The irish blessing, p.19
The Irish Blessing, page 19
“You’re taking the Knucklehead for a ride? Why?” Nicole’s voice rose, and she sounded upset.
“Because we want to,” Shane said, his voice sounding stern. His jaw was tight, and he looked irritated. “From here on out, I’ll be riding the bike, and it’s no one’s business what Liz does with it. Is it?”
“Umm, Liz, I think I should let you go. I’ll get ahold of you next weekend.”
“I’ll talk to you then. Bye.” I hung up my phone and then looked at Shane. “See? I told you. Every time I talk to her, she asks about the motorcycle. Her husband wants the bike.”
“Well, I’ll put a stop to that real quick.”
“You just did. As soon as Nicole hung up the phone, I would bet she ran to Kurt and told him about you and the fact you ride. Of course, that tidbit of information will piss him off. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Shane finished his breakfast and put his plate in the sink. “I’ll be back. I need to shave and dress. I want to check out the motorcycle and see if she needs anything. If Alex was still riding it, she might only need fuel, oil, and a battery.” He disappeared down the hallway to the bedroom.
I turned on some music and started cleaning up the kitchen. I had just finished when Shane returned, clean-shaven and dressed in jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. I could smell his cologne when he kissed me.
“Is there an auto parts store nearby?”
“There’s one in the shopping center at the bottom of the hill. It’s at the intersection where we turned. You can drive the truck if you want. It’s been sitting for a while. I’ve got every tool you might need too. There are a couple of rolling toolboxes against the back wall of the garage, underneath the workbench.”
“That’s perfect. I’ll go down to the store after I look at the bike.” Shane went out the kitchen door to the garage.
I went into the bedroom and dressed. I found Shane crouching in front of the motorcycle when I went out to the garage to join him.
“The Knucklehead is a beauty and in great shape. Alex did a phenomenal job restoring her. The black paint and chrome trim look sharp, and the only change he seems to have made was to put that seat pad on the back for you.” Shane stood and took a walk around the motorcycle. “Even the saddlebags are in perfect condition. You weren’t kidding when you said this was Alex’s pride and joy. I can see why Kurt wants it.” Shane walked over to me and gently squeezed my waist. “You want to go to the store with me? I’ll drive.”
“Sure. I’ll go. Let me get my purse and the truck keys.”
Shane drove the truck to the auto parts store. He bought several containers of oil, a filter, and a new battery. Before heading home, he stopped at the gas station on the corner and put gas in the container he’d placed in the back of the truck. When we got home, I left him to work on the motorcycle while I did the laundry. Finished, I sat on the patio in the backyard and browsed through my email and text messages on my phone.
There was a text message from Mel. She wanted to go to dinner at a restaurant on San Diego’s bayfront and asked if she could pick us up at six o’clock. I replied, letting her know I’d confirm with Shane.
The sliding door opened behind me, and Shane poked his head out the opening. “I’m going to take the bike for a quick ride around the block to see how she runs. Is that okay?”
“Of course. You can use Alex’s helmet. It’s on the shelf in the garage. Before you go, are you okay with going to dinner with Mel tonight? She wants to pick us up at six o’clock.”
“It sounds like fun. I’m up for it.”
“Great. I’ll text Mel back in a little bit and let her know she can pick us up.” I got up and followed Shane out to the garage. The sectional steel garage door was open, and the motorcycle rolled out to the driveway.
I couldn’t help thinking about Alex when Shane walked over to the motorcycle to start it. He placed his foot on the kick-starter as he stood next to the bike, bringing his weight down on the lever under his boot. Shane repeated the motion, his actions priming the engine with gas. Then he turned on the ignition and looked at me with his fingers crossed. With his boot back on the kick-starter, he brought the weight of his body down on it once more, giving the bike a good solid kick. The engine started up on the first try.
I stood there, completely transfixed by the scene in front of me. Shane had done everything I’d seen Alex do countless times before. I leaned against my car, Shane’s actions and the rumbling sound of the motor overwhelming me with memories.
