Mistakes I’ve Made by Jordan Marie
24Callie
When I walk outside of the Johnson’s home Reed is parked in the driveway, leaning against a motorcycle. I blink, not quite sure what I’m seeing. “What’s that?” I ask, which is a silly question. It’s clearly a black motorcycle—Harley to be exact. I don’t know much about bikes, but I recognize the brand.
“This is Daisy.”
“Daisy?”
“Seemed like a good name. I traded my truck for it this morning. I had to give some money to boot, but I still think I came out good on the deal. Do you like it?”
“I’m probably the wrong person to ask. I don’t know much about bikes,” I hedge. I’m feeling more than a little guilty, though. “Did you… I mean, I don’t want you to get rid of your truck because of me, Reed.”
His face softens when he looks at me. I’m starting to think Jake was right. There was a haunted look on Reed’s face yesterday and even today I see it lingering. His beautiful features look troubled.
“I was already working on the trade, Bluebird. I…uh, I wanted rid of it myself. We were just ironing out the details. Talking with you yesterday just sped it up.”
“Will that thing go out to our spot?” I ask him. I have to blink because all at once this horrible look comes over him. I can’t even begin to describe it. I just know it’s horrible. It’s gone as fast as it appeared, but it’s a look I’ll never forget.
“I thought we’d make a new spot. You know, for a new beginning.”
On instinct, I walk to him. I put my hand on his arm and go up on my tiptoes and somehow find the courage inside of me to stretch up and put my lips to his. I’m not sure I’d call it a kiss. Our lips just graze, really. I pull back quickly so I can see his dark, anxious eyes. “I’d really like a new beginning,” I assure him.
“Was that our first kiss?” he asks, his voice thicker than I ever remember it. It has a roughness to it that sends little bumps of excitement scattering over my skin. The evening breeze moves around us and ruffles his hair, and in that moment, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more beautiful than Reed Lane.
“I’m not sure that can be classified as a kiss, Reed,” I murmur, fighting a smile.
“It’s the sweetest one I’ve ever had,” he says with a wink.
He’s probably just joking but it means the world to me, just the same. He hops on his bike and coaches me on how to get on behind him. I’m a little awkward but manage it. He hands me a helmet over his shoulder.
“You don’t have one.” I feel obliged to point out.
“You’re precious cargo. I’m not important,” he says, and that haunted look is still in his eyes.
“I’m not sure I agree with that,” I mumble, but I put the helmet on. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise,” he replies.
“What if I don’t like surprises?”
“You will this one.”
He starts the bike, the engine roaring to life. I wrap my arms around Reed and we take off into the night.