Page 56 of XOXO

I caught a glimpse of her screen as she looked for a taxi.

“I can give you a ride if you’d like?” I pointed to my motorcycle. “As an apology, anywhere you want.”

“Thanks for the apology, but I don’t need your help,” she sighed, scrolling down her screen.

“Please, I feel bad,” I said, admiring her.

“Don’t feel bad, just be nice to your mom, not all of us have moms like yours,” she said, looking up at me. “Were you going to meet her here anyways?”

“Yeah, I was going to⁠—”

“So why would you think she was setting you up? We looked at my Rendezvous app and they swiped right and left for me,” she said. “So don’t flatter yourself that I was here just for you.”

“My mom used Rendezvous?” I scowled.

“For me, you idiot,” she sighed. “We were having fun, and she knows I wasn’t looking for forever, but a good time.”

She was sassy, and it had been very amusing.

“I’m not looking for forever either,” I said, unsure why I said it. “My mom knows that and I swear she’s always telling me I need to settle down, so it struck a nerve today.”

She studied me for a moment, face softening slightly the longer she studied me.

“Your mom loves you very much,” she stated. “You should go easy on her.”

“She’s amazing,” I said. “I wouldn’t be here without her.”

She nodded, smiling softly.

“So, can I give you a ride?” I smiled.

“Anywhere?” she asked.

I should have said no, but I felt like I owed her.

“Anywhere,” I agreed.

“Is it too late to go to Pompeii?” she asked, and it felt like a test.

She was fucking with me, but I was feeling generous and a little guilty so the joke was on her.

“If we go to Pompeii you won’t get the full experience, but if you like ruins I have a place in mind. It’s called Paestum and⁠—”

“Oh my god, yes!” she squealed. “I would love to go to Pompeii, but Paestum was on my list.”

“Great. Then let's start over,” I said, holding out my hand. “Hi, my name is Ruwon.”

She grinned, shaking my hand. “Nice to meet you, Ruwon, my name is Violeta.”

I kissed the back of her hand.

I grinned. “Let’s go before it gets any later.”

I didn’t let her hand go, leading her to my bike. Opening my saddle bag, I pulled out my extra helmet, giving it to her. I got on, started the motorcycle, and held my hand out for her to get on.

“I can’t get it on,” she said, frustrated.

“Let me help.” I pulled her closer, threading the loop through the ring and tightening it. “Have you ridden a bike before?”