Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
The worry line in Rider’s forehead deepened as he squished his lips around, as if he was warring with himself. Finally, he let out a sigh and reached into a small cabinet bringing the small box, along with my lighter, out to me.
“You really don’t like these things, do you?” I asked, smacking the pack against my palm.
“They can harm you,” he answered simply.
I was touched by his concern, but it wasn’t something that I could just walk away from. My body was growing itchy, in need of its nicotine fix. But I didn’t want to stay in Rider’s face, so I asked, “How do I get outside?”
He pointed with the spatula, and I followed the direction through his home, which was illuminated by a few lanterns hanging on the walls, and out a large wooden door.
Even though the walls and flooring inside were made of stone, I was still surprised to see that I stepped out into the mouth of a cavern. There were two other doors next to me, and I wondered if Rider’s friends lived close by.
I lit the end of my cigarette and put the lighter back into my pocket before walking out from under the rock overhang to a flat area in the open air. It was still dark outside, the black sky speckled with twinkling stars. I’d arrived at the club in the early evening, so I must not have slept as long as I thought.
The night air was chilly, and the view below me was beautiful; I looked down upon a wide-stretching forest. Fresh green leaves swayed in a gentle breeze, and the newly bloomed spring flowers gave pops of color to the area. The sight gave me a sense of serenity that warmed me to my core.
I took the last draw of my cigarette before squatting and extinguishing the embers on the rock. I stuck the filter in my pocket, not wanting to leave any trash behind, and re-entered Rider’s place.
When I stepped into his kitchen, I found him placing two plates, each one holding a tasty-looking burger, onto a small table. He pulled a chair out from beneath it and motioned for me to sit. When I did, he scooted me up to the tabletop before joining me on the opposite side.
I grabbed the burger and brought it to my lips before remembering my manners. “Thanks for the food.”
“Of course.” Rider watched me expectantly, so I took a bite of the savory meat. He smiled when I hummed my approval, and then chomped off a large chunk of his own.
“So, how long have you lived in a cave?” I asked around a mouthful.
Rider tipped his head left to right. “About fifteen years now.”
“Cool. So, um…why do you live in a cave?”
He huffed a laugh, making his hazel eyes sparkle. "I've never been a big fan of the city. I prefer quiet nights in nature, so what’s better than living in nature?”
I nodded my agreement. “The area is beautiful, and I’m not much for city living either. Honestly, I think I’d rather live in a cave than my noisy apartment.” Rider’s eyes flickered with an expression I couldn’t read, but I ignored it to ask, “How does the plumbing work here?” It was silly, but I couldn’t shake it from my mind.
“That took some doing. I ran pipes through the rock to a natural spring that’s set deep within the cave. I built a pump and it provides me with all the water I need.”
“You did it all yourself? That’s impressive.”
“Thank you,” he replied with another heartstopping smile.
“So why no electricity?”
He shrugged and explained, “I’ve never had use for it. The stone keeps the temperature even all year long, and there’s plenty of natural light during the day through the windows I’ve put in, and even though I can see well in the dark, the fire adds a nice touch at night.”
“You don’t get bored without TV or internet?”
“Nah. I’d much rather spend an evening with a good book or hiking.”
“I used to read a lot.”
“Used to?” Rider asked, tipping his head.
I picked at the bun on my cheeseburger and shrugged. “I guess I don’t have time with work and stuff.” It wasn’t the full truth.
“What do you do for work?”
“I’m a dishwasher at a Chinese restaurant downtown.”
“Do you enjoy it?”
“Hell no, but it pays the bills.” Rider gave me a tight smile and I asked, “What do you do?”
“My friends and I make and sell a type of alcoholic drink called Dew Drop.”
“Well that’s cool,” I replied with an impressed nod. “So is that why you were at the club? To oversee sales?”
“Actually, Rowdy dragged me there.” I nodded again. I hadn’t met Rowdy long, but I saw enough of his personality to believe it. “What about you? Do you go clubbing a lot?”