Into the Sunset

Chapter 8

Two weeks later, with a couple of preliminary ideas and samples in hand, I call Grayson up and invite him to dinner on Saturday. Since he loves Lebanese food, I ordered a few side dishes and prepared some meat to barbecue Lebanese style. The weather was amazing, so sitting in my backyard would be perfect. I set the table, put the gift on a chair in a corner, and had everything ready to have a meeting as well. 6:30 sharp, the doorbell rings. I smile as I appreciate punctuality, and there he is, all gorgeous looking; my heart skips a beat.
- Hey, baby girl!
- Hi 
I say that and I blush, which makes him laugh, and he gives me his usual bear hug. He had brought dessert, which was ice cream. I invite him to go to the backyard while I prepare our dishes. Grayson being Grayson, follows me to the kitchen, goes straight to the fridge, and grabs his favorite beer brand that I started stocking since I met him, something he realizes, looks at me, and smiles. We talk for a while about his house, the ideas he has, and the comments he has, then it is time to fire up the barbecue, which he insists on doing, and I bring out the food.
Everything is out, and as usual, his eyes just shine once Lebanese food is in sight, he says.
- Man, you sure know how to make me happy, baby girl.
And of course I blush; we sat for about an hour talking about everything and the boys, as I haven't been biking.
- There is a ride tomorrow, how about you ride with me?
- What's the plan?
- Well, the captain wants us to be many for this event, for this orphanage that needs some fixing up, so all the proceeds will go towards that.
-  It's been ages since I've ridden behind someone.
- Great, then it is settled.
He says
After dessert and over coffee, I go grab the gift and hand it to him.
- This is for you a bit late, but as a thank you for everything you've been doing for me, you've been a great friend.
 He looks at me then at the gift,  doesn't say a word as he sees the card
- You made the card?
- Uh huh
He opens it, reads it, then opens the bag. He was surprised at what I got him, and he has this huge smile on his face as he tries the jacket on and goes in to the house to where there is a mirror. He comes back, gives me a bear hug, and says
- Thanks, baby girl, I love it; you shouldn't have, and I hope that you will let me do more for you.
He looks deeply into my eyes, trying to make me get the message. I wiggle out of his arms and mumble a thanks. I hear him sigh.
- Baby girl, look at me, please.
I look up, and he says
-  You should know by now that I really like you and that I'm not a man to beat around the bush. I've had my share of disappointments in my life and it taught me many lessons, but I am willing to try with you because something pulls me towards you. I know you swore off men for now, and I respect that. I will not feed you the "I am different and I won't hurt you' line. But I'll let my actions speak for themselves. All I ask is for you to give me a chance.
and he gives me the sweetest kiss ever. I felt at a loss. I didn't know what to say. I needed to gather my thoughts. I guess he read in my eyes, cause the next thing he ruffles my hair, kisses me on the forehead, and says,
- I better go be ready by 8:30 tomorrow. Thanks for dinner and the gift. Good night, baby girl.
And he was gone.
What just happened? Why do I always feel shy and confused around him? I tidy the place up and hit the sack tomorrow will be a very long day and gotta wake up early
I was ready by 8:20. I hear his bike roaring in by 8:30 sharp, so I grab my helmet, gloves, and jacket, as well as a drop leg bag and two bottles of water, just in case.
- Morning baby girl, are you ready?
he was wearing the jacket I got him. I was right he looked hot as hell in it. I shake my head and say
- Not really.  I laugh  I hope I don't get scared.
- Do you trust me?
I look at him. He smiles and says
- Let me rephrase that: Do you trust my riding?
- Yes
- Great, then I promise to keep you safe.
I blush and say thank you.
- By the way,
I say
- Yes?
- I got you a small thing to put on your bike.
I pull out a small picture, and before I can explain to him, he says
- Saint Charbel
- You know who he is.
- Yes, my mom used to tell me about him all the time.
- Cool, I'm glad you know him.
- Where do you think I should put it?
- I put mine under the speedometer.
- Great idea! How about you do me the honors?
I smile and place it exactly where I think it should be.
I get on the bike, bend over him, toutch the picture of Saint Charbel, and say, While crossing myself 
- We are in your hands, and so is the bike. Please keep us safe.
Grayson smiles, touches the picture, and says the same thing while crossing himself. We arrive at the usual cafe, and everyone is surprised to see me as a passenger. I explained to everyone that my house was vandalized, and they broke my bike. I didn't want to get into the details, but the captain looked at me and whispered
- I know when you're lying, but I'm glad you're OK.
I give him a hug and a weak smile; he knows me so well.