Unexpected Adventures

by Laura M. Baird

  ****

  After showering and a quick breakfast, we return the rental car. We only have to wait a few minutes before a black Cadillac Escalade pulls into the parking lot. The doors open simultaneously, and it’s like witnessing a slow-motion scene from a Hollywood movie. Two of the most gorgeous people I’ve ever seen emerge, and their brilliant smiles and waves are perfectly in sync.

  Drake and Rachel.

  “Are they for real?” I murmur.

  “Oh, yeah.” Shaun chuckles. “Quite the pair, aren’t they?” He leads me toward the couple and I feel like a star-struck fool.

  Drake is a good foot taller than his wife with the broadest shoulders I think I’ve ever seen. And he’s all muscle, as is clearly noted since he’s wearing only khaki shorts and an Oxygen Paragliding polo that’s stretched to its limits. His black hair is neatly cropped and his face sports a well-groomed mustache and soul patch. Rachel’s hair is black also, cascading down her back and around her shoulders as burgundy highlights dance through it while she moves. She’s beautifully encased in snug jeans and a sequined tank. Her confidence is apparent as she strides toward us, taking her husband’s hand in hers as they round the front of their vehicle.

  “Hey, Shaun,” Drake calls out. Once in front of us, Shaun introduces me to them.

  “So nice to meet you,” I say.

  “Likewise,” Rachel says. “It’s a rarity we get to meet a female friend of Shaun’s.” She winks at him.

  I raise my eyebrows and look to Shaun, seeing him playfully roll his eyes.

  “That’s because our buddy has been in a bit of a dry spell,” Drake adds. “And I can see what’s quenching his thirst.”

  Again, I raise my eyebrows, clearly caught off-guard by his … compliment?

  Shaun chuckles while Rachel swats at Drake’s chest. “You rogue, behave yourself.” She then turns to me. “Don’t mind him, he’s the biggest flirt. I’ll try to keep him in line.”

  “That’ll be the day,” Shaun adds. “Thanks for meeting us.”

  “No problem, buddy. The Escalade is loaded with the supplies, so whenever you’re ready, we can head out.”

  “Supplies? Supplies for what?”

  “So,” Rachel begins, flashing a smile our way. “Shaun’s kept our outing a secret?”

  “Yes. Not one hint.”

  “Uh, excuse me,” Shaun starts, “but I do believe I said you’ll experience the best high of your life.”

  “Oh, yes, he did indeed. Like that’s much to go on.” I playfully roll my eyes.

  “That says it all,” Drake supplies with a hearty laugh.

  “Don’t worry, Abby,” Rachel says. “It’s going to be a great day.” She beckons with her head, telling Drake, “You ride with Shaun while Abby and I get to know one another better.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Drake says before giving Rachel a kiss and a swat on her rear.

  Shaun gives me a quick kiss before he and Drake head for the Cruiser. Rachel steps to me, looping her arm around mine and escorting me to her Cadillac.

  We settle in and make our way out of the parking lot, eventually heading toward the coast. Still a little awe-struck, I sit silently, waiting for her to initiate any conversation.

  “I’m not going to grill you, if that’s what you think.” She chuckles.

  “Oh, no, I wasn’t thinking that. I was thinking, what in the world is there for me to say to this beautiful, sophisticated woman because I must seem like a simpleton compared to you.”

  Rachel lets loose the most uninhibited laugh, immediately relaxing me.

  “Oh, Abby, I am going to like you. And thank you for the undeserved compliment.”

  “No, really, you are a beautiful woman. And you and Drake look so perfect together.”

  “The right man will do that for you.” She looks at me briefly before concentrating back on the road. “I wasn’t always so well put-together. And I certainly don’t think of myself as a sophisticated woman. Now, when I look at you, I think quiet sophistication.”

  “Really?” I can’t imagine that’s the image I portray, sitting in my comfortable jean shorts and fitted top, along with my customary athletic shoes. Minimal make-up and carelessly brushed hair complete my look.

  “Really. You’re a beautiful woman too, Abby. You don’t seem flighty or garish.”

  Rachel can’t see my puzzled look as she concentrates on driving. “Is that the kind of women Shaun’s been associating with before me?”

