Jake slipped out from under the white sheets. It wasn’t difficult because Emma had tugged most of the queen sized linens to her side of the bed throughout the night. Once free he set about his morning routine consisting of a cup of coffee and a banana and peanut butter sandwich. He had just sat down at his computer when his phone buzzed violently on the wooden surface. Jake snatched it up before it could make any more noise and possibly wake Emma.
“Hello?” He answered as quietly as he could.
“Hey Jake. It’s Randy. I have a favor to ask.”
“Not surprising, but you do realize that it is barely six in the morning?” Jake responded, his eyes and ears focused on the hallway for any movement or sound.
“Yea. That’s the thing. I kinda got myself into a bind last night.” Before Randy could continue Jake finished his thought for him.”
“You met a girl, went back to her place and now need me to pick you up and give you a ride back to your motorcycle?” Jake could hear Randy nod in the silence. “Whats the address?”
“You are the best Jake. I will see you soon.” Jake tapped the end call button on his phone without responding. As he went to put the phone back down it buzzed again. Randy had sent him an image of two street signs, Wesminister and Cloud. He would wait a few and then go pick him up. Jake refocused his attention at his computer and filtered through his emails. He typed out some quick responses to the urgent ones and then shut the monitor off to save his friend from another awkward one night stand morning interview.
The drive took just under a half hour with the fortune of deserted weekend streets and green lights. Jake parked just shy of the intersection and looked around. Randy was nowhere in sight. Jake cursed under his breath. Randy had always been a flake. How could he let himself believe after fifteen years of friendship anything would be different. He thought about loosing contact with him. Not answering his calls as often, letting them dwindle till eventually he only heard from him on birthdays and holidays. Maybe, if he was lucky, Randy wouldn’t even call on those special days.
Another possibility was to purchase a new phone and accidentally request a new number. Then accidentally not give it to him. He wouldn’t be able to call, if he didn’t know the number. As quickly as the thoughts came into his mind, he knew they wouldn’t work. Randy was the type of guy to swing by the house unexpected and rifle through the refrigerator. Once he found something to satisfy his taste buds, he would toss in a movie and plant himself on the couch.
There were two things that would get him onto his feet, a late night message requiring his specific company between the sheets, and a drunk brunette with glasses at the local bar. It couldn’t be a blonde with glasses, it had to be a brunette. He swore they were better under the covers, more of a challenge to get there, but worth the effort.
Jake wondered if the girl he ditched this morning was a blonde or a brunette. Either way it didn’t matter to him. He had Emma. A quick glance at his watch told him that he needed to get home soon. So he dropped the gear into drive and began to pull away from the curb, but as he did Randy banged on his door. Jake unlocked the doors and Randy few into the car, slamming the door behind him.
Randy was breathing hard and sweat was pouring down his face. It looked as if he was running away from someone. Jake checked his mirrors but he couldn’t see anything.
“Drive.” Randy managed to get out between ragged breaths. He looked over his shoulder as Jake drove away.
Mile 29 