“I think she likes it,” Katherine said.
The other riders laughed and clapped as he helped Melanie slide into the vest. Becky adjusted the hood of her jacket. They spent another ten minutes taking pictures of Melanie with her mom and the rest of the club.
“We’ll see you at the school,” he told Becky. She nodded and kissed Melanie on the forehead, still not looking at him.
He settled a helmet on Melanie and adjusted the strap to make sure it was snug without choking her. “You good?”
“Yup.”
“Okay, hop on up.” He helped her onto the back of the seat and showed her where to put her feet, then sat in front of her and showed her where and how to hold on to him.
A thumbs-up to Sarah and Kevin, the road captains, and they were off. He fell into the middle of the column in his pre-coordinated position. They rolled out of the cul-de-sac, Melanie’s neighbors waving and taking pictures as they passed.
A short ten-minute ride later, they pulled onto the school grounds. It looked like all the teachers had gathered out front to greet them. He knew Prez had cleared it with the school principal and administration. He slowed the bike to a stop and dismounted. He helped Melanie take off her helmet and held out his hand for a high-five.
“That was so awesome.” Her cheeks were red from the short ride. Either that or the face-splitting grin she was sporting. He helped her off the bike and set the helmet on the seat.
She looked over at the teachers gathered around, clapping. “Ms. Abby! Ms. Abby!” She ran over to a woman with dark, wavy hair.
No. Fucking. Way.
Abby felt flames licking up her cheeks. It was like the time she’d had double spicy ramen and her entire face had been on fire.
Melanie had ridden in on the back of hot, sexy, tattooed biker guy’s motorcycle. Abby didn’t know what kind of karma was at work—good or bad—but she was convinced she’d done something wrong in a past life.
Principal Newton had sent out a notice about the ride on Friday afternoon and had asked teachers to gather in a show of support. Melanie was one of Abby’s favorite students, and she hated that she hadn’t noticed the change in her personality. Or the bruises. She couldn’t imagine the pain and anger her mom had dealt with.
“Ms. Abby! Look at my vest.”
The bottom dropped out of her stomach. Melanie was leading Hot Sexy Tattooed Biker guy her way—like a tiny, evil pied piper. She focused on Melanie, whose smile was as bright and beautiful as ever.
Melanie hopped to a stop in front of Abby and then hopped half a turn to show her the back of the vest.
“That’s so cool,” Abby said.
A woman joined them, smiling at Melanie. Abby schooled her features. She recognized the woman from the party Friday night. She glanced from him to the woman. The adoration in the woman’s gaze was palpable, but he was doing his best to pretend she wasn’t there.
Melanie grabbed his hand. “This is Tinker. He’s my protector. He helped me be brave when I had to go to court.”
Abby had no choice but to look at him. There was a twinkle in his eye like he knew a secret he was dying to share.
The woman stepped forward and held out her hand. “I’m Becky, Melanie’s mom.”
Abby shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. We’re so happy to have Melanie back at school.”
The school bell rang and Abby glanced over her shoulder, finding Principal Newton gesturing for people to head inside.
“I know this is very exciting, but it’s time to get to homeroom,” she told Melanie.
Melanie hugged her mom and Tinker, then ran into the school.
Time to make a graceful and professional exit. “It was nice meeting you both.”
“Actually,” Tinker said. “Do you have a second?”
So much for that. “Uh, sure, but I need to get to class.”
“It’ll be quick.”