  “Oh no, not at all.” She shakes her head. “In fact, you’re the first woman Shaun’s been associating with for some time.”

  “Really?” I ask again.

  “Really,” Rachel replies with a laugh. “Don’t get me wrong, there have been plenty of ladies who’ve tried attracting Shaun’s attention. The flighty, garish, he’s-so-cute-I-could-just-gush-over-him type.”

  I can’t help but giggle, and Rachel joins me. “But Shaun has been so focused on his work and certifications, he’s forgotten how to let loose and have fun. Until now, that is.” She flashes me a smile.

  I smile in return, and am truly giddy inside to hear this.

  “When he called last night and Drake filled me in on his plans for you today, I knew you were different.”

  “That’s very flattering.”

  “So, Abby, let’s tell each other our secrets.”

  I giggle again, because, really, I am a little girl, and I feel so comfortable with Rachel I truly look forward to calling her a friend.

  We tell each other about ourselves, our work, our families, and I learn that Drake is Rachel’s world. She was put up for adoption as a baby, and her adoptive parents—who were once her entire world and childless before her—were tragically killed several years ago in a freak boating accident. But she wouldn’t hear of me telling her how sorry I was.

  After their passing, she fell into such a pit of depression she stopped caring about anything. And after a chance meeting with Drake, he pulled her out of that pit and showed her a life worth living. The vulnerability and despair she spoke of, followed by utter happiness and bliss was humbling.

  “I think I’m going to cry. I feel so silly thinking it’s like a fairy tale story.” I sniffle as I notice Rachel swiping at her own eyes.

  “Believe me, it is. I feel like the luckiest woman alive, and I count my blessings every day.” After a few more sniffles of her own, she continues. “Okay, that’s the only weak moment you’ll see from me.” She grins.

  “Thank you for sharing, Rachel. It couldn’t have been easy, especially with a stranger.”

  “You’re a stranger no more. And I look forward to becoming your friend.”

  “Thank you. Me too.”

  “Looks like we’re here,” she says, pulling off the road and stopping at a wide spot.

  I notice a sign that says Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and as we exit the vehicle, I can hear the ocean waves out over the bluffs in front of us.

  Shaun and Drake exit the SUV and begin unloading supplies from the back of Rachel’s vehicle. As Rachel and I make our way around back, it’s clearly evident what is planned. Large bags, all labeled OP—Oxygen Paragliding—are set out in rows. My eyes widen a bit and Rachel leans in close to whisper. “Don’t worry, you’re going to love it. And you couldn’t be in better hands.”

  I notice another vehicle pulling in and two more men exit. Rachel informs me they’re also from OP and are here to assist in the riggings. “Once one couple is all set, the other will need help getting themselves set up.”

  “Got it,” I say shakily. We reach the guys and Shaun stands, embracing me.

  “Ready for that all-time high I was telling you about?” He pulls me in for a noisy kiss.

  “That better not be our last kiss, because if I go splat and that’s all I have to take with me to Heaven, I’m going to be really upset.”

  “Hey, stop. You’re going to love this.”

  Drake chimes in, surprising me with his words. “I’ll make your
first time memorable.” He sends a wink my way. I give Shaun a startled look, wondering why I’m going up with Drake and not him. Just as Shaun begins to answer, Drake chimes in again. “You can’t have your first time with this guy,” he gestures with his thumb in Shaun’s direction. “The guy you like and want to respect you. No, ma’am. But you can let loose and scream like a baby with me. That way, you won’t have to embarrass yourself with him and never live it down.”

  “But…” I weakly begin to protest just as Rachel is admonishing her husband.

  “I made him a deal,” Shaun says. “You go up first with him, then you can really relax and enjoy on your second go ‘round with me. Besides, it’s the only way I could convince him to let me borrow the motorcycle with the side car.”

  Shaun must sense my hesitation because he reassures me that I couldn’t be in better hands. “Drake taught me everything he knows, and he knows what he’s doing.”

  “Well, not everything, buddy,” Drake adds. “Some things you gotta learn as you go.” Again with the roguish grin.

