Ayisha arrived at the café and scanned the room, her eyes moving from table to table.
Then she spotted him.
Simon sat near the window, dressed neatly simple, clean, and unmistakably gentleman-like. She walked toward him, lips curving into a smile.
"You're well dressed," she said.
"Thanks, kid." Simon glanced at her from head to toe. "You don't like dresses, do you?"
She snorted. "Obviously. That's why I'm wearing a shirt and pants."
She pulled out the chair and sat across from him.
"I already ordered for us," he said.
"Okay, nice." She gave him a thumbs-up.
___________________________
They sipped their coffee in comfortable silence.
"So," Simon said, setting his cup down, "what's your favorite thing to do?"
Ayisha's eyes lit up. "Oh! Reading, writing, drawing, making paper stars, listening to music, watching shows, playing games, and chatting with an A.I."
Simon let out a deep chuckle. "You like a lot of things, kid."
"Of course," she said proudly. "I get bored easily. What about you, old man?"
"I'm not that old," he muttered before sighing. "I paint, listen to old music, watch movies, drive my motorcycle, and of course take pictures."
Ayisha laughed. "Wow. At first you sounded like a retired grandpa, then suddenly you became cool."
"You're nuts," Simon grumbled.
She grinned. "After this, can we ride your bike?"
He smirked over his cup. "Sure, kid."
"Yes!" Ayisha quickly finished her coffee, even though it burned her tongue. "Let's go now."
"Don't boss me around," Simon said, taking his last sip before standing. "Let's go."
Ayisha followed him outside, where his motorcycle was parked.
Her eyes widened.
It was a large black touring bike, sleek, powerful, intimidating.
"Is this really yours?" she asked, circling it. "This is so cool!"
Simon chuckled at her excitement.
"Let's ride it!" she said eagerly.
He climbed onto the bike, inserted the key, and reached for his helmet. Then he turned to her.
She placed her hands on his shoulders.
"I don't have an extra helmet, kid," he reminded her.
"It's fine, old man. Just start the engine."
Simon sighed, then removed his helmet and placed it on her head instead. "I don't feel like paying hospital bills for you."
He secured the strap and gave the helmet a light tap.
Simon twisted the key, the engine roaring to life. "Don't hold me there, idiot. Do you want to fall?"
"Then where am I supposed to hold?" she asked, rolling her eyes.
Without hesitation, he took her hand and placed it around his waist.
"Here. Hold me tight, kid."
Before she could respond, he stepped on the pedal and drove off.
The engine roared louder as they sped down the road, the wind rushing past them, the warm sunlight wrapping around their bodies.
Ayisha tightened her grip, laughter bubbling from her chest.
"Faster!"
Simon chuckled and accelerated, the corners of his lips lifting as he gave in. For a moment, he simply enjoyed it, the road, the speed, and the girl holding onto him like she belonged there.