only teasing.
Mac acted like he was going to kick her under the table but didn't make contact."Imp."
Elyse only grinned and went back to looking over the menu.
"If you want a beer, or something stronger, don't let me hold you back.I'm driving, but you're free to have something if you like."
"I'm okay with water.The ride's made me a little dry anyway."She was quiet a moment."Have you been here before?What's good?"
"A couple times, and everything I've tried so far."
They discussed the options for a moment then the waitress appeared, and they placed their orders, she let them know it shouldn't be long and headed off to turn in their order and take care of another table.Mac watched her go then turned back to Elyse.
"So, what do you think of the ride so far?"
"It's been fun.Not exactly what I expected but still fun."
"What were you expecting?"
