****
It was several months before the Running Hill Riders held another meeting at Hog’s Grogs. In that time, so as not to spoil the fun for everyone, Ryan and Mona kept their engagement a secret. They wanted to have a big summer meet-up in order to celebrate Weasel’s recovery and kick off a summer of races and events around the community.
Some new recruits even showed up and signed their names on the members list. Mona was so happy that their little club was growing and garnering attention for Benny’s noble, charitable cause.
As usual, Ryan stood before everyone else as they sat at their tables. Mona was behind the counter at the bar, keeping the beverages flowing and making sure that everyone was having a good time.
“Hi everyone,” Ryan said, speaking in his usual friendly, upbeat voice. “Welcome back to Hog’s Grogs. I hope you all have been having a great summer so far. We’re very excited to kick off the summer season of biking. We’ve got a lot of fun activities and events planned this year. There’s going to be a Fourth of July race. That’s a normal thing, but this year we’re planning to hold this event at Belle Isle Park. It’s going to be a bigger deal, more up-scale and, we think, tons of fun.”
The bikers that were assembled cheered. Weasel was sitting in the front row. His leg was finally out of its cast and he seemed to be back in full form. Mona wondered if he had been on a bike since his accident. They were about to find out.
“And now, we have two more announcements. Mona, please come up here with me.”
She grinned and hopped over the bar, making everyone laugh and applaud even more. She jogged up and joined Ryan at the front of the room, wearing one of the black shirts that Arthur’s wife had designed for the team.
“Hello!” she said. She couldn’t help but beam as she looked around the large space of her bar. This was her family. “I’m not sure if you all realize this yet, but you people are the most important people in my life. The number one person is standing right up here with me.” Mona looked up at Ryan and took his hand in hers. “Ryan and I wanted to announce that Weasel has a surprise gift from all of us. And it’s waiting outside, so if you all want to, follow us!”
She and Ryan went outside, followed by the rest of the group. Standing on the sidewalk right by the entrance of the bar was Weasel’s shiny, newly-crafted bike. He stepped out and looked at it, his mouth falling open.
“Wow!” he said. He went up to it and got on immediately. “It’s beautiful. Thank you!”
“We all pitched in and made sure that it was modified in a way that would make it run smoother and cooler.” Mona grinned.
“I can’t wait to race now,” he said.
All the Riders clapped for him as he started up the engine and listened to it purr.
“And now, we have one final announcement,” Ryan shouted over the lovely sound of Weasel’s purring bike. “Mona and I are getting married!”
She held up her left hand so everyone could feast their eyes on her diamond engagement ring.
More applause rang out and echoed in the parking lot. “We haven’t set a date yet, but of course you will all be invited,” Mona told them excitedly. “Now let’s go back inside and get wasted!”
Weasel secured his bike in a parking space and they went back inside to drink, chat, listen to the fun music blaring from the speakers and enjoy each other’s company.
Mona continued to work the bar for a while before Lenny finally insisted that she go relax and celebrate with her friends. Then she joined Ryan at his table and sipped happily at her whisky sour.
“What have you guys been talking about?” she asked curiously.
“Are you planning to ride up the aisle on the back of The Duke?” Arthur asked. “Everyone wants to see you ride that beauty.”
Mona blushed a little. “Oh, yeah?” she asked. “Well, all right. I think that can be arranged. Just don’t leave early.” She winked.
She was being her typical, playfully mysterious self. She’d been like that with these guys since she was knee high to a grasshopper.
Ryan ate, drank and was merry while Mona took it upon herself to be his ride home. They’d arrived before everyone else, as on the day of her father’s funeral and dammit if they weren’t planning on leaving last in much the same way. She sipped Diet Coke and munched on French fries while sitting beside him, laughing along with their in-jokes and feeling like, at last, she was a part of the club instead of just an outsider who wanted in.
As everyone began to stand up and collect their helmets and things for their rides home, Mona whistled. “You all are so eager to see me ride The Duke?” she said. “Well, you can watch me ride it right now. I’m going to take Ryan home with me.” She mimed drinking and pointed a thumb at Ryan. He’d had a bit too much.
Several woops went up. She grinned and turned off the lights in her bar, locking up once everyone was outside in the parking lot.
They all got onto the bikes and Mona felt a buzzing in her body as the adrenaline and excitement filled her up. For the first time, she knew what she was doing and everyone was going to witness. She made sure Ryan’s helmet was on and buckled before double-checking her own and starting up her engine.
She was truly one of the club members now.
“For Benny!” she suddenly called as she peeled out of the parking lot ahead of the rest of them.
“FOR BENNY!” they all yelled, following her on each of their big, wonderful, souped-up Harleys.
Benny Myers would be so proud.
THE END