When the Fairytale Ends Read Online Free PDF Page B

out of his pocket and glanced at the screen. It was a text message from his wife that only said two words— hurry up.
    â€œLook, that’s great,” he said, and pulled the helmet over his head, clasping it beneath his chin, “but I really need to get going. Good luck. I hope you find the helmet you’re looking for, and have a nice day. Be blessed.”
    Not too fond of her abrupt dismissal, her face turned sour, and she stepped away from him. “That was pretty disrespectful for a so-called minister.”
    Her words stopped him in his tracks. Disrespectful? If anyone was disrespectful, it was her and her unwanted advances. And who did she think she was, calling him a “so-called” minister? He wasn’t one of those types of church folk who only wore their titles while they were in the sanctuary. Christianity wasn’t religion to him; it was a way of life. Rather than take a jab back at her, Greg looked up at the cloud-filled sky and mentally put the situation in God’s hands.
    â€œIs that invitation to church still open?” she asked.
    He had half the mind to tell her no but instead nodded his head and said, “The invitation to God’s house is always open. Bring your sister too, if you can.”
    To his relief, she smacked her lips and turned and walked away with her back straight and her head held high. He figured she wasn’t used to getting rejected, and he understood why. She was a very attractive lady with an hourglass figure that women envied and men dreamed about. Greg noticed more than a handful of men at the dealership entranced by her spell, and though she added an extra twist to her curvaceous hips, he didn’t allow her cat walk to distract him any further.
    Pushing the disturbing encounter aside, he allowed himself to drink in the warm summer breezes and relished in the warmth of the bright sun beaming on his face, causing a moist layer to form on his forehead. He stared at his reflection in his bike— his bike—and noted the twinkles of delight that starred both eyes. It would be nice to see that same twinkling in his wife’s eyes when he showed Shania his bike.
    If nothing else, Shania had to admit that this bike was beautiful, absolutely gorgeous; and if the bike was human, she’d probably look about as attractive as Halle Berry. He snapped his fingers. That’s what he’d call her—Halle Berry, in honor of his beloved actress.
    Remembering Shania’s text, Greg decided not to postpone his departure a second longer. He threw one leg over the motorcycle as he shifted his weight onto the seat. He pulled his face guard in place and checked again to make sure his helmet was secured. A few more moments passed as he acquainted himself with the feel and the weight of the bike. Then he took a deep breath and slipped the key in the ignition. The low rumble and purr of the motorcycle sounded like a chorus of heavenly angels. The feel of this much power between his legs gave him a rush and made him feel like he was taming a beast. Once again, he was that seven-year-old boy in his pajamas, sitting atop his dad’s old bike, feeling like he was one step away from being on top of the world. He said a prayer for God to keep and cover him, then revved the engine and drove out of the dealership on his brand new-bike.
    As he darted into traffic, his heart thudded in his ears. A rush of adrenaline flooded his veins each time he shifted gears. With the wind whipping his body and bugs splattering on his windshield and face guard, he sped past the numerous vehicles traveling the interstate. His vision became acute as he noticed every passing car and truck. Greg felt alive. He had secretly rented bikes numerous times in the past, but nothing compared to owning one. Hopefully his wife and mother would respect his decision. Any repercussions would have to be dealt with later, but at that moment, nothing, or no one, could rob him of the joy