“What happened?” I softly ask.
“Last year.” His fingers curl into a ball. “A drunk driver crashed into him when he was on his way back home one night.” His eyes close, covering his beautiful eyes, “The driver died as well but it doesn’t make it better.”
I place my hand over his clenched fist, expecting him to withdraw but instead, he relaxes, opening his fist to weave our fingers together.
“Of course, Meadow. He still took a life with him and it would never make it better.”
“When my dad called to say Michael had an accident, everything turned black. It was during an off-season and we were supposed to meet at my place. I was already on my way to the hospital when my dad informed me that Michael didn’t make it. I stopped midway on the side of the road and broke down completely.”
I can’t even imagine what it must’ve been like for him.
“He is the third friend who was like a brother to me that I had to bury because of an accident. Everywhere I go I’m surrounded by ghosts. Ones I will never forget. The pain of losing them and never seeing them again eats away at myheart. They were my family. The day they died, I mourned my brothers, the home I found in each one, and something in me died.”
Home.
One word that rearranges everything, tattooed on the side of his neck.
“After he passed away, I didn’t take a break. I got back on the tracks and put all the pain to good use. We used to raise hell for all of the other bikers in these summer meetups and put a smile on their faces afterward. I miss him. All of them.” Tears trickle down his cheeks and glisten over the face mask. “I never knew who my real family was but I didn’t need to because I got my parents and brothers that I would sacrifice my heart and soul to. Some of them are gone and I’m afraid to lose the ones who are still here.”
“I get it.” More than anything in this world. “I lost my mom before I knew who she was and I carry her wherever I go because I lost someone who was supposed to be a major part of my life. Thinking about losing my dad is devastating. I would be crushed if something ever were to happen to him.”
He nods in understanding. “You wouldn’t be alone. You will always have us and this place.”
“I’m starting to realize that.”
“My ex broke up with me because I didn’t give her enough attention. What fucking attention, I just lost my best friend. The bit of strength I had, I put into my competitions and she ripped that away from me after dealing with Michael’s death and her leaving me in the most vulnerable state I have everbeen in my entire life.”
I feel so bad for him for having to deal with all of that on top of losing someone he loved so much. It breaks my heart.
“You deserved to know, after my ex talked to you I should’ve explained to you but I just wanted to forget all of it.”
I hurry to reply, “You don’t owe me anything. And your ex isn’t a problem. But I appreciate you sharing all of this with me, you know your secrets are safe with me.”
His features soften and a tiny smile stretches across his face. “Michael would’ve liked you. Sometimes you remind me of him. I think he would’ve preferred you over me and made you his best friend.” He chuckles soundlessly and hands me the mug he left on the table for me.
I take a sip, and the divine smell of peppermint floods my nostrils. “I’m sure I would’ve liked him too.”
Meadow
We’re in Mom and Dad’s storage unit that they turned into a bike wash several feet behind the motel, washing our filthy bikes together. The early morning birds chirp outside and the sun casts a light glow.
We went for a ride earlier after some heartfelt stories we shared last night. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I feel lighter each day that goes by.
With a hose in my hand, I wash the bikes and cover them with water and soap. When I get distracted by Blakely’s gorgeous eyes, I almost knock my bike’s kickstand but she quickly saves it by kicking it right back down.
“Are you distracted, champ?” she shoots me her permanent smirk.
“You’re stronger than you look, Wilder.” She’s adorable and dainty. When she speaks, she will wrestle me until it is game over. For me. Because that girl will rise from the dead if she has to. “Name something that you always wanted to do but never did,” I challenge her, intrigued to hear her answer.
“I always wanted to ride in a competition.” And feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as the buzzer goes off,I finish her sentence in my head.
“Why didn’t you?”
“It was never the right time and if something had happened to me I couldn’t have done that to my Dad. I’m all he has.” She replies with a shrug.
I get it. He has all of us but she is the most treasured person for him. Yet, she should live her life and do all the things that could bring her happiness.
“If you keep postponing it, you’ll have more excuses not to do it.” I spray the bikes with more soap.
