Page 302 of Bitter’s Sweet

“I will be.”

She nods, then glances toward my Harley.

I force myself not to assume anything.

“Mercy riding with somebody?”

“Junie.”

“Good.”

Silence settles between us. Sweet rubs one thumb along the edge of her opposite palm.

I want to ask.

So I do.

“Ride with me?”

Her eyes lift to mine.

I do not reach for her. I do not grab the spare helmet and shove it into her hands like the question was decoration and I already decided the answer.

Sweet looks at the line of bikes, then Raven’s coffin, then me.

“Yes.”

One word.

My entire body feels it.

I take the spare helmet from the seat and hold it out.

Sweet takes it herself. She secures it, climbs onto the bike behind me, and settles on the seat without me turning one yes into permission for five other things.

Her hands hover near my waist.

I feel the space between us like a living thing.

Then her arms slide around me.

Her choice.

Such a small damn thing.

Such a big one.

I put both hands on the bars.

“Ready?”

Her cheek brushes the back of my shoulder.

“Yes.”

The engines rise.

Raven takes his final ride.