Two Different Roads

Falling For You

Where the hell did you get to last night?" Vicky asked when they met up for a late lunch by the pool.
"Michael and I drove around. He showed me some of L.A. and then he took me to the beach."
"So, it's Michael now? Exactly how well did you two get to know each other?"
"We talked about everything, Vicky, just sat there for HOURS talking."
"Is that all?" She pressed.
"Well not exactly." Ellen blushed. "He just might have kissed me as the sun was coming up, and then there just might have been some serious snogging involved."
"You naughty girl I'm impressed. Do you plan on seeing him again?"
"I do actually, tonight in fact back at The Troubadour. You can come along if you behave this time."
"Are you sure I wouldn't get in the way?"
"Actually it might be a good idea to have you there."
"Why? You don't trust yourself to be alone with him?"
"Not really, no." She blushed again.
"I have to come now. I've got to see first-hand exactly what it is about this guy that's making you look like a teenager with her first crush. I've never seen you act like this. Up to now you haven't even wanted to LOOK at anyone other than John (well except for that brief thing with Eric).
"I know. I don't understand it either, but there's just something about him. I like him. I like him a lot."
II
As the day wore on Ellen began to have second thoughts. If John had any idea about what she was planning it would be ugly indeed. He'd sometimes gotten angry just seeing other men TALK to her. What she'd done with Mike he would consider a betrayal of the highest magnitude even if she hadn't actually had sex with him.
Vicky had different thoughts on the matter of course.
"He doesn't own you, El. Besides, he's married, and that doesn't even take into account all the girls and prozzies he's got to be getting it on with before he climbs into bed with YOU at the end of the night. From what I've heard Johnny's down right insatiable. He could have one or two and then quite happily fuck YOU as well after. So my advice is to just enjoy whatever is happening with Mike and what John doesn't know won't hurt him.
III
Mike had reserved the same front row table and she took her seat alongside Vicky just before his set was to begin. He was dressed much the same as the night before, the same type of faded jeans, a long-sleeved button-up shirt, minus the jacket this time, paired with the same well worn boots. That expressive face broke into the rare effervescent grin she already adored as soon as he saw her.
He gave her a wave before he sat down to play and kept his eyes on her during most of the performance.
"He IS a pretty good singer. The music isn't what I'm used to, but I kind of like it," Vicky remarked.
After it was over Mike joined them at the table as he had the night before, this time not waiting for an invitation to sit down. He took Ellen's hand, casually held it, and there was that flutter again.
"I'm glad you came. I wasn't sure you would."
"Why wouldn't I ?"
"Didn't someone say something about a boyfriend last night?"
"Don't worry about him," Vicky pronounced. "Just trying to help," she added when her sister glared at her.
"Are you sure it's OK, " Mike pursued.
"I want to be here."
"Have you eaten? If not the burgers and fries here aren't bad."
They agreed and soon the three of them were scarfing down that classic American staple. Ellen sampled a hot dog as well with plenty of cheese, chili and onion.
"A girl after my heart," Mike joked at her choice of condiments.
She couldn't help blushing.
"How does this compare to British pub food?"
"The fries are similar, but we call then Chips. We have sandwiches too, but they're not like these. It's pretty different."
"Maybe El could make you some of our food some time," Vicky suggested.
Now MIKE blushed.
Vicky glanced between them. "You two are adorable. Look I'm in the way. Why dont I just leave you alone? I'll see you back at the house later, El. And don't worry , I'll take care of you know who."
IV
"She's not too subtle is she?" Mike said.
"Oh not at all."
"I am glad to be alone with you though. You want to take another ride?"
"I think I would."
"I have to warn ya I didn't drive my car tonight."
He led her to a motorcycle. "Ever been on one?"
"No, I havent."
"You'll love it. The wind whizzing around ya, it's like you're flying. You might wanna do something about that long hair though."
She searched in her small purse, finally found a clip she kept for similar occasions and twisted her curls into a knot on top of her head. Mike pulled a green wool hat from his back pocket and placed it on his head.
"Climb up behind me and hang on Darlin'"
"It was exhilarating, the wind, the feel of Mike's warm body, the fresh scent of soap and aftershave she already associated with him. It was over much too soon.
"I didn't want to press my luck. I figured I'd better get you back earlier this time," he said, parking in roughly the same spot he had before. "Did you have fun?"
"I loved it Michael. We'll have to do it again."
"How long will you be in town?"
"About a week."
"Not near long enough."
"We'll have to pack as much as we can into the next few days then."
"You'd want to do that, spend your time here with ME?"
"I would very much," she said nestling against him where they now stood next to his bike.
His arms went around her. She felt safe there, warm. And then their mouths found each other as they always seemed to.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're a really good kisser?"
"Actually no."
"Trust me."
He chuckled. "You know I really like this. You're the first woman I've been able to kiss without practically having to bend myself in half. How tall are you anyway?"
5'10". I always got the impression that most men prefer petite women."
"Oh I think those long legs of yours are sexy as hell. How about I take you swimming at the beach tomorrow and then I can get a chance to see even more of you."
"So you want me in a bikini?"
"The tiniest of bikinis babe."
"I'll see what I can do."
"So it's a date then?"
"Sure. Pick me up here around 11:30. We can go to lunch and then the beach after."
"You can bring your sister as a beard if you want. She'd have to drive too though if you want to ride on my cycle again."
"I'll ask her."
"One more piece of sugar for the road?"

I'd recommend seeking out Mike's early recordings (all available on youtube)to get a feel for songs he might have sung. I envisioned Bonnie Tyler's "Faster Than The Speed Of Night" when Mike and Ellen are riding on his bike. The rhythm of the song just seems perfect.