It was close to 1:00 PM and I was getting hungry. I had been on the road since early morning, but after four hours I knew I needed to take a break. I was pushing myself to get away quickly and start something new and now that I was away from Portland I could start to enjoying the rest of my journey. I was glad I had opted for the local highways, because it gave me an opportunity to see the country. The bike was running great and it was nice to have no time limit or place I had to be. I was heading south for no special reason, it just seemed like the direction I should go.
I came to a small Southern Oregon town glad to see there were no McDonalds or other fast food joints. Up on the right was a rustic looking café that I liked the look of, so I slowed and pulled in to the small parking lot where I found a parking spot close to the entrance. I backed in, turned the bike off and put down the kickstand. As I pulled off my helmet I noticed a young lady sitting on a bench, reading. I got off the bike, put my helmet on the mirror and unzipped my leather jacket, stretching my back, getting a better look at her. I gauged her to be in her early to mid-twenties. She was dressed in a white t-shirt, blue jeans and dark red cowboy boots, which almost matched her shoulder length red hair. While I was getting off my gloves I noticed her casually play with the end of her hair as she concentrated on her book. There was a suitcase by her feet with what looked like a black leather motorcycle jacket tossed on top of it. There was also a backpack on the bench next to her. I tried hard not to be obvious, but I was unable to stop myself from checking her out. There was something so enjoyable about watching her read her book, how she unknowingly stuck the tip of her tongue out of the corner of her mouth as she concentrated. She looked up and smiled. I couldn't help but smile back and say, "Hi." Looking at her, I was reminded of a line from a Richard Thompson song, "Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme." I thought better of rubbing my tired ass in front of the lady so after stowing my gloves, I walked up the steps to the café, our eyes met, her eyes were green as the fresh grass in a meadow. They sparkled with intelligence and playfulness, I couldn't help but smile back.
"Nice bike. A Harley Sportster," she stated confidently.
"A lady that knows motorcycles, I'm impressed," I smiled down at her, "How's the food here?"
"It's good, my Aunt Betty runs the place. Try the breakfast special, it's my favorite." She broke eye contact with a slight smile along her lips, returning to her book, as I thanked her. I went inside, sat at the counter and ordered the breakfast special, even though it was early afternoon. She was right it was delicious, with home made hash browns and onions, a fluffy cheese, mushroom and bacon omelet with a cup of the best restaurant coffee I've ever had. I complimented the waitress, leaving her a nice tip and ordered a coffee to go. I paid and told the attractive, heavy set, older woman, who I took to be Aunt Betty, how much I liked the food. She smiled warmly and thanked me. We chatted briefly about my trip. I thanked her again and walked outside.
The young woman was still sitting on the bench, "Your ride late?"
"No, the bus to Reno broke down." I do not know when it'll get here.
"Mind if I sit here?" I looked down at the empty spot on the far end of the bench.
"No, go ahead. The bike might be more comfortable on your butt, though." She tossed out the quip so naturally, I couldn't help but chuckle. She didn't change expression at all, flipping to the next page of her book.