“You’re pale. Mo ghra, are you all right?” Shane rushed to my side and hovered over me.
“I’m fine. It’s just…I haven’t heard the bike since Alex rode it a week before his accident.”
“If you don’t want me to take it out for a ride, I won’t.”
“You’re the only person I trust to touch the bike. I’ll be fine, I promise.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m positive. Please take it. I want you to enjoy it.”
“Okay. I’ll take it. I’ll be back in a while.” Shane retrieved the helmet from the shelf on the back wall of the garage and slipped it on. He sat on the motorcycle, bringing the kickstand up with his foot and putting it in gear. Then he took off down the driveway.
The sight of Shane riding the motorcycle struck me with a sense of longing. He looked breathtakingly sexy on it, just like Alex always had. Feeling the urge to watch him, I sat on the bench by the front door and waited for him to return. He was gone for quite a while, and I suspected he was having fun. I had gotten up to go back inside the house when I heard the motorcycle rumbling up the hill. The same rush of excitement I had always felt when I heard Alex coming home swept over me. Shane turned the corner, and my heart felt like it skipped a beat.
Shane’s face broke into a boyish grin when he saw me walking toward the garage. He took off the helmet and placed it on the seat.
“Well, how was the ride?”
“It was sweet. The motorcycle is in excellent condition. It looks like we’ll be taking it for a ride tomorrow.”
“Perfect. We can take a ride up to the mountains. That way I can show off our backcountry. Where else can you go from beach to mountains within an hour’s drive?”
“It sounds like a date, and I can’t wait.” Shane folded me in his arms and kissed me.
Nothing else mattered to me at that moment but him.
*
“So, how do you like San Diego so far?” Mel pushed her empty dessert plate off to the side and looked across the table at Shane. She had driven us to an upscale seafood restaurant on the waterfront.
“What? You aren’t going to ask me about Conor again. He’s all you’ve talked about since we’ve been here.” Shane laughed when Mel scowled at him. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist teasing you. San Diego. Hmm. So far, it’s great, although I haven’t seen a lot of it yet. The restaurant is nice, and our view is fantastic.”
The restaurant’s host had seated us in a booth with a view of San Diego Bay. Coronado Island was across from us, which housed the naval air station. A ship was at one of the docks. We had a stunning panorama of the downtown skyline to our left, a conglomeration of skyscrapers reaching toward the heavens. In the distance, the Coronado Bay Bridge was visible, its majestic span of steel and concrete linking the peninsula to the mainland. The sun was setting on the horizon, a beautiful orange-and-yellow kaleidoscope casting its glow on the landscape as small wind-generated swells rippled across the water.
“So, what do the two of you have in store for me next?” Shane said.
“Liz and I are taking you downtown to the Gaslamp Quarter for some drinking and dancing. You can’t come here without going to the Gaslamp. Besides, I have to help Liz sell you on San Diego. I can’t have her moving away from me, now can I?” Mel cocked her head at Shane, the corner of her mouth turning upward into a devious smile.
“Wow. You two are tag-teaming me. Liz, remember that when you come to Washington, D.C. I’ll have Dylan and Margaret in my corner, and they’re relentless.” Shane motioned to our waiter when he walked by our table. “Could I get the check, please?”
“Yes, sir, right away.” Our waiter, Raymond, hurried off, returning a few minutes later.
Shane quickly scanned the bill and placed his credit card in the check holder. Raymond took it as he swung past our table again.
“I’ll be right back.” Shane got up from the table and headed toward the facilities.
Mel and I were chatting when I caught someone standing next to me out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head as Mel gasped. It was her ex-husband, Mark. He seemed to come out of nowhere, his presence taking us both by surprise. Mel’s face instantly registered a mix of emotions. One thing was clear. She didn’t look happy to see him.
“Hello, Liz. I haven’t seen you in a few years. How’s it going?” Mark stared at Mel, although talking to me.
