Even as a kid, I couldn’t remember looking forward to anything the way that I was anticipating time with her.
Rides were always better in that frame of mind, when one could enjoy the wind, freedom, and a sense of contentment that was better felt than explained. It probably carried in my steps, as I parked between the Pink Cabaret, and the Waffle Spot parking lot.
I knew I was supposed to meet her at the Waffle Spot, but I swore as I neared the center of the lot, I saw her standing in the door of the Pink Cabaret.
She was probably getting chatty with that goofy bastard that held the door for everyone.
I inwardly bristled, only for a chill to race down my spine when I heard Big Vick behind me, “Turn around and get back on the bike, Ant. You gotta get out of here.”
My whole face twisted up, even before I rounded to confront him.
“Like hell,” I laughed.
“Ant,” he emphasized, and I swear to God, there was something in his eyes that sparked that territorial little part of me that I struggled with.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I couldn’t keep the edge out of my voice.
“Hey.” His tone solidified, and I stepped toward him, ready to knuckle up if he wanted. “You gotta listen to me. This ain’t my call.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I saw his gaze lift and the way he shifted to retreat.
I knew she was coming, but I wasn’t going to let him walk away until I knew what the hell was going on.
“You gotta stay away from her. Mark needs you focused.”
“I am focused. What the fuck did I do yesterday? I’m down to ten grand. Alright, nobody fucking owns me over ten grand, Vick.” My voice started to raise, and Vick conceded, his hands coming out along with a huff of heavy breath.
“Jesus.” He scoffed.
“What’s going on?” Crystal nervously asked, coming to rest beside me as I watched Vick trot back to a four-wheeled vehicle.
“Nothing,” I lied. “He just rode up this way with me; he’s on his way to Lincoln or something.”
“Oh.” She strangled my arm in hers and shifted up to her tiptoes. I leaned down to meet her kiss and was met by her shock instead.
“What happened? Oh my God.” She tried to whip around and look for Vick, but I grabbed her face and claimed that kiss.
“Don’t be teasing me,” I winked, while doing my best to be a bug and a distraction, I reached down and rubbed her ass, shoving a hand into one pocket to steer her hip to mine as we walked toward the Waffle Spot.
“An– Anthony, your eye…”
“Is fine. I promise.” I paused and brought her knuckles up to brush a kiss to them as well before I opened the door and ushered her through it with the hand I still had buried in her pocket.
The waitress raised two fingers in a quiet guess.
“Yes, two.” I confirmed.
We followed her back to a booth. Rather than slide in, Crystal stood beside the bench and stared at me.
“In.” She motioned. “Go on.”
“Wh–what the hell are you doing?” I laughed, giving the waitress an awkward glance.
Crystal snared my wrist and led my arm forward. I obliged her and sat down first.
“Good, good, now scooch.” She parked her ass on the lip of the bench until I moved over, allowing her to sit on the outside.
“You two are adorable, do you know what you’ll have for drinks?”