  “Drake, you are incorrigible!” Rachel says, leaning down to help him with the gear. “Don’t worry, Abby, as much as he likes to tease, you can trust my husband.”

  Only slightly more convinced, am I. And suddenly I’m Yoda.

  Relax and enjoy, you will.

  I’m given a jumpsuit to put on as I see Drake donning his. Rachel hands me an elastic band to bind my hair in a hasty braid, as I see she’s done with hers. We get geared up and strapped to the chute one of the guys is spreading out and holding on to so we don’t get swept away prematurely.

  I’m positioned in front of Drake and Shaun sees to my security. He sends me off with a good lip lock.

  “Okay, okay, you can resume that when we’re back on the ground. Outta the way, pretty boy,” Drake jokes. “Abby, when I tell you to, you start running like the Hounds of Hell are on your heels. Okay?”

  “Oh, okay.” We’re positioned parallel with the cliffs.

  “And then I’ll tell you to turn, so be ready. Here we go. Now, run!”

  I take off, and my heartbeat is deafening, drowning out Drake’s stomping behind me. How am I going to hear anything he says?

  “Now, run right! Turn right!”

  Off the cliff? What. The. Heck?

  But I have no choice as Drake is heading that way, propelling me forward. I run as hard as my legs will carry me and squeeze my eyes shut. Before I know it, we hit open air, my feet pedaling as if I’m on an invisible bike. We drop only slightly as the wind catches the chute and I feel the resistance keeping us afloat.

  “You can open your eyes now. It’s a spectacular sight!” Drake says, not even yelling, as I can hear him plain as day.

  I pry my eyes open and see nothing but water in front of us. The glare from the sun should be blinding, but the goggles I have on help with that. It is indeed a spectacular sight, and I feel the cool air rushing past us, whistling in my ears. I feel almost weightless, suspended in the harness being expertly guided by Drake.

  “How ya doing, Abbs?”

  Hearing that endearment only Denise uses instantly warms me and makes me feel at ease. I can actually let loose and enjoy myself.

  “Wonderful!”

  He laughs. “See. What’d I tell ya?”

  “And I didn’t even scream like a baby.” I laugh along with him, never having felt more free.

  After a few more moments, Drake motions off to our left and I see Shaun and Rachel not far from us, grinning like crazy. I wave to them like crazy in return. We’re sure to keep a safe distance, not wanting some crazy wind to catch us off guard and tangle us together.

  I don’t know how long we stay up as I’m too caught up in the wonder of it all. I watch gulls fly below us, and I even catch a glimpse of some pelicans diving for fish. Way off in the distance, I can make out surfers and beach-goers.

  If Denise and Sylvia could see me now!

  The feeling of euphoria is almost comparable to great sex. Almost. I’d say it’s a close second as I free my mind of worries and succumb to the enjoyment of it all.

  All too soon I realize our flight time is up when I hear Drake ask, “Ready for touch down?”

  “No, but yes,” I respond, earning me a laugh.

  “Get ready to start pedaling again,” he says. “I’m going to bring us in as softly as I can.”

  “Okay.”

  We approach the bluffs again, close to where we parked. Drake angles us toward a flat stretch of ground. As he hovers close, I get my legs pumping, ready to hit the surface. One of the others is running along with us, I assume ready to snag our chute as we make a perfect landing. My adrenaline is peaked.

  “That was so wonderful! Thank you, Drake!”

  Once we stop, Drake starts unfastening his gear before working on mine. “You’re so welcome. And welcome to the club, Abby.”

  “The club?”

  “The adrenaline club… One look at your face and I can tell that you’re hooked.”

  I smile broadly. “And you’d be so right! I think my heart is going to beat out of my chest, and I can’t wait to do it again!”

  “Only next time, my man Shaun will do the honors.”

  “Yes,” I respond, a bit breathy.

  As I help in any way I can, I notice Shaun and Rachel making their descent. Once down, they go through the same routine of getting out of their gear. I run over to Shaun and launch myself into his arms.

  He catches me, laughing. “I take it you enjoyed that.”

  “I most certainly did! And I can’t wait to do it again,” I repeat.

  He kisses me deeply. “I’m so glad, Abby. I can’t wait to take you up and enjoy it with you.”

