The storm that had been following me all day caught up as I turned the bike into your long driveway. The wind had been picking up the past few miles and now as the rain fell in big heavy drops the air took on a slight chill with the storm. As I crested the last rise of your driveway I killed the bike and coasted to a stop under the carport roof. I grinned as I saw that you had moved your truck over so I could get the bike under shelter. I swung out the kick stand and laid the bike over on it, hearing the tink, tink sound of the hot engine cooling. I hung my leather jacket and chaps over the bike and made my way to the back door.
You had left it unlocked and as I entered I stopped when I heard the low menacing growl of your two dogs.
"Bonny, Clyde come here" I gently said.
The growling stopped as they recognized my voice; soon their tails were beating against my leg. They lay back down on their beds as I made my way to your bedroom the light of the full moon guided me. The door was open and I could see you lying face down on the bed the covers kicked down around your waist. You have the windows open to enjoy the cool night air and the rain begins to fall heavier and heavier, the flashes of lightening lighting up your room.
I quickly remove my boots, jeans and tee shirt but when I try to slip onto the bed I heard you say.
"Shower before you come in my bed, you are covered with road grime."
I grinned as I slip into your bathroom, closing the door before turning on the light. I quickly get under the hot water to wash off many miles of grime. As I shower I think back over the years that we have known each other, meeting that day long ago when a flat tire left you stranded on the side of the road late one night.
After changing your tire you had invited me back to your ranch where I met your husband and kids, after a good meal and talking till late night I crashed in your spare bedroom. We stayed in touch over the years, you told me about the kids growing up and the accident that left you a widow. I told you about my life and the wanderlust that had taken over my life after my wife left me. I don't blame her, after our daughter died of cancer I hit the booze and drugs pretty hard.
Since the day I woke up to find the only things I really had left was the bike and the clothes on my back, I had been riding the roads visiting friends trying to make up to them for being the asshole that I had been during that time.
You stood by me many a night when I was in the deepest pits of despair, keeping me from doing something really stupid. I would ride off and it might be months but the bike would find its way back to your ranch. It was not until I had been clean and sober for a few years before you took my hand one night and lead me to your bed.
