Grabbing Hold (The Motorcycle Kid #1)

56. Fiestas and Farewells, Part 1

Heya heya. Your two-part chapters are back. It's been a while since I've done one, but the plot for this particular chappie ended up being SUPER LONG because I wanted to cover both the party and what follows.

Do enjoy the good fluff, tout le monde. This will probably be the sweetest, fluffiest, happiest content you guys will see for a little bit. You've been warned.

As for the Character Q & A, I still plan to do it, but I wanted to wait till there were more questions. I'll post again at the end of this chapter. Drop your questions, don't be shy!

Also, if this chapter seems to exaggerate the relationship between Ryder and the rest of the folks over at Beans n' Stuff, as well as between Ryder and Emma, please remember this book WILL BE EDITED. I'm writing with the final product in mind, so obviously, there will be a lot more scenes you guys haven't seen as yet in the edited version. Hang in there.

TRIGGER WARNING: EXCESSIVE FLUFFINESS

Ryder knew something was up from the minute Charlotte called him into her office on his final day of work. His last day at Beans n' Stuff, a Thursday, had been slower than usual, which he'd been grateful for.

Between packing and the anxiety that accompanied him grasping the fact that he was leaving tomorrow, the young man was running on nothing but coffee; he could feel the after effects of that afternoon's espresso pulsing through his veins. Ryder didn't realize he'd forgotten to eat till his stomach rumbled loudly, making Charlotte's eyebrows lift in surprised amusement.

"Sorry," muttered Ryder sheepishly. "I forgot to grab lunch."

"You?" Charlotte chuckled. "Forgetting to eat? Well I'll be damned."

"Yeah." Ryder scratched his neck anxiously. "Did you need me for something, cause I have scones in the oven and-"

He got cut off as Charlotte slid a crisp white envelope across the desk. With hesitant eyes, he looked up at his employer. Charlotte Daniel was positively beaming.

"What's this? I already got paid this week, this-"

"Open it, Ryder."

Mouth agape, Ryder stared a little longer at the envelope before he carefully broke the seal. In the envelope was a folded sheet of paper. In the midst of unfolding it, another item fell to the table.

There, in a handwritten mix of English and Spanish, was a series of short notes.

To our stubborn Ryder,

So now's the moment we get rid of you, huh? I won't lie, at first, this day seemed too far away. You were a tough nut to crack, García, Joseph, whatever you want to call yourself. Still, I'm glad you showed up, you've proved yourself useful. I'm sure you'll do well, whatever you go on to do. Keep your head up - Denise

Hola muchacho. Sad to see ya go, you're a whiz at those pastries. I'm sorry for calling you Mexican all the time. It's truly been a pleasure having you onboard, kid. We'll miss you around here.
- Matt

Ryder skimmed through a few more messages from his co-workers before his eyes landed on the longest note in Charlotte's careful, precise handwriting. To his surprise, it was written entirely in his native language. About as textbook Spanish as one could get, but in Spanish nonetheless. He blinked back a tear as he read.

To Ryder

If you're reading this, that means it's time for us to part ways, and your little stint here at our beloved Beans n' Stuff has come to an end.

I've taken my time writing this note to you. Watching you for the past couple of weeks. And you've grown. Immensely. You're not the angry child afraid of the unknown anymore.