I was riding my bike on the beach path in Huntington Beach, on my way to my friend's 18th birthday party bonfire. The bonfire was actually in Seal Beach, one city up, so it was a solid hour long bike ride. I didn't mind though. I loved riding my bike, especially with the beautiful beach view and moist, salty wind in my hair.
I was wearing my new favorite dress. It was grey cotton with a tie dye pattern and it was quite short. I had young perky breasts that were on the bigger side, and my cleavage was visible as I struggled on an uphill section of the path. My front tire was quite flat, but I was fighting it, not wanting to walk or drive to the bonfire. There was a man biking toward me, looking at me with concern on his face. Before I passed him, he asked me if I wanted my tire pumped up, as he had a pump with him. He was older, maybe 45 years old to my 18, and he wasn't bad looking. He had grey hair, but his face was nice enough and he had a large build, which I really liked in men. He seemed sweet and thoughtful. I happily said yes.
We pulled off to the side and he pulled out his nifty portable pump and pumped up my tire. I quietly waited, not sure how to make conversation. He started, "Where ya headed to?"
"Oh, my friends bonfire. It's up in seal beach." I motioned up north.
"That's a long ride! Good thing you ran into me. You looked like you were struggling up that hill when I saw you." He looked at me concerned again.
I smiled. "It was uncomfortable." I was wondering what he was thinking. He was done pumping my tire and now we were just talking. I didn't get a lot of male attention from boys my age. I think they didn't like my freckles and red hair, or maybe I came across as stuck up, but I was quite attractive. I had a perfect body, slightly pump with a small waist and attractive facial features. Teal eyes, small nose, and a small round mouth, all surrounded by luscious long red curly hair.
"Do you mind if we ride together? Just for some company." He asked me. I knew he wasn't heading that way though, because he was going opposite me when I first saw him.
A bit surprised, but not unhappy, I said yes.
He smiled and we both got on our bikes and headed north.
"I'm peter."
"Amy"
"So are you in school?" He smiled at me.
"Yeah, I'm a senior."
"Oh...do you like being in high school?"
"Umm...it's ok, I guess."
"Are you unhappy?" He looked concerned again.
"Well, kind of. I get really sad sometimes."
"Why? You're so beautiful!" He looked at my thighs, revealed by the wind. I saw him look, but kind of liked it.
I blushed and turned forward, "Well...thank you, but I get pretty bad grades and I feel like I'm dumb or something."
He shook his head, "No, you are a very articulate young lady. I know dumb when I see it and you are far from dumb." I saw him look at my bottom. Again, I liked it, but didn't want to show him that. He's older and I didn't know how cautious I should be.
"So what do you do?" I asked.
He looked happy to answer, "I'm a marine biologist. Me and my team have been going out on the water to check on the jellyfish population the past few weeks."
I beamed, "Oh wow! I love sea animals. That sounds so cool! You must love your job." I felt even more flattered that a scientist was showing interest in me.
"I think we're coming up on the bonfire, yes it's right up here." I came to a stop. Peter stopped too. He looked hesitant before pulling out a business card. "I enjoyed your company, Amy. If you ever want to talk about school or anything else, just give me a call. I'm happy to talk."
I took the card, "I enjoyed your company too. Thank you Peter." I couldn't help but blush when he smiled sweetly at me.
"Bye Amy. Hope to hear from you."
I nodded as he biked off.
I knew he was too old for me, but I put the card in my purse, just in case.
I enjoyed the party, but didn't tell my friends about Peter. I knew they would just tell me he was too old and a predator or something. I didn't need that, I just wanted to have a good time.
About a week later on a Saturday evening, I was having dinner with my parents and we got in a big fight about my grades. My mom was a math teacher and she was so confused that I was doing so poorly when she always helped me. I could tell that was a roundabout way of saying I must be really dumb. I felt so awful. I lashed out and said, "I'm going for a bike ride." They didn't disagree and let me go.
I started toward the beach path and it made me think of Peter. I could really use someone to talk to. Someone who likes me and doesn't think I'm dumb. I pulled to the side of the path and fished out the business card he gave me. I hesitated before calling the number. I don't know what I was so afraid of. That he would hurt me? Maybe. But I called him. He answered, not recognizing my number.
"Hi, this is Peter."
"Peter? Umm, it's Amy."
"Amy..." He paused. "It's good to hear from you. Is everything ok?"
"Not really, I just got in the worst fight with my parents about my grades. I can tell my mom thinks I'm dumb. It feels awful." I choked up a little bit.
"Shh...it's ok. Remember, you are not dumb and I don't think your mom thinks so either. She's just worried about you, I'm sure." He was being so sweet and I wanted to see him.
"Peter, I just feel lonely right now. I want to see you."
He paused again. "You can come to my place, if you want. It's on PCH and golden west."
"Wow you live across from the beach?" I gasped in disbelief.
"Yes."
"Is it the house right on the corner?"
"Yes, that's me. Are you near?"
"Yeah, I should be about 15 minutes. And thanks Peter."
"Of course, Amy, anytime you need me."
I started to feel better as I headed toward Peter's house. I was excited to see one of the houses I'd only fantasized about entering. He must be loaded.
I came upon the house and took my bike along with me up to the front door. I rang the doorbell. As I waited for him to answer it, I appraised my outfit. I was wearing a pink spaghetti strap and short blue ruffle skirt. I always dressed a bit suggestively. When Peter answered the door, he smiled at me, "Wow! You look beautiful."
I smiled bashfully and blushed. I really liked when he said that. He could tell I'd been crying and asked, "Are you still upset?"
"Kind of, but I'm glad to be here with you." I gave him a hug. He seemed surprised but lightly put his arms around me and patted my back saying, "I'm glad you're here with me, too. I want you to feel better. Let's go inside. Here, let me get your bike." I entered the home and he pulled my bike in, leaving it in the entryway as he closed the door.
It was a beautiful entryway. The light from the sunset made its way in and looked beautiful on the beige walls and green plants by the window. I stood there unmoving, suddenly feeling apprehensive. I was raised to not trust strange men and here I was in one's house. We were completely alone and I didn't tell anyone about him.
"Peter, can I trust you?" I asked nervously, slowly looking up at him, trying to read his face.
He seemed to understand why I would ask that. "I promise, Amy. I could never hurt you. I just want to help you."
"Ok, I trust you." I smiled up at him.
"Can I get you something to drink? Soda, tea, coffee?"
"Tea, please."
I stood beside him as he waited for the water to boil. He then poured the hot water in a cute yellow mug with a 'super irish' black tea bag inside. "Irish tea for an irish girl." He said chuckling. He handed me my cup and I took a sip. "Hmm, thank you."