“Where will we go from here?” I asked and Tab twisted to kiss my forehead.
“I figured we could ride north, maybe take a road trip through parts of Canada; take in the sights. I confess, I have never quite taken a vacation before, but I find the urge to fulfill my intended purpose has been diminished, or sated for the time being.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Prayers for those who feel trapped or without choice often go to me, and there are some that I cannot deny. It is a calling, and there is rarely ‘time off’ from such pursuits.”
“Except now.”
“Except now,” he murmured, and it sounded troubled.
I cuddled in closer to his side and asked, “Are you enjoying the reprieve or is it bothering you too much to enjoy it?”
“I confess, a little of both.”
“Okay, so where are you needed next? Even if it’s not, like, an impulse or compulsion you can’t ignore, where do you feel like if this vacation were over and it all came rushing back and you had to go somewhere and help someone, who would that someone be and where?”
“A valid question, may I think on it?”
“Absolutely,” I said.
“Good, then stop fighting it and sleep. Tomorrow we’ll have breakfast and ride north. I think, though it is a strange concept, that I would rather like to enjoy my time off with you a little longer.”
“Workaholic,” I accused. “Although, I really like the sound of that. Just so you know, you’re stuck with me. I love you, all of you, and I have absolutely nothing better to do than to help you with your calling as the Angel of Self-Determination.”
I closed my eyes and concentrated on the light patterns and sigils that Tab traced on the skin of my body where his free hands could reach. It was a light, comforting touch that in some spots bordered on tickling. For the most part, they remained a comforting thing and all too soon I was sound asleep. I didn’t open my eyes until the next morning either, and it was the sun glittering off the river and directly into my eyes that finally roused me.
Tab was already up. The bed empty aside from me and one crimson feather edged in black. I picked it up, and spun it between my fingers, smiling. I went to my leather jacket and placed the downy feather in the pocket before standing and giving a long, lean stretch.
I needed a shower. All the best sex left you needing one, and last night had been really good. I took my time and when I got out, I blow dried my hair and did my usual braid over the shoulder. Tab had returned from wherever he’d gone by the time I stepped out into the room. I went to him, wrapped in nothing but a towel, and bent down enough to kiss him where he sat on the edge of the bed.
“Where did you get off to this morning?” I asked, and he pulled me close and down so I straddled his lap. A little hopeful thrill chased down my back but with a gentle smile he sort of squashed it.
“You’ll see. It’s a surprise for you.”
“Hmm, I’m sure I’ll love it but to tell you the truth, I’m starving.”
He kissed me and I kissed him back, then breaking the kiss so I could stand up and not let myself drown in him, as nice a death as that would be.
“No really, I’m hungry for you, sure, but I also need real food.”
“Breakfast should be served soon.”
“Awesome.”
I set about getting dressed and loved how closely he watched me. Once fully clothed, we packed up our bags. We were just about finished when we heard a bell ring somewhere in the house.
“Ah, breakfast.” Tab held out a hand to me and I took it, letting him lead me to the dining room.
Best. Breakfast. Ever.
Pancakes, bacon, eggs, and orange juice but bacon. Everything is awesome when bacon is involved.
We ate with gusto, sitting side by side, our free hands entwined under the table like a couple of besotted teenagers that didn’t want to let each other go. It was fantastic, and I couldn’t ever remember a time I was happier.
That was until Tab led me outside. Sitting where the Harley, Gabriel had given me yesterday, had been was a shiny, new, black Suzuki GSXR.
“Oh, you know me so well!” I cried and Tab laughed.
“The Harley is far more comfortable than this for long distances. Are you sure you would still prefer it?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, but absolutely… where’s yours?” I asked.
Tab chuckled. “I am afraid motorcycles are much more your speed, my heart.”
“And yours?” I asked curiously. His wings unfolded, the sun glimmering off the crimson feathers.
“I would much prefer flying.”
“I should have figured.” I couldn’t be jealous, not with this beautiful machine in front of me. His beautiful, beautiful machine that I couldn’t wait to open up.
Tab distracted me, pulling me tightly into his arms and kissing me fiercely. When he broke the kiss, he smiled at me lovingly and said, “Remember, never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly.”
I laughed and held him tight. nodding, “I think I can manage that but just how fast can you fly, anyway?”
“Fast enough. Even so, this is our destination for tonight.” He handed me a slip of paper with an address in his elegant script. He gestured toward the GPS mounted on the bike and I went over to it, straddling my new and beautiful gift to punch it in.
When I was through, Tab handed me my helmet and, apparently my passport in the name of Tabitha Serenity St. Peter. I looked up at him and he laughed.
“Gabriel?” I asked.
“Gabriel,” he affirmed.
“Just once I’d like to score one on him. He’s been kicking my ass lately.”
“And what a beautiful and shapely ass it is, Cupcake!”
I rolled my eyes. “Seriously?”
He stuck out his lip in a pout. “What, you didn’t like my Harley?”
“It was beautiful,” I said. “I just have a very real need for speed. What can I say? I love me my rice-powered vehicles.”
“Fair enough. Be safe and have fun.”
“Thanks Gabriel.” I put out my arms and Gabriel hugged me tight.
“You have a good time last night?” he asked.
I arched a brow as he backed away. “You really think that’s any of your business?” I countered.
“Of course not! That’s why I asked.”
Tab just stood by and shook his head. Gabriel looked at us both and sighed.
“I’m serious, be careful, you two.”
Tab and I exchanged a look. “Driving the point home a little much, aren’t you?” I asked.
“What is it, brother?” Tab asked.
“Can’t say.”
“Great,” I muttered. Knowing I wouldn’t get shit else out of him, I put my helmet on.
Tab nodded and embraced Gabriel, thanking him. Gabriel gave a little salute, and I fired up the bike. Tab stretched his wings and with a smile, launched himself skyward. I turned carefully over the gravel and headed toward the main streets, following the guidance of the GPS.
Oh, I was in love. The bike hummed beneath me and gave such a beautiful whine when I twisted the throttle – a joyous sound that reached deep into my soul. I headed back to the freeway and when I got there, I took it north, opening up the bike, laying lithe across the tank, melding body and mind with the machine as the wind rushed over us and the pavement blurred beneath us.