Into the Sunset

Chapter 2

There is a cafe off the highway where we usually meet up for the ride. I pull up next to the captain's gorgeous roadking and go say hi to a few of my brothers that are already there sipping coffee. This group became like family. When I first joined them, I thought I was going to have a problem since I'm the only woman rider and that they would give me a hard time. How wrong I was. They turned out to be an amazing bunch, protective of me and always there to lend me a hand if I needed it. I earned their respect one week after I joined, as my riding skills are not too shabby. The captain pulled me aside once and said
- You know when you first joined the group I was a bit worried that you might be slow and won't be able to keep up the pace, but to be honest, you prove time and time again that you are one heck of a rider, even better than some of the guys here. You have all my respect, sis.
Hearing those words that day, six years ago, was like winning the lottery.
- Morning Yaz
- Morning captain, what a beautiful day to go on a ride... thanks, I really needed it.
He looks at me from under his shades and says,
- Need me to beat up anyone?
I laugh and tease him.
- You don't really need to; all you have to do is show up and just stare at them. I'm sure they will pee their pants just by looking at you!
The captain is 6' 4" of pure muscle, and the first time I met him, I was scared of him, but after I got to know him, I saw a big teddy bear with a soft spot for the people in need, as most of our rides end up for volunteer work and such. To be honest, if I look around my brothers, they are one mean-looking bunch, you won't be able to tell that some are doctors, lawyers and businessmen, but I love them to death. A few minutes later, the sound of a bike I don't recognize pulls up, and the captain says,
- Oh, here's my friend; he will be joining us today. He just moved here about a month ago and has no family here. I met him at the bike shop; he's a nice dude; you'll like him, sis.
I turn around and I see one sexy fat boy pulling up. The captain goes to meet him and brings him over. From afar, I can see that he is as tall as the captain, with a body as buffed as his. I smile, thinking that maybe the captain has a rule that you've got to be at least 6' and have muscles to join the group. And then there is me, at 5'5 with a keychain for a bike when looking at how it stands next to the rest of them beasts. I think the newcomer had the same thought because he stops and stares at my bike. The captain points at me, and the guy nods his head. I turn around and sip my coffee, closing my eyes and facing the sun so I can bask in it. My soul feels relaxed, and a sense of calmness hits me, so I smile. Suddenly I feel a shadow over my eyes. I open them and see the outlook of a face. I frown and blink a couple of times, then I hear the captain say,
- Yaz, meet my new friend and biker, Grayson Conrad. I hear you and he share the same roots.
I look at him again, and I see the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen, with long lashes that women would be jealous of, but there was so much sadness in them that I felt a pang in my heart.
- Hi, I'm Yaz.
- Yaz is that short for something?
- Yes Yazmin
- Nice to meet you. I like your name. Yaz, I'm Grayson.
- Thanks, so what's with the roots part?
- Oh yeah, the captain told me that you're from Lebanon, and so was my mother.
I light up.
- You speak Lebanese?
He gives me a sad smile and says,
- Unfortunately, no. I can understand it, but I don't speak it. I'm a third generation, I love the food, though.
Captain Laughs and says
- Well, bro, if you stick around with us, you just might be able to taste the best Lebanese food, as Yaz's whole family—three generations—is in the Lebanese food restaurant industry.
His eyes light up, he gives me this huge smile, and says,
- Yes, please.
At that time everyone joined in, and introductions were made. After the briefing, everyone gets on their bikes. My spot is right behind the captain, and Grayson was asked to ride behind me, so I turn around jokingly and say,
- I know I'm a girl and you don't know me, but if you feel uncomfortable riding behind me, you're welcome to take my place. I won't hold it against you.
- Oh no problem, go right ahead; I'll be right behind you.
After an hour of riding, the captain signals for our first pitstop to stretch out our legs, and I go stand with the guys to ask them about their families and stuff. 15 minutes later, it's time to hit the road, so I put my earphones back on and listen to my music while bobbing my head. What more can a girl ask for on a Sunday but to ride and enjoy good company, good music, and the sun?
After lunch, we have the last briefing, and Grayson thanks everyone for welcoming him and treating him like one of the guys. God, the guy is so freakin' handsome and charismatic, but I kept my distance, still mourning my bad luck, and I honestly don't need a headache.
I was about to get on my bike when I heard my name. I turn around and it was him calling me.
- Today was amazing, and I just want to tell you that the captain was right: you're one heck of a rider, and I'll be more than happy to let you lead any day.
He says this with a big smile on his face. Of course, knowing me and compliments, I feel my face heat up, and when I steal a glance at him, I see the surprise on his face. I mumble a thank you, and I turn around to leave, but he grabs my arm to stop me and says,
- Do you mind if I get your number? I would love to know where I can go get some good Lebanese food. Besides, since I don't know anyone, it would be nice to have a friend.
 - Sure
He gives me his phone, and I put my name and number in. I give it back to him, and he dials it on the spot. My phone vibrates, and he says,
- This is mine. Thanks again, and I'll see you soon.