“It’s been a long time. I’m well. Thanks.” I looked Mark up and down. He’d changed. He still had that smug look that I’d always hated, but his dark hair was shorter, and there was now a splash of gray around his temples. He’d also put on a few pounds. I looked closer. He had an abundance of wrinkles on his face that weren’t there before. Good. It served him right. I hoped his life had been miserable over the last few years after the hell he’d put Mel through.
“You look terrific, Mel. I hear you’re doing well. Could we talk privately for a moment?” Mark was dripping in arrogance as he stood there waiting for Mel’s answer. He appeared confident she’d agree.
“Hello, Mark. I couldn’t be better. Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of Liz. I see no reason for us to talk privately.” Mel’s voice was shaky. She reached over, taking hold of my hand underneath the table.
“Fine. If speaking in front of Liz is the only way you’ll talk, then so be it. I wanted to tell you that I missed you and hoped we could get together for dinner or a drink one of these nights.” Mark paused and stared at me, his body tense and a frown on his face. He appeared irritated at having to speak in front of me. “Mel. I made a mistake, and I know it. I’d like to see if we could restart our relationship.”
“Hmm. You want us to get back together.” Mel pursed her lips. It looked like she was considering his offer. Then her jaw hardened, and a sneer appeared on her face. “I’d have to be delirious and on my deathbed before I allowed you to come near me again. Frankly, you don’t deserve me. I’m happy and have a wonderful man who loves me. Go away, Mark. Buzz off like the little mosquito that you are.”
Mark appeared shocked by Mel’s outburst and stood there with his mouth gaping open.
Shane came back to the table. He stared at Mel, quietly studying her face. Then he took a step toward Mark. “Mel, are you okay? Do you need help with anything?”
Mel gave Shane what looked like a forced smile. “I’m fine. Thank you. The little mosquito was leaving.” She turned toward Mark. “Goodbye, Mark.”
Mark seemed to come to his senses. He gave Shane and me a cursory nod, and then he glared at Mel. He swung around and retreated from our table.
“Who the hell was that?” Shane said, looking confused.
“That was Mel’s ex-husband, Mark. I can’t even begin to express how much of an asshole he is. He treated Mel horribly.” I looked at Mel, noticing her strange expression. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” A smile began to transform her face. “I swear. Telling that asshole off felt so damn good. I can’t believe the powerful feeling it gave me.”
“Good for you, Mel. It sounds like he’s a jerk and deserved it,” Shane said, taking his seat.
“Here’s your receipt, sir. Thank you, and have a nice evening.” Raymond placed the check folder on the table.
“Thanks. You have a good one too.” Shane added a tip to the bill and slipped his credit card back into his wallet. Finished, he grinned at Mel. “I think we need to celebrate your prowess at taking your ex-husband down a few feet.”
“I agree with that.” Mel jumped up from the table. “The three of us have some drinking and dancing to do.” She led the way out of the restaurant, a visible lightness in her step.
CHAPTER 14
AN AFTERNOON SKIRMISH
Shane and I were riding the motorcycle up to the mountains this morning so he could get a glimpse of our backcountry. I sensed Shane was excited about the trip. I was a little nauseous. I hadn’t been on a bike since the weekend of Alex’s accident and was already anticipating a host of memories to come flooding back to me. Although I’d never ridden with Shane, I wasn’t concerned about that part. I trusted him and knew he’d keep me safe. My mission this weekend was to sway Shane towards moving to San Diego, and I hoped today’s ride would help.
“Are you ready to go?” Shane had pushed the motorcycle out to the driveway and waited for me to join him. He looked rough and mysterious besides dashingly handsome as he stood there in his leather jacket, boots, and sunglasses.
“I’m ready.” I hit the button to close the garage door and dashed through the opening as it started to come down.
“Hmm. You’re looking a bit sexy in those knee-high boots and tight jeans. I’m not going to have to chase the men away from you, am I?”
“Not at all. It’s in the attitude, and mine says, ‘I’m attached. Leave me alone.’ So there’s no need to be concerned. Besides, you’re the one that’s a problem. You look a little too hot in your leather and boots. It’s hard enough keeping my hands to myself. Now I’ll have to warn the women away too.”
