“How do you not?” He stared at me with a baffled look. “This is our hometown. Don’t you remember the Kings of Anarchy MC? They’re so badass.”
“Yes, I know who they are. Just never thought about them. And I definitely didn’t get mixed up with them.”
“No, I guess not since you went to SoCal for college and then moved to San Francisco.”
I dialed in on the bitterness in his voice. “I was just living my life, Kevvy.”
“Yeah, away from me, mom and dad. I only saw you during the holidays. I basically don’t know you.” He pushed his burger away and reached for the soda and sucked on the paper straw until he’d finished it.
Ouch, that hurt.
But I understood his meaning. Kevin was only two when I went off to college. I came home for all the holidays and summer break. But NorCal was boring compared to SoCal. I loved thebeaches and nightlife. Had friends. Boyfriends. In my mind, I was living a glamorous life. Before I knew it, I was graduating and had a grown-up job.
In a way, I’d taken the job in San Francisco to make my parents happy. Yes, it was a tremendous opportunity, but it was so dull and gloomy compared to sunny SoCal. My folks had complained a ton about missing me. They guilted me about Kevin growing up and not knowing his big sister.
But I still didn’t come to San Diablo often. They came to the Bay Area to see me instead.
My phone chimed with a text message from Hector. I read it and looked at my brother.
“What did he say?” Kevin asked.
“Nothing. It’s just the address. If I go, I won’t be home until after midnight.”
“I’ll be okay. I’m almost fifteen, remember?”
My stomach twisted into a knot. “I remember. Got any advice about bikers? I don’t know what to expect.”
He sat taller on the chair and puffed his chest out. “Let me see…”
Kevin had grown five inches and packed on twenty pounds since our parents’ deaths. They probably wouldn’t recognize him. I hardly did and I lived with him. But I also worked a ton and didn’t spend a lot of time with him.
When I was home, he wanted to go out with his friends. A lot of times we were like ships passing in the sea. We’d give each other a nod or wave. Maybe we’d eat a quick meal together before I crashed out for the night. In the morning, I’d be gone before Kevin woke up.
It was summer and in a short month, he’d begin his sophomore year of high school. I wanted him to enjoy his freedom before school started and he had homework. Although, he didn’t seem to care about his education. He didn’t know whathe wanted to do with his life. College didn’t interest him. He didn’t play sports. I didn’t even know if he had a hobby.
Jeez, I felt like I was failing him.
“Don’t go in thinking you own the joint just because you’re a badass nurse.”
I hiked one eyebrow and cleared my throat. This was the first time I heard Kevvy say a bad word. It couldn’t have been the first to leave his mouth. Ugh, he was growing up and I wasn’t ready for it.
“Sorry,” he said, looking up at the ceiling like he was thinking. “If they tell you no, respect that. Respect them. Don’t be your usual snarky self. You don’t know them and it might get you killed.”
I gulped. “Excuse me?”
“Probably not killed, but bikers aren’t necessarily jokesters. Chicks are meant for their pleasure. Smart girls like you really aren’t their vibe.”
“Seriously? They sound like cavemen.” Was he for real? Did he even know what he was talking about?”
“They’re awesome but some probably have caveman tendencies. Can I go with you?” He gave me a broad smile; one I hadn’t seen in months.
“Sorry, bud. But we don’t know these guys and I can’t put your life in danger. Hell, I shouldn’t be risking my life either, but Hector didn’t really give me an option.” I stood, feeling like a crappy sister for disappointing him. But his well-being and safety was my highest priority.
I glanced down at my purple scrubs. Usually, I would shower after eating. I might read a steamy cowboy romance or watch a romcom. But lately, I was too damn tired and went straight to bed without reading or Netflix.
Oh well, I didn’t have time to freshen up before heading out. Not that I cared what I looked like. I was going to be taking careof a drugged woman. Couldn’t imagine how she’d gotten that way…
“That’s how bikers are, too. They give orders, not options.”
