They left the shops and walked toward downtown Coronado. Older couples strolled by the beach, and children were building sandcastles. Coronado had such a different vibe than La Jolla. Coronado was one of the last amazing small towns in America. Between the Navy SEAL base, miles of beach, and the famous Fourth of July parade, living in Coronado was idyllic. It would be a great place to raise children.
Why was he thinking about children? He blamed his errant musings on the little boy with long, dark bangs in front of him clutching his ice cream cone.
Ramón and Julieta strolled down the street hand in hand window-shopping. She stopped to read the menu at the Henry as he rubbed her back. They passed by Bay Books, and an ice cream store, and finally arrived at Holland’s Bicycles. Ramón had a mountain bike and an electric bike back at his house, but he’d never owned a beach cruiser. It seemed kind of touristy but would be a fun way to spend the day.
Julieta stood in front of a bike in the corner of the store, her eyes wide. “Oh my God, Ramón. Look at this bike!”
Ramón’s mouth dropped.
A Día de los Muertos bike. It was a gorgeous Electra beach cruiser that was painted with colorful sugar skulls and had bright green-and-white wall tires. It couldn’t be more perfect for Julieta.
She looked at the price tag and grimaced. “Oh, but it’s almost a thousand dollars. I could never afford that.”
But Ramón could. He really wanted to make her happy.
“It’s a beautiful bike. Let me buy it for you.”
Julieta shook her head no. “Nope. No way. That’s ridiculous.”
Ramón smirked.
She blushed, which Ramón found adorable. She pulled his arm. “I’m serious. I wouldn’t feel comfortable.”
“Do you own a bike?”
She shook her head. “I did, but it got stolen.”
“You should have a bike.”
“Ramón, seriously. We can just rent a bike.”
“Consider it a gift. You will never see this bike again, and you will regret it.”
He signaled the attendant, who was kneeling and pumping up a tire. “I’d like to purchase the bike.”
The blond young man stood up and walked over to the register. “Right on, man. I love this bike.”
Ramón picked for himself a beach cruiser in a Hawaiian tiki pattern, slapped his credit card down, and bought the bikes.
Julieta stood there with a shocked look on her face. Eventually, she kissed him. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Let’s just have a good time.”
They climbed on their bikes, and off they went.
Coronado was the most beautiful island, with the view of both the ocean and the bay. The historic homes included grand colonials, Spanish casas draped in bougainvillea, and classic Craftsmen. They headed on the path near the lush tree-lined streets. They passed American flags and ice cream trucks and finally made it to the golf course. Julieta pedaled slowly, her eyes constantly glancing up at the towering buildings across the water.
They rode around the bay and stopped at the ferry landing to get ice cream.
“Let’s lock our bikes and go inside.”
Julieta laughed. “You can get the ice cream; I’ll stay here. I’m not leaving my bike alone—it’s worth more than my car.”
Ramón let out an uncomfortable laugh. Was her car safe if itwasn’t worth a grand? Was it mechanically sound? He’d have to ask to see it. He didn’t want her in danger.
“Ramón? Are you okay?”
“Sorry. Just thinking.” He shook his head. He should be in the now—that was what time spent with Julieta was all about. “Okay, what flavor do you want?”
