Cade
When I felt her tap my shoulder, I turned sideways and she pointed to the curb.
I slowed to a stop and killed the engine.
I held my hand out to help her off the bike and she took it. It felt so small.
I pulled off my helmet and shades. She took her helmet off, straightened her bandanna, and left her shades on.
Houses, galleries, and studios sat side by side on the narrow street. I'd never been here in all my years of riding the coast. It was lovely and peaceful.
She pointed to a place with deep red siding and a teal door. Could have been a house. Could have been a shop.
"Mom's place," she said, in barely a whisper.
I wanted to wrap my arms around her again and lend her some strength.
I had my suspicions, but not the story.
She stepped in front of me and placed one hand flat on my chest. Right on my heart, which I swear was fucking breaking.
How could that be? One day. A stranger. Emotions were so fucking powerful and they never came with a switch.
Before I could move she'd stepped back. Space again.
I swallowed.
"Wish me luck," she said.
I did. But I didn't really know what for.
"Your number?" I finally managed.
We swapped numbers and I told her to call when she needed a ride back for her bike. She told me she'd make her own way back after the weekend. Then she turned before I could offer to stay somewhere close until she was ready.
I watched her walk toward the door. She suddenly looked so much smaller. Backpack in one hand, helmet in the other.
I should have got on my bike and ridden away. I was sure that was what she wanted, but I couldn't fucking move.
She needed someone. And I was so close and so far.
She walked up to the door, set her backpack and helmet on the ground, and did that thing again… covered her face with her hands, chest rising and falling.
Then she raised her hand to the knob and held it there.
It was only seconds, but it felt like something else entirely.
She let go, and turned to me.
I thought I knew what she needed, so I raised one palm to her and nodded slowly.
She waved back, nodded, then turned the knob.
Someone inside pulled the door open. A woman. It had to be her mom. Hands went straight to her mouth and then the two of them fell into each other, crying.
I turned away.
Some moments weren't meant for strangers.