“Very funny, mo ghra. As I’ve said before, you need glasses.”
“Hardly. I have perfect eyesight.” I gave Shane a mischievous smile as I put on my leather jacket and slipped my helmet on my head. My hair pulled into a braided ponytail underneath it.
Shane shook his head at me and smiled. “Okay, back to the ride. I know we went over the directions to Julian earlier, but is there anything I should know about the roads up there before we head out?” Shane slipped Alex’s helmet on his head and put on the leather gloves he’d brought with him.
I stared at the ground as I shifted my weight from foot to foot, a knot forming in my stomach.
“What’s the matter? You look uncomfortable.”
“The road gets extremely curvy in some places between Ramona and Santa Ysabel, and we’ll be riding past the spot where Alex died. We’ll go pretty far out of our way if we go around it, so I think we should take the direct route. I just don’t know how I’ll react when I see it. I haven’t been there since the accident.”
“Are you sure you’re up to it?”
“No. But I’ll give it a shot.”
“I’m sorry to ask, but could you show me where the accident happened?”
I took my cell phone from the small cross-body purse I was wearing and brought up a map of the area, zooming in on the spot. Then I handed Shane my phone.
He removed his right glove and zoomed in and out of the map, handing my phone back afterward. “Thank you. I thought I should be aware of where it was. If you start feeling uncomfortable, I want you to let me know. Okay?” Shane slipped his hand back in his glove, his eyes on me until I answered.
“I will.”
Shane started the bike and got on it, pulling it upright and pushing the kickstand up with his heel. After zipping up my jacket and slipping on my gloves, I climbed on the seat pad on the back of the motorcycle. I leaned against Shane’s shoulder and let him know I was ready to go. Then he put the bike in gear and drove out the driveway. We were on the freeway in a matter of minutes.
I leaned close to Shane’s ear when we reached the outskirts of the small community of Ramona. “Don’t go over the speed limit until you get out of town. Law enforcement here is notorious for writing speeding tickets.”
“Got it.” Shane obeyed the speed limit as he rode through the town’s center, passing small shopping centers, mom-and-pop storefronts, restaurants, and bars. He shook his head when we passed two bikers on the side of the road with a sheriff’s car behind them.
The spot where Alex had his accident was coming up, the remnants of a makeshift memorial visible in the distance. I felt sick to my stomach, anguish and pain like knives in my chest. I laid my head on Shane’s back and closed my eyes. I didn’t need to see it; the image had been seared into my memory like a brand three and a half years ago. Shane must have sensed I was struggling because his left hand was suddenly on my leg. He held my hand when I reached out and touched his glove.
We reached Santa Ysabel and began the seven-mile ride up the mountain into Julian.
Nearing the four-way intersection at the town’s Main Street, I leaned toward Shane’s ear. “Take a left here. There’s a place to eat at the next corner with parking available behind the building.”
Shane nodded and rode to the next block, pulling into the paved parking lot behind the restaurant and brewery. I climbed off the back of the motorcycle and removed my helmet, hanging it on the handlebar.
“Come here.” Shane got off the bike and reached for my hand, pulling me against his chest. “Are you all right? I swear I could feel your body tense up when we got near Alex’s memorial. You were shaking when we rode past it.”
“It was harder than I thought it would be. I don’t want to ride past the spot again. If you don’t mind, we’ll take a different route home. It’ll take longer, but I know I can’t go back the way we came.”
“It’s all right. I understand. Let’s get some lunch so you can sit and try to relax.”
“Okay.” I held Shane’s hand as we walked to the front of the building and entered the restaurant.
We waited in line to order our food at the counter. When it was our turn, we ordered barbeque pork sandwiches and two amber ales. Shane paid for our meal and retrieved the beers the employee had placed on the counter. He led us to a table underneath a tree on the patio and handed me my glass.
“This town reminds me of a movie set for an old western. It’s pretty cool, although crowded. I didn’t expect it to be so packed,” Shane said before taking a drink of his beer.
