“Actually, I found out that they can’t bar scooters completely. Scooters can be on the main roads, just not the roads leading to the golf courses, which are private.”
“Is this you thumbing your nose at the Man?” He looked so suspicious I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.
“I guess it is, in a way. The truth is that I love riding it, and it’s been months. Tonight is supposed to be great for weather, no chance for rain. Just give it a try.”
“No.” His voice was weirdly squeaky. “Absolutely not.”
I changed my tactics on the fly. “And just why not?”
“Because I don’t trust you to drive me on that death trap.”
“I’m a good driver.”
“I’ve seen you on that thing. You’re not a good driver.”
“You’ve been in my cart with me. Have I ever killed you when we’ve been in the cart?”
“No, but not for lack of trying. You’re a menace in the cart too. That’s why I prefer riding in an Uber with you.”
“Come on.”
“No.” He shook his head so hard I was surprised it didn’t fly off his shoulders.
“Pretty please,” I wheedled, jutting out my lower lip.
He lifted his gaze to my face, resignation causing his lips to curve down. “Bree.” He sounded exasperated.
“I promise it will be exhilarating.”
The way his shoulders slumped told me I’d already won. “I’m going to die tonight,” he said. “I just know it.”
BRODY LIKED THE RIDE MORE THAN HEwould ever admit. For the first five minutes, his arms were wrapped so tightly around me I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to breathe. Eventually, he relaxed enough to lean with me. The scooter was not like a motorcycle. The odds of tipping over were slim. By the time we reached the Peacock Lounge, which was that night’s eclectic location, he seemed to be enjoying himself. That only lasted until we’d parked the scooter and were stretching in the lot.
“Admit it,” I said.
He pretended he hadn’t heard me. “Flock to the Wok.” He pointed toward the restaurant right next door. “That’s such a weird name for a Chinese place.”
“I think it’s more like Asian fusion, but it doesn’t matter. Admit you enjoyed the ride.”
Brody finally looked at me. “What? Did you say something?”
I glared at him. “You suck. I hope you know that.”
“I’m fine sucking.”
“Admit you liked the ride,” I growled. “We’re not going inside until you admit it.”
“You’re not the boss of me. I can go inside if I want.” As if to prove it, he started toward the bar, leaving me glaring in his wake.
I was about to flip him off when I caught sight of a familiar figure standing in front of the Peacock Lounge, his back pressed against the building and one knee bent as he tried to look calm and collected.
Joey Hill was back. All the mirth I’d been feeling plummeted to oblivion. I was about to call out to Brody to wait up when he stopped walking, froze—it was obvious where he was looking—and immediately backtracked.
“Ready?” he asked me, extending his hand. He wasn’t smiling. Actually, he was almost bristling. It made me feel ten times better.
I slipped my hand into his. “I can’t believe he’s back,” I said in a low voice.
“Don’t worry about him.” Brody tugged on my hand until I was in front of him and pressed himself protectively against my back. “Let’s get a drink, huh?”
