Night Rides

I enjoy riding at night, in spite of bugs and periodic visibility issues.
I also enjoy riding with a passenger, especially a passenger who knows how to ride.
Night ride + Passenger who knows how to ride = Amazingly enjoyable.

I had just settled into bed, relaxing to the soothing sound of Andrea Bocelli in my earbuds as I began to drift off. Suddenly the lofty sounds of Dell'Amore Non Si Sa were interrupted by a text message. "I wish it wouldn't stop the music to play those notifications. Might as well check it."
"You busy?" she asked. No ma'am.
"I need a ride." Let me put some shoes on.


Five minutes later, I pull out of my driveway at 2335. I don't need to ask questions, I know that the request wouldn't have been made if it weren't necessary. Picked her up, filled the tank, and hit the road headed nowhere in particular, just enjoying the "cool" night air. (It was still in the lower 90's)

After 45 minutes we ended up sitting by the lake listening to the waves on the shore and enjoying the breezy moonlit night.I listened quietly and allowed her to vent her frustrations, I offered my 2 cents of advice, we talked about random things, had a laugh, and headed home.

I walked in the house at 0120 this morning, exhausted. Dropped into bed and didn't even bother with the music this time.
But I didn't mind, because $10 on the credit card and a couple hours of sleep is a small price to pay for the chance to be there for a friend when they need you.