Year 2022, GARMSTOCK MOTOR, 13:00. The shop is empty.
"Ugh… even a locksmith shop probably has more action than this… this is so damn boring." Jane Garmstock let out a tired breath and looked around the shop. Motorcycles lined both sides, leather jackets hanging neatly, the heavy scent of oil filling the air like it had settled into the walls years ago.
She pushed herself up from the chair and walked toward the window, resting her hand lightly against the glass. The streets of Miami looked… off. Too quiet. Too still. Then she saw her. Across the street, walking straight toward the shop. A woman. Cowboy hat. Bright pink curls that almost glowed under the sun. Colorful dress. High heels that clicked sharply against the pavement.
Jane blinked. "What…?" Her body straightened instantly. "Who is that…? That looks suspicious as hell." She quickly walked back behind the counter, pretending to busy herself, but her eyes kept flicking toward the door.
The bell rang. The woman stepped in. She stopped right at the entrance, slowly lifting her head. Her eyes were closed. Then she casually took off her hat and shook her curls like she was modeling at a pool party. Jane raised an eyebrow, confused. Is she… posing? Then the woman opened her eyes. Blue. Deep blue, like the ocean right before a storm. She smiled. Just a little. And suddenly the air in the room felt heavier.
Jane felt it immediately. Her cheeks warmed. Whoa… what the hell… she's… insanely beautiful. Like… actually insane. Wait. Stop. What are you thinking. Do not let her notice that.
"Hey there," the woman said casually, stepping forward. "I came to check out your bikes. Maybe rent one." Jane blinked again, caught off guard. "You… want to rent a motorcycle? Are you serious?" The woman tilted her head, a playful smile forming. "Judging me already? Don't let the look fool you. I might look feminine, but riding is my thing. It's my heart."
Jane straightened, a bit embarrassed. "Right… sorry. That was… yeah. So… what kind of model are you looking for?" "Oh, before that," the woman said, lifting a finger. "I didn't introduce myself. Clarice Kishisu." Jane hesitated for a second, then smiled politely and reached out her hand. "Jane Garmstock. I own this place."
Clarice took her hand gently. Then leaned forward. And kissed it. Softly. Jane froze.Clarice pulled back with a charming smile. "The pleasure is mine. Also, your gray hair… wow. That's style. Retro vibe. I love it." Jane's face heated up instantly. She scratched the back of her head awkwardly. "Thanks… yours is… kind of… hypnotizing." "Hypnotizing?" Clarice raised a brow. "I didn't even wash it today. So it's like, a lower tier version right now. But I'll accept the compliment."
Jane blinked. "I'm not lying, I…" Clarice suddenly laughed. "Relax, I'm kidding. You're so easy to tease." Jane rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Can you just tell me what bike you want already?" Clarice paused. Then looked at her. Really looked at her. Her expression softened just slightly. "Sorry. I just… you look really good. I start saying nonsense when I see beautiful women."
Jane's heart skipped. She narrowed her eyes. "…Are you hitting on me?" Clarice smirked. "So being nice means I'm hitting on you? That's a bit confident." She winked. Jane scoffed, crossing her arms. "Funny."
Clarice turned, slowly walking between the bikes, her fingers lightly brushing against one of them. "So… you just sell bikes? Or is there more to you than that?" "It's my business. Mine and my sister's," Jane replied.Clarice stopped. Turned back. "Both of you? Alone?" Jane's gaze sharpened. "Why is that surprising? Women can't like motorcycles?" Clarice smiled softly. "No. I think it's impressive."
There was a small pause. Then Clarice stepped closer again. "I have a proposal." Jane crossed her arms tighter. "This better be good." "I want you to lend me a motorcycle. Free. For a limited time." Jane cut her off immediately. "Are you serious? I barely make money and you want it for free? Where do you think you are?" Clarice raised her hand slightly. "Wait. I'm not done." Jane sighed. "Go on."
Clarice stepped even closer. Her voice dropped just a bit. "And… I want to take you on a date." Jane blinked. "What?" Clarice's smile returned. "In exchange… I'll get you a ticket. REACTOR ZEK."
Silence. Jane stared at her. "…What?" Her heartbeat picked up. "How do you even know I…" Clarice chuckled. "You made it obvious. Posters all over your shop. Old racers. Ray Shane. Linda Orokhi. And oh, come on… Gino the Ripper? He's literally competing this year." Jane looked away, trying to hide her reaction. "That doesn't mean anything." Clarice leaned in slightly. "You want it."
Jane swallowed. "Even if I did… there's no way you can get tickets for that race." Clarice held her gaze. Serious now. "Do these eyes look like they lie?" Jane hesitated. Damn it… "…Let's say I believe you," she muttered. "Why would you help me instead of yourself?" Clarice smiled, slow and dangerous. "Who said I wouldn't help myself?" Jane froze. "There are only ten spots," Clarice continued. "But with my connections… I think I can get two. If you say yes."
Jane's thoughts spiraled. A date? With her? What the hell am I even thinking. But REACTOR ZEK… that's my dream. And… she's… "…Fine," Jane said quietly. "I'll go on a date with you." Both of them froze for a second. Then both looked away slightly, blushing.Clarice laughed softly. "Wow… you actually made me blush."
Jane cleared her throat. "Don't get used to it. And you're not getting a luxury model." Clarice clasped her hands together dramatically. "Jane… please… help a girl in need." Jane raised a brow. "That doesn't work on me." Clarice's expression shifted instantly. Her eyes watered. "Please…?" Jane panicked. "…What the hell… fine! You get something better than basic. But not top tier!"
She turned. "STACY!" From the back door, Stacy appeared. Messy black bob hair, headphones hanging around her neck, black bandana on her forehead. "What!?" "Bring out the Ducati Panigale V4R." Clarice wiped her tears instantly. "Wow, you're amazing." Jane crossed her arms. "Just don't damage it. You're signing papers."
Stacy walked out slowly, eyes half-lidded. "Oh… we actually have a customer. That's new." She pointed lazily at the bike behind Clarice. "There. You want explanations or you'll manage?" Clarice opened her mouth. Stacy cut her off. "Cool, you'll manage." She walked off.Clarice blinked. "…She's nice."
Stacy leaned toward Jane. "That bike is expensive. She paying?" Jane scratched her head. "It's… complicated. Go back, I'll explain later." Stacy shrugged. "Whatever. We're talking tomorrow." She walked away.
Clarice turned back to Jane. "So. I'll come tomorrow, sign everything, take the bike. And the date…" Jane looked at her. "…Yeah?" "Tomorrow night. Eight. Laketown bar." Jane nodded slowly. "Okay." Clarice walked to the door. Opened it. Blew her a kiss. "See you tomorrow… sexy."
Jane froze. Her face burned. …What the hell is happening… I'm actually going on a date… with a woman? She suddenly felt a tap on her back. She jumped. "What!?" Stacy stood there with a smirk. "You really thought I didn't hear that?" Jane groaned. "It's just for the race." Stacy lightly slapped her cheek. "Ow! What was that for?!" "To wake you up. You actually believe her?" Jane looked away. "I know what I'm doing."
Outside, Clarice walked down the street, smiling to herself. "After all these years… finally going on a date again." She looked ahead, eyes shining. "Time to be romantic… like before."
To be continued.