Page 71 of The Pink House

“Just wondering.”

As if realizing that the moment they’d shared only seconds earlier had been shattered, Charlie appeared to switch gears. “In high school, Brian and I were crazy about motorcycles. Remember that place out on the highway where you could rent those small bikes?”

“Mike’s?”

“That’s the one.” Charlie grinned at the memory. “I can’t tell you the number of times Brian and I would rent a bike and take off with no particular destination in mind.”

“That spontaneity must have driven Brian crazy. He was such a planner.”

Charlie smiled. “Not so much back then.”

“You guys wouldn’t have even been eighteen. I can’t believe Mike let you rent a motorcycle.”

Charlie shrugged. “We were seventeen, so old enough. Mike wasn’t particular who he rented to. We had to drive around the parking lot to show him we knew how to handle the bike, then we’d hand over our money and take off.”

Hannah brought a hand to her head and shuddered. “You could have been killed.”

“You’re right about that.” Charlie’s expression turned rueful. “I guess you could say we were lucky.”

“Where did you go?”

“It varied. The Catoctin Mountain Orchard became a favorite destination.” Charlie’s eyes warmed with memories. “It wasn’t that far, and we discovered lots of hot girls live in Thurmont.”

Hannah just rolled her eyes.

“Really hot girls,” Charlie told her.

“I get the picture. While I’m not a fan of motorcycles, taking a road trip on one does sound like fun.” Hannah heard the wistfulness in her voice. “I wish I could have experienced a few of those adventures.”

“With Brian?”

Hannah shrugged and smiled, leaving him to draw his own conclusion.

“Brian and I talked about riding to Baltimore to watch the Orioles play.” Charlie reached for his wineglass and took a sip. “Never happened.”

“Let’s do it. You and me.” Hannah’s voice shook with eagerness. “We’ll rent motorcycles and watch a game at Camden Yards.”

His eyes widened, then narrowed. “Do you know how to drive a motorcycle?”

“I can learn.” Hannah waved a dismissive hand. “If you and Brian could do it at seventeen, I can do it at thirty.”

“I like your spirit.” Lifting his glass in a mock toast, he took a sip. “We’ll make this a celebratory trip.”

Hannah inclined her head. “Just what will we be celebrating?”

“How about all the progress you’ve made toward opening Hannah Cakes?”

“Starting a business feels right,” she told him, unable to keep from smiling. “Even if it doesn’t work out—”

“Stop that.” Charlie reached over and took her hand, his brown eyes firmly focused on her face. “You’re not going to fail. You’ve got mad baking skills and a background in marketing. You’ve reached out to the local Women in Business group, and there are great resources there. And I hope you know that I’m here if you need me.”

“Your support means so much.” Hannah kept her tone deliberately light.

“Happy to do whatever I can to aid in your success.” His lips quirked upward. “Except bake.”

She laughed. “When should we take off on this grand adventure?”

“There’s a four o’clock game this Saturday with the Angels.” His tone turned offhand. “We could have dinner on the water after.”

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