They could have called me to check how I was, but I dismiss it. “I thought you’d like to know I’ve settled in well. The people I live with are?—”
“I still can’t believe you live with random people. I bet they’re doing drugs and drinking, and God knows what else. Areyoudrinking?”
It’s not like I could afford to rent a house here by myself. Sharing a house was my only option. “No, they aren’t doing drugs.” Well, not that I know of. “And no, I haven’t been drinking. I’ve just been working.”
“You know you act like who you hang around, so I hope you’re making responsible decisions with people you meet there.”
I flinch. I’ve always been one to believe in the good in the world. I strive to be a positive person and be kind to people who are good to me. “Everyone’s been nice to me. I’m getting more comfortable in my job too. I get a view of the beach every time I’m at work.”
“Oh, Elena, it’s waitressing. It’s not hard.”
Heaviness weighs on me. There’s no need to be nasty. “I’m going to bed; I’ve had a big day. Say hi to Dad for me.”
After I finish the call, I grab a grilled cheese sandwich. I’m left wondering what we’ll do tomorrow. Where will Axle take me? Nine in the morning is early, so it can’t be too bad... Well, I hope so, for my sake.
Seven
Taking a Chance
Elena
My mouth is dry... Sahara Desert dry. I’m outside on the front porch, pacing. I run my hands over my jeans, up, down, up, down. It’s only a date... but did Axle mean it’s a date like let’s hang out or adatedate? Imagine if my parents or anyone at home discovered I was going on a date with a biker. This is borderline insane. I should just message him to cancel.
“Uh... are you okay?”
The voice makes me jump. Lucy and Cindy are at the door with their bags over their shoulders. “I’m okay,” I say with fake confidence.
“You sure?” Lucy asks with a raised brow. “It doesn’t seem like it.”
“Hmmm...” Because I’m not okay—I’m low-key terrified. “It’s early for you two, isn’t it?” They usually sleep the day away.
“We have assignments coming up,” Lucy answers. “The library is quiet, but the real question is, what are you doing?” Suspicion lines her voice.
The thunderous roar of a motorcycle gets louder. My heart thumps harder the closer it gets. Both girls are staring down our street. I turn to see Axle pulling up in front of our house. I used to think that men on motorcycles were scary, but Axle has changed my mind. His personality is anything but scary.
Axle turns his bike off and swings his leg over it. When he gazes at me, there’s a wicked smile on his face. I’m getting the impression that it’s his signature grin. The girls gasp behind me, and I don’t blame them. He is all man and a far cry from my ex-boyfriend and Lucy’s boyfriend.
I take hesitant steps toward him as he strides toward me.
“Elena,” he says with outstretched arms.
I’m conflicted, both scared and fascinated by him. He must see my apprehension, because he says, “Don’t look at me with those eyes.”
I shake my head. “Like what?”
“Like I’m some sort of serial killer luring you onto my bike.”
That makes me smile.
He grins. “Much better.”
I like how he puts me at ease.
“Have you had breakfast, babe?”
I enjoy being called babe a little too much for my liking. “No, I haven’t,” I reply shyly. It’s not like I could eat, knowing I was spending time with him.
“There’s a good café in town you’ll like. Have you been on a motorcycle before?”
