Wild Ride by Rebecca Avery Page B

they would be over the weekend and phone numbers there.  Then she heard him heading up the stairs.  She could tell it was him by the way he walked.
    He knocked and then stuck his head in her door “We still up for tomorrow?” he asked.
    “Yea, eight thirty,” she replied.
    “See you in the morning then , Edith,”
    “Night , Charlie,” she smiled.
    When her alarm went off the following morning she was surprised at the energy she had.  It seemed like the more she did during the day the more energy she built up.  The past few nights when she went to bed, it was because she was tired… not because she’d never left it. 
    She felt good… great actually.  Maybe it was from the attitude adjustment that Chuck had given her but either way she felt good.
    She managed to get in the shower on her own and , grinning like a fool, shaved her legs.  She was blow drying her hair when her mom and the boys came in to say goodbye before heading out on their trip.
    “What’s this all about?” her mother asked as she eyed the blow dryer.
    “Chuck invited me to watch him paint a motorcycle where he works today ,” she said with a smile.
    “Are you sure you’re up for that?” Carla asked with a worried look.
    “Yea, it’ll be fun…and it gets me out of the house.  A theme park might be a bit much but sitting around watching someone else work I think I can handle ,” she said with a reassuring smile.
    Her mother smiled and kissed the top of her head , advised her she would leave the door unlocked for Chuck and to make sure to lock it before they left.
    With that they left and she finished her hair and applied her makeup.  If not for the stump she’d look damn good.
    She hadn’t realized she was listening for Chuck until she heard the front door open and the sounds of him talking.
    “Hey, Dana…what’s up?” Chuck said and then after a long pause she heard him on the stairs. “Hey…slow down, babe.”
    Dana?  Babe?   Who was he talking to?  She’d not contemplated that he might have a girlfriend.  Did he?   If so why… maybe he hadn’t been flirting and she’d just misinterpreted his behavior toward her?
    “Umm… okay but I’m actually closer to you than the shop but I’m on the bike… and I’ll have a friend with me,” he said as he entered her room and smiled at her.
    A friend?   She couldn’t quite help the disappointment those words caused.  It wasn’t like this was a date or anything other than friendship.
    His words were accurate but it didn’t take away the disappointment.  She was stupid for even entertaining that thought anyway.  First he was a criminal and second she was handicapped .  Besides they had absolutely nothing in common.
    She forced a smile as he said , “Ok, sit tight and I’ll be there in like ten minutes.  Bye.” His eyes seemed to devour her and she told her racing heartbeat to chill… his look meant nothing.  He set his backpack on the foot of her bed and unzipped it taking out the helmet he’d brought on Ben’s birthday.
    “Everything ok?” she asked.
    “Dana’s car died so we’re going to have to make a pit stop ,” he said. “She just got groceries and has the kids with her.”
    Kids!   Stupid her for not asking questions!  It was too late to back out now without giving away too much.
    “Sure… ok,” she replied stupidly.
    “If I can’t get it started… I don’t know what to tell her.  It’s not like I can pack everyone on the bike and the groceries too,” he said looking worried.
    “We could take my car…” she offered.
    A look of confusion crossed his face “You have a car…you can drive…?” he stammered.
    “Yes I have a car!  I haven’t always been a cripple!  It’s in the garage and hasn’t been driven in… but yes I have one.  The keys are on the key holder in the kitchen,” she said unable to keep the sarcasm and hostility out of her voice.
    “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean…” he started. “And you’re not