  “By the way you’re beaming, I’d say you liked it,” Rachel says as she and Drake approach.

  “It was wonderful,” I answer, lowering myself out of Shaun’s arms.

  “So,” Shaun says. “How ‘bout lunch?”

  “We’d love to,” Rachel answers. “Drake and I will take care of returning the gear and we’ll meet you at Players Sports Grill, at the end of Pier 39. It’s early enough in the day so we should be able to get in, then hang out around the piers.”

  “That sounds great!” I exclaim.

  “We’ll see ya there,” Rachel says.

  We separate to the vehicles and head into the city.

  ****

  The remainder of the afternoon and night is filled with good food, great company, and spectacular memories. Stepping out of my comfort zone has never been more rewarding, with new friends and exhilarating experiences. It’s all been terrific. And watching this relationship between me and Shaun grow… well, that is beyond terrific.

  ****

  Two weeks later, our lives pretty much have gone back to our routine of work and helping Sylvia and Millie prepare for their move.

  And, oh yeah, Shaun and I moving in together.

  After a heart-to-heart the night of my first paragliding excitement, he answered my question about whether he was thinking beyond tomorrow, telling me he was thinking about all our tomorrows.

  “I want to spend every one of my tomorrows with you, Abby. I want to hear your laughter and goofy ramblings. I want to share your sorrows and make sure they pale compared to your joys. I want to see you triumph in everything you attempt, because life is waiting for us. Together.”

  “Oh, Shaun. And I want feel your arms around me every morning I wake. I want to see your bright smile, knowing it’s for me. I want to make sure we have nothing but awesomeness in our adventures because you’ve given me the courage to go beyond what I thought I was capable of. To open my heart to this wonderful feeling, knowing we are in this together.”

  He’d laughed at that. “It kinda sounds like we just exchanged wedding vows.”

  “One step at a time.” I had climbed onto his lap, not even a little freaked out about where his train of thought had gone.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Shaun, are you
ready?” I call from the kitchen, finishing my diet soda. Yeah, yeah, even those aren’t good for you, with the acid and all, but a girl’s gotta get her caffeine from time to time, and I’m really not a coffee person. I have, however, learned over the last few weeks that Shaun most certainly is a coffee person.

  So I gave up my apartment. Made sense for me to give it up early, since most of my time was spent at Shaun’s place anyway. And the landlord had a waiting list for renters, so it wasn’t like I was leaving him in the lurch.

  Denise made a surprise offer to bring Shaun’s car back for him once it was repaired, with Jim following in his vehicle. They made a quick turnaround, promising to revisit at the holidays.

  She still had yet to inform our parents of their relationship, and I couldn’t get an answer from her as to why. I however, was ecstatic about them meeting my man.

  We paid a visit to my Mom and Dad over a weekend, and although they were surprised at the intensity of our relationship, they quickly fell in love with him and were extremely happy for us. My parents live in Tiburon, just over the Golden Gate Bridge, in their home of nearly thirty-five years. The four of us enjoyed a day of hiking around Angel Island State Park, as well as checking out the local farmer’s market. We talked about upcoming holiday plans, because even though they seemed far away, they’d be here before we knew it.

  Mom informed me Beckham and Claire were planning a trip home, and I was thrilled. They moved to New York four years ago and hadn’t been back since.

  Later I would learn they had some dispute with a big-time producer of a Broadway show, and he made it clear they’d be lucky to get work as theater janitors. Those two, I swear.

  Shaun hustled into the kitchen, grabbing the cup of coffee I had waiting for him. Today was moving day for Sylvia and we were surprising her with that motorcycle ride. Millie had vacated her place a few days ago and was awaiting Sylvia’s arrival. After discussing our plans with her son, Richard, he was just as eager as we were to see her excitement.

  At least we hope she’ll be excited.

  “Thanks for the coffee, babe. I’m ready,” Shaun says.

  We head outside, ready to go. I give Shaun a kiss and tell him I love him while he straddles the bike before I get into the Jeep. Oh, right, yeah, so Shaun sold his car and bought a Jeep Rubicon, saying it’d serve us better for our adventures.