THE SUN WAS SHINING through my half open curtains the next morning, and I had to squint my eyes before tossing my comforter aside. I stretched my limbs before standing, and then I made my way into the bathroom so that I could shower. I settled on a pair of black leggings, my favorite navy blue tee shirt, and a pair of black and white converse. I tossed my hair up into a ponytail, and put my new sunglasses on, and I was ready to go.
It was only nine, and I knew that Morgan had been up all night with her sexy stranger. So, I sent her a quick text letting her know that I was heading to the grove for breakfast. I also told her that I'd be stopping by the record store, and not to worry. Knowing her the way that I do, I'd probably be back before she even left the bed.
Climbing into the truck solo felt nice for a change. I got to pick the radio station, and left the windows down so that I could take in the fresh air. The twenty minute drive went by so fast that I was almost sad when I reached my destination. I decided to park at the end, so that I could walk the length of the grove, and really explore today.
My first stop was the coffee shop on the corner. I ordered myself an iced coffee, with an Asiago cheese bagel, and cream cheese. I chose an outdoor table, and as I ate my bagel, and sipped my coffee I just watched. There were people of all kinds, already bustling through the streets. Men in business suits, and women jogging while listening to their I-pods. I found myself smiling as I envied their seemingly carefree mornings.
“Fancy meeting you here.” A man's voice said, as he approached me.
I looked up at the man in question, and gave him a soft smile. “Owen.”
“Where's your friend?” He asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
“Still in bed.”
“Ah.” He nodded in understanding. “Mind if I join you?”
“Be my guest.” I said, gesturing towards the chair across from mine.
Owen, and I sat in silence for a while just sipping our drinks, and watching people. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, just two friends enjoying each other's company. Things seemed to be going great, until my phone began to vibrate across the small table. Derek's name flashed across the screen, and I reached over to hit the 'end' button.
A few seconds later, it rang again. Every time I ignored the call, he just called right back. I looked up at Owen then, and gave him a sad smile.
“I'm sorry.” I said, tucking my phone into my purse.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“There's not much to say.” I said, trying to be as nonchalant as I could.
“It seems as if he doesn't understand the 'ex' part of your relationship.”
“It would seem so.”
“What happened?”
I shot my eyebrow up In suspicion.
“You really want to know?”
“I really would.” He said, gently.
“Short version, he cheated on me.”
“And the long version?”
“We were together for twelve years, and supposed to be married next month.”
“Damn.” He said, shaking his head. “That's a long time to be with the same person.”
“You don't believe in monogamy?” I teased.
“I do, but you had to have been pretty young when you started dating.”
“Fifteen.” I confirmed.
“So was he? I mean did you ever-”
“He was the only man I've ever slept with.” I interrupted. “And now that you know all about me, tell me something about you.”
“The reason I'm going back home to New York, is because my dad is sick. Our relationship has never been the best, and he resented the hell out of me for leaving. I'm buying time, because he wants me to take over the family business.”
I reached across the table to place my hand over his.
“I'm sorry.” I said, giving it a slight squeeze.
“Thanks.” He sighed. “Now that we've gotten that out of the way, what do you say we do something a bit more fun?”
I laughed. “What did you have in mind?”
“How about we go for a ride?”
“A ride?” I asked, curiously.
He stood then, reaching for my hand. “Do you trust me?”
“I barely know you.” I scoffed.
“But do you trust me?” He winked.
I sat there for a second, contemplating what he'd just asked. Did I trust him? I couldn't explain it, but... I did. I didn't sense any maliciousness from him, only honesty. I placed my hand in his then, and he grinned from ear to ear before pulling me up to stand beside him. I let him lead me back towards the parking lot that I'd left my truck in, and when he stopped in front of a motorcycle I thought that I was going to have a heart attack.
“This is what you meant by taking a ride?” I asked, nervously.
He chuckled. “What's wrong, Unicorn? Afraid to let your hair down?”
“I- no, I just- I've never been on one of these- these things before.” I stammered.
He grabbed a helmet from the seat, and turned to place it on my head. I could feel his breath on my cheek, as he fastened the helmet under my chin, and I had to take a deep breath to slow my racing heart. I don't know if it was the fear of the unknown, or his nearness, but I was suddenly a bundle of nerves.
I watched as he put his own helmet on next, and I could feel my hands shaking as he climbed onto the bike. He patted the seat behind him, and I carefully climbed onto it. My hands were resting at my sides, and he reached back to grasp them, and bring them around his middle.
“You're going to want to hold on.”
“Promise you won't go
