In general, i harbor no hard feelings toward him. i had told him “i’m the easiest woman on the planet to dump – just don’t text or call me for a week, and i’m a ghost…”. Can’t exactly be pissed off at him for taking me up on that offer. An honest explanation would have been nice, though.
It was a couple years ago, and JC* was one of the first guys i dated after my divorce. He was nice, funny and pretty laid back – we got along well for the six months or so that we were dating. He surprised me with one of the best dates ever, and we could make each other laugh.
It was quite casual. Never invited him to the house. He never met my children, nor did i meet his – and that seemed perfectly ok with both of us. When i returned from a holiday in Spain, it was done. When he didn’t reply to a text i sent, basically letting him know i was back in town? i accepted the unspoken message, and moved on.
Not really a big deal…
About a year later, i spotted him on the bikeway – where i ride with my workout buddy, Studly McRocklegs**, on a regular basis. He was riding with a female buddy – and i opted not to wave, or say anything. Just a nod – same as i offer to any other on-coming cyclist. The encounters became fairly regular on our weekday evening bike rides – and have continued during this cycling season.
Not so much as a smile, or a wave, exchanged. We’re all out there for exercise, not socialization. In the back of my mind, i’ve occasionally wondered if he remembers me***. The schedule often has us headed westward as he and his buddy are headed eastward in the evenings. With a bit of a downhill grade behind us? We usually blow by pretty quickly, while they are chugging uphill.
Hmmm…. Maybe he doesn’t recognize me because i’m a fucking blur?
Earlier this week, Studly and i got a late start on the bike ride. Setting out shortly after 6:00 pm, i spotted them ahead of us early in the ride – and decided it would be a rather opportune time for a sprint! Studly was riding at a good clip when we passed, but i pushed even harder, sprinting with everything i had – standing on the pedals to make sure my spandex-clad ass was highly visible to the riders we’d just passed!
Studly [gasping]: Where the fuck did that come from? What got into you?
daisyfae: [also sucking wind]: That was them – JC and his biking buddy. Wanted to shake my ass in the end zone a little bit! Keep riding – let’s put up some distance.
Studly: She looks a lot smaller…
daisyfae: Yeah, maybe she’s lost some weight.
We kept riding, getting a massive lead. i was feeling pretty good about having had the chance to do a little celebratory butt shake. Somewhere in my head, however, was a little doubt…
daisyfae: Shit. What if that wasn’t them? What if they’re still up ahead?
Studly: I’m guessing we’ll have to do it again!
We had barely regained our breath about five minutes later, when i spotted them. About 20 yards ahead of us.
daisyfae: Fuck. You were right. She hasn’t lost that much weight. That’s them…
Naturally, we caught up just as we were headed into the uphill portion of the trail. Keeping sufficient distance through a busy street crossing, we turned on the steam and still managed to blow by at over 20 miles per hour – more than doubling their pace. Not content to just blow their doors off, i had to keep going. Oh, no, not stopping now! Another half mile at full tilt, until we were safely around a corner. They were dust.
Studly [hoarking up bits of his lungs]: Now? Can….. we….. please….. slow…. down?
daisyfae [head, heart and lungs nearing explosion]: i… i…. [pant] think… [wheeeeeze] it’s….. clear….
In the end, it was simply one of our better workouts this week. We hit the turning point, and managed a breezy passing on the way back. Burned some calories. Killed some gnats.
And in the corner of my imagination where ego-fueled fantasies lie? i dished out a serving of “There! i’m in shape and badass! That’s in your face for not having the balls to tell me you didn’t want to go out with me again…”
This time of year, my chest becomes a dead gnat collection system. So very sexy, isn't it? This is what you walked away from, buddy!
* No, not THAT “JC”. From what i hear, he’s a bit of a mama’s boy, and doesn’t date much…
** After reading the draft, my bike buddy insisted i give him this particular call sign. He does have a rather spectacular bum and legs…
*** In my more arrogant moments? i’m pretty damn sure he remembers me…
Trailer Park Refugee 
