Page 71 of Dear Pink

“We should investigate the bike giveaway first and check if there’s an existing organization, and how they manage their funds.”

“We?” He holds my gaze.

“Yes,we. I can’t do this by myself.”

He fist-bumps the air, putting me into a giggle fit.

“Ready to go?” Gabe asks with a mischievous expression.

I match his grin. “Did spending all that money get you worked up?”

He throws a fifty on the table without getting the check. “Yep. Let’s go.” He practically drags me out the door.

I laugh and struggle to unlock my bike.

He grabs my hand. “I can’t believe I found you,” he says. “You’re adventurous and courageous, and I love how you put yourself out in the world. You don’t hold back. Singing at Café 210, deciding to ride Hotter'N Hell, dying your hair with fun-colored streaks, and giving away bikes. You amaze me, Pink. I’m into you more than words can express.”

He scans my face for a response. I’m freaking out. “I—”

There’s nothing more I can say. He isn’t referring to me. None of those activities are mine. I didn’t decide to get on stage in front of an audience of people. I didn’t put pink in my hair because of inspiration. And ride a bike in a dangerous race? No way. This is all Libby. Even the money. He likes Libby. Libby amazes him, not me.

I yank my hand away, but he doesn’t notice.

“You're a free spirit,” he continues. “I love how you live your life without fear.”

Shit, shit, shit. This keeps getting worse. My face burns with mortification. I shake my head. No fear? Is he kidding? Can’t he recognize my fear? So much fear. I gotta get out of here fast.

“Look, Gabe.”

He waves me off. “Don’t worry, I don’t mean to pressure you. No commitment discussion necessary. I like you, and you should know.”

I bite my tongue and examine the U- lock in my hand. I can ride away before he unlocks his bike.

“Do you want to go to my place and shower off?” He’s flirting. He doesn’t see my panic.

“Not doing this,” I blurt too loud, making him jump. Instead of explaining myself, I throw on my helmet, jump on my bike, and ride away.

When I turn around, he’s staring dumbfounded. I refocus on the road, and I catch him yell, “Hannah, wait.”

I don’t wait. I pedal faster, hoping to put distance between us. I dodge between buildings to lose him. He doesn’t like me. He likes Libby. What’s not to admire about Libby? She was fearless. It’s why I loved her. She was my best friend, and I could be fearless with her. She encouraged me to do more, be more. Without Libby’s bucket list, I would still be hiding in my turtle shell. Gabe would have passed me by.

Chapter 19 - Gabe

Are we still on for tonight?

I stare at the unanswered text. This is my fifth attempt to reach Hannah since she disappeared on Sunday. I keep replaying brunch. I can’t figure out what went wrong, and now she won’t answer any of my messages.

“Gabe?”

I startle and drop my phone. The edge lands on top of Peaches’ head and she makes a strangled meow. “Sorry,” I say, rubbing the spot until she purrs happily in my lap.

“Earth to Gabe.” Gloria waves her hand in front of my face.

“Huh. You say something?”

“Yeah. I’m pregnant with triplets and eloped last night in Vegas with an Elvis impersonator. I rode down the aisle on an elephant.”

“Uh . . .”

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