Chapter 1 : A ride to my kind of paradise.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k5JuoAX9P
“Are you seriously doing this?” asked Ken with a very concerned face while arranging my toiletries in a pouch and helping me pack up.
I was rolling my clothes to fit in my duffel bag. I sighed and said, “it’s just a quick motorbike trip to the beach and besides it’s still in Queensland. It’s Australia, what can go wrong?” I wanted to sound so sure that I won’t get into trouble. Ken is like that since we were a kid, he was always in the safe zone, doing everything by the book, afraid to take risks. Even though our personalities are so different, we complement each other perfectly, like the universe has conspired for us to be best friends forever.
“A lot can go wrong in 5 hours Mace, I’m sorry I can’t go with you and I’ll miss out on this.” he looked so sad and worried. “Look, you’ve been very busy with residency and training, I can’t let you just leave and get a vacation with a risk of you getting into trouble. Wait for your break and I’ll accompany you, maybe we can rent a car and go further up north or see the islands. It’ll be fun! As for me, I’m an off-road biker back home, the roads here will be way too easy for me.”
*Ken’s POV*
”Again! She’s doing this again, we’re already near the beach but she’s still going to that surf town. Her risk appetite is too much for me to handle but what can I do, I’m this weak best friend whose role is to help her pack and make sure her mom doesn’t find out she’s travelling on her own on a motorbike.” He thought as he was checking her list of things to bring and itinerary.
Morning came.
*Alarm Rings*
This is it. Macy thought. Her first coastal road motorbike adventure. She opened her room and saw breakfast already on the table. Ken prepared a good sandwich meal for her as he went on early for duty in the hospital.
She ate her meal, showered and changed to her all leather biking outfit with complete gear helmets, jacket, gloves, knee & shin protection. She’s also stored a raincoat because who knows? With her E-starter off-road 500 CC bike that she rented she looked like she’s a pro, all black and shiny. She messaged Ken to say thanks for the breakfast and that she’s leaving. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw29If6dHjC
Loading her duffel bag on the back and strapping it secured, she started her journey. Driving to the maximum allowed speed of 90kph, she rode passed the bustling city to the coastline highway. The view was to die for! Good thing her helmet had a go-pro to document everything.
As the road curves back and forth, the spectacular views of misty mountains the small towns and the sea with its sandy beaches, and forests were just perfect. Five hours of driving from the city, she reached the small town of Ostberg. The town was quaint and nice. She arrive at half past 3 which means a lot of people are probably on the beach already surfing or busy with their day jobs in town or just enjoying the weekend. She parked in front of a small lodge by the sea called Pete and Marsel’s. This was her bed and breakfast place. She was greeted by a tall framed, muscular guy with that gold coast tan and a square beard that emphasized his hazel eyes. Hottie alertie! She thought.
“Wow, I didn’t expect a long haired, tall, skinny Asian girl would be underneath that black leather riding gear. Uhm, I meant that as a compliment okay?” he said.
My eyes rolled when I heard him say skinny. Might be the reason why he said that he meant it as a compliment.
“I get that a lot. Maybe you’re not used to seeing girls in their bikes. Are you the receptionist here?” I asked.
“Yes, for now. This is actually my uncles’ business, but they’re in the city for the weekend. Are you Mai Chalida Engchawadechasilp?” he asked having a hard time pronouncing my family name as everyone is Australia does.
“Yes, you can call me Macy too, that’s easier.”
“Right, Macy. Let me help you with your bags. You’re here for the weekend?” as he carried my duffel bag.
“No, for a week, I’m leaving next Saturday.”
We entered the lodge and it was really pretty and clean, very well maintained. If gives you that feeling of being in a cottage and on the beach at the same time.
“What brings you to town, for a week? Do you know someone here?” he asked curiously.
“No, not really, I just wanted to find a small town where I can have the option to chill and swim. I’m avoiding crowds too, so I went all the way up here. I know there aren’t much people which is really nice and it’s not as pricey as going all the way to exclusive resorts where you get the same sea anyway. Beside this place has a pool, a beach front and free breakfast. That’s all I need.” I explained. Apparently having weeklong guests with no business in town isn't quite common.
“Good one! Here’s your little haven for the week." As he opened my little room with the view of the ocean. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfggZrhVUYv
"Breakfast is at 6:30 and we close the gate at 9PM but if you arrive later than that, use this big key.” He gave me the key set for my room, the door at the gate.
“Thank you—“ I think I didn't get his name, I thought.
“Tyler.” He smiled.
“Okay. Thanks Tyler, it’s nice to meet you”
“Enjoy your stay here, Macy. Let me know if you need anyth—” Then my stomach grumbled like crazy. It’s embarrassing.
“Are you famished? That’s a loud growl” he laughed.
I smiled sheepishly and nodded.
“Let’s go down, I have toasts and some vegemite.” He offered.
I was to hungry to even say a word and just followed. He was cute, tall, nice and hospitable. As I followed him and observed his features, he’s ripped like he works out a lot. Probably surfs a lot too since it’s just in front of the cabin. Tyler, I thought. What a cute name that matches his looks and personality. But maybe he’s just cute because of their business. I saw a picture of 2 old guys in a frame, they looked like they’re in their late 40s or early 50s. I paused to stare at their lovely faces and smiles.
“Those are my uncles Pete and Marsel. This lodge is their baby.” he commented noticing that I stopped a bit and stared at the picture.
What a nice couple and a nice lodge. They're living a happy life here. I suppose.
He stood by the kitchen counter and placed the sandwich in the toaster and pulled out the vegemite from the cupboard.
“Do you have peanut butter?” I politely asked.
He was clearly surprised at the question.
“Vegemite and peanut butter?”
“Why not?” I tried to defend myself from his judgmental look.
“It’s like American peanut butter and jelly”
“Sorry mate, that sounds so weird but we do have some in the fridge. Let me get it for you.”
“It’s okay, I am weird and I know it.” Smiling as he chuckled when I agreed at him.
*Ding* the toaster sounded and he pulled out the toasts to put some vegemite on one while I opened the peanut butter and spread it on the other toast. I put them together and grabbed a big bite. He was still smiling at me. I felt conscious and in some ways melting inside. It was such a cute smile.
“You rode a motorbike to a small town and spend a week here without knowing anyone and now you’re in the kitchen eating for what in the world I think of as a weird combination of vegemite and peanut butter toast. Would you like some orange juice with that?”
I was busy chewing so I just nodded. I was about to laugh at his long rant of what he already knows about me. I swallowed my food and replied,
“You have a lot to say for someone who you just met.”
“I can see you have a lot of personality and that’s cute.”
I blushed, I think.
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