Read Online Ride Free by Debra Kayn - Free Book Online Page B

Reefer?”
    “Long story for another time.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Let’s roll.”
    Sarah hid her face behind Reefer’s back to keep the bugs from flying in her mouth, the smile on her lips a permanent feature she was sure wouldn’t disappear anytime soon. Riding in the daytime brought a new sensation, and she enjoyed how fast the world flew by.
    Before she knew it, they pulled up in front of Ellen’s house. Sarah hopped off the bike.
    “I’ll be right back.” She hurried up the sidewalk.
    She knocked on the door and waved over to Reefer, who remained on his bike. The door opened, and she jumped.
    “Gosh, Ellen, you scared me to death. I wasn’t expecting you to open the door.” Sarah hugged her friend. “How are you today? I worried about you after I left yesterday.”
    “I’m fine. Just fine.” She gazed out at the street. “Why don’t you get your young man and come inside for a minute. I won’t keep you.”
    Sarah waved Reefer over. He shook his head and continued to sit on the bike. She clasped her hands together under her chin and smiled. He glanced up and down the street and got off the bike.
    Ellen’s grip on the side of the door became more pronounced, and Sarah lent her arm to help support her. “Where’s your walker?”
    “Please, just walk me back to my chair. I think I overdid it.” Ellen’s legs moved slow, and her speech became softer and drawn out.
    Sarah glanced behind her to make sure Reefer followed and guided Ellen to the living room. She helped her sit and found the walker. Ellen needed to start using the walker. Sarah kneeled and checked the braces on Ellen’s legs.
    “Now, I’ve already called the agency, and Denise will take over for me. You remember her, she helped out a couple times when I had the flu last year?” Sarah remained on her knees and gathered Ellen’s hand in hers. “Can you believe this is happening? Finally, after all those days we spent talking about riding the highway.”
    Sarah turned to Reefer, who stood off to the side, gazing out the picture window at the street. “Reefer, this is my good friend, Ellen.” She turned back to Ellen and winked. “She’s the one who told me my idea of joining a motorcycle gang wasn’t foolish.”
    Reefer stepped over and offered his hand. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”
    Ellen placed her hand in his and cleared her throat. “Sarah told me that you were beautiful, but I never imagined…”
    He lifted the corner of his mouth. “Thank you.” He stepped back and returned to his position at the window.
    Ellen’s gaze followed him. Her smile remained, but her eyes grew misty. Sarah ran her hand along Ellen’s arm, confused as to why she appeared sad. Maybe she missed being with her own family out on the road, and Reefer reminded her of times gone past.
    “Sarah, I’m going outside.” Reefer nodded at the older woman. “Nice to meet a friend of Sarah’s. She’ll be in good hands.”
    “I know she will.” Ellen wiped the corner of her eye. “Come back anytime.”
    He nodded. Anxious to get on the road, Sarah knew the time for goodbye had come.
    “Ellen, I need to get going.” Sarah continued to rub Ellen’s arm. “You’ll make sure you let the nurse do her job, and call the agency if things don’t work out with Denise, won’t you?”
    Sarah glanced over her shoulder. Ellen’s gaze remained fixed on the entryway where Reefer had walked out.
    “Okay, I’m going to leave now.” She stood, and Ellen finally brought her attention back. “I’ll never forget you, and I promise if we are in the area, I’ll come back to visit. I’ll send postcards too.”
    “Yes, yes, dear.” She reached over on the end table beside the chair and brought her hand back to Sarah. “I wanted to give you this. It was one of the first pins my husband gave me when I took to the road. I want you to have it.”
    A round pin, no bigger than a nickel, with the words RIDE FREE scrawled around the circle lay in the