Heart Condition

Chapter Thirteen: What It Is

Sasha slowed the bike down in front of a diner just off of California Street. Taking off his helmet, he turned his head down to me. “Hungry?” He asked, and I nodded before lifting the helmet off my head and sticking it down at my feet. I tried to get out, but my sore feet wouldn’t let me move.

            “Do you need help?” He asked, and I offered him my hand. Adjusting, he smiled, “It might be easier if I just…May I lift you out?”

            I nodded, and he reached down, grabbed my hands and yanked me up. Uneasy, I fell against him, using his shoulder as a crutch so I could step out of the sidecar carefully.

            “Sorry.” I said softly, “I’m just worthless after my doctor’s appointments.”

            He smiled, “It’s okay. You can lean on me if you need to; it’s what I’m trained for.”

            I looked up, “I appreciate this. You really don’t have to feed me, or carry me. It’s not necessary.”

            But he stayed beside me the whole time, until he opened the door to Sudachi and walked us inside.

            “You do like sushi, don’t you?” He asked, looking up and waving at someone in the distance.

            I smiled, “Absolutely.” My eyes searched, but I didn’t see the person Sasha was waving to; he walked me in, and we sat down at the bar, seeing a series of chefs in red uniforms running around, the sushi wiggling on their plates, colors bright and vibrant.

            We sat down together, and he watched me carefully.

            “Are you cold?” He asked, shrugging off his jacket. I shook my head, even though I still hadn’t quite adapted to the cold air of the motorcycle.

            I laughed, “So many questions.”

            “I’m a naturally inquisitive person.” He smiled, and I just couldn’t handle his dimples. They were too much for me; it was a wonder that I was only just noticing them. Our waiter handed each of us a menu, my eyes sneaking to see him pull his glasses out of his coat pocket.

            “Inquisitive.” I repeated, and he winked at me, “Well, I feel...exhausted, and famished. But temperature wise, I’m acclimating.”

            He nodded, “If you’re tired, I’ll take you home. Just let me know.”

            My eyes widened and I shot him a look, “Why are you being so nice to me?” He looked down, placed his napkin on his lap and shook his head. Whatever it was he was trying to hide, he was doing a poor job on all fronts.

            The server came up to us and asked us for drinks, and Sasha looked up, “What do you mean?”

            I rolled my eyes, sighing “Picking me up, driving me to school, holding my hand, and all of this.”

            “It’s just sushi, Abbie.” He smiled, shaking his head “We could have easily gone to a taco truck or some burger place.”

            Looking away, I spoke softly, “You know that’s not what I mean.”

            I stared at the menu, refusing to make up my mind until Sasha gave me an answer. If we were going to play games, then at least I knew the rules. He sipped his soda, and my eyes stayed locked on the prices written in squiggly italicized numbers.