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Matt was tugging on Noah’s door before the car had stopped. “I’m so excited for you!” He gazed lovingly at the top-of-the-line, full-suspension, barely used mountain bike strapped to the back of his SUV, beaming like a proud parent. “I wish you could have had a couple of weeks to get used to everything, but at least you’ll have tomorrow.”
Noah got out of his car and followed Matt over to the bike. “I’m sure I can figure it out Monday. It’s like riding a bike, right?”
Matt’s smile slipped. “Youaretaking it out tomorrow.”
Noah hedged. “Won’t that make me saddle-sore for Slickrock?”
Matt shrugged. “A long ride would, so don’t do that. But you have to take it out on a trail to get the feel of it. Can’t have my brother showing up at the most famous trail in the world on a bike he doesn’t even know how to shift.”
Noah acknowledged the point with a grunt. “Show me the ropes?”
Matt spent longer than Noah thought necessary running him through the bike’s features, some basic maintenance and repair, and how to load the rest of the bikes onto the rack. “Everything is tight right now,” he said, handing Noah a wrench, “but check whenever you stop to make sure nothing’s wiggled loose.”
Noah stowed the wrench in the back of the car, excitement and guilt battling for control. “Look, I know you’ve always wanted to do Slickrock, and I really appreciate—”
Matt shook his head. “I’m just glad someone’s getting to ride. You scope it out, and next year we can go together.”
“I’d like that.”
“Better start saving for your own bike.”
* * *
Noah did take the bike out early Saturday morning, amazed at how smoothly it shifted, how the shocks absorbed the bumps, how uncomfortable the seat was. Lacking enough time to get up into the hills, he opted for the canal trail, using the occasional curb as a test for the shocks and taking the bumpiest lines he could find. Once he was comfortable with the super-touchy brakes and the dropper seat post, he decided to head back.
Unfortunately, his timing led him directly into the path of one of the two women he was avoiding. He knew he was safe from seeing Grace since she worked Saturdays; he hadn’t known Jamie used the trail too.
“Hey, Noah!” she called as she stepped onto the trail.
If only he’d come back one minute sooner. “Hey, Jamie!”
“You’re out early!”
“Yeah, testing out the bike.”
“Your brother’s, right?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Where’s your helmet? You have one, don’t you?”
Noah ran a hand through his hair, tamping down the guilt he’d squashed earlier, when he’d realized his test run would be either helmetless for an earlier ride or in the heat of the day if he delayed to get a helmet. He’d opted for cooler weather, reasoning that there was hardly any traffic and he’d stay on the trail. “I’m picking one up later today. My brother’s...” He trailed off, trying not to think of what had happened to Matt’s old helmet or the panic attack his mother would have if she saw either of them on a bike without one.
“How’s he doing?” Jamie asked.
“Great! Just not biking yet.”
“Makes sense. I’m glad he’s doing well.”
Noah scrambled for a graceful exit. “I’d better—”
“When do you guys leave?”
“After church tomorrow.”
“And you’ll be back... ?”
“Monday evening, I guess, depending on how long the ride takes.” Or maybe he could convince everyone to hang out in Moab afterward so there would be no chance of seeing Jamie when they returned.I’m terrible.
