Zayden:I’d love that
Nora:Call when you’re free.Fake couples must help each other in times of crisis x
I pocket the phone, frowning at her words.I don’t know why all of a sudden the reminder that this is fake has annoyed me so much.I manage to make it to my car before I let out a growl of frustration, punching my hand into the steering wheel.The familiar anger courses through me, stampeding over everything else.
I could be an idiot and drive myself to a bar to drink away my worries.I’m tempted to do that, but instead, I head in the direction of home.All I want to do right now is hang out with my best mates and forget about all of this for a little while.
Swinging into the driveway, my shoulders sag when I see Mason throwing bags into the back of his truck.That’s right.He and Anya are going on a road trip.There are a few art museums that now feature her work, so they’re driving to visit each and camping in between.They’ll be gone for about a week.I’m going to go nuts living here on my own.All I do is hang out with them.Not having them here, I’m going to be totally lost.
‘Hey,’ Mason greets me as I climb out of the car.
‘Hey.’
‘Are you all good?’he asks, pausing his packing.He rests his forearm against the back of his truck as he studies my face, concern lining his features.
‘Yeah.’
He raises a dark brow at my short reply.‘What happened?’
‘Coach just tore into me for being distracted and said I need to keep my shit together.’
‘Ah,’ he says, grimacing.‘What’s the go with Leasa watching you practise?It’s a bit creepy.’
‘I know.’
Scrubbing a hand down his jaw, he leans back, eyeing me.‘You sure you’re all good?’
‘I’m all right,’ I say, forcing a smile onto my face.‘Have a great trip away.You both deserve to have some fun.’
‘Thanks, man.’
Heading into the garage, I help him pack the last of the bags just as Anya emerges from the house, carrying her duffel bag and one that looks like Mason’s.Taking them off her, I put them in the back with everything else and lock up the truck.
‘Have fun, be safe, don’t do anything I wouldn’t.’I grin, pulling my sister in for a hug, and then do the handshake-oneshoulder-hug with Mason.‘I’ll see you both tomorrow for class.’
‘You got it, see you then,’ he says, flashing me his trademark smirk.
They’ll be in town for one night, attend class tomorrow and then continue on their way.They reverse out of the driveway and I toss a wave over my shoulder, before shutting the garage and heading inside.
The emptiness I feel is immediate.It’s so damnquiet.
It’s been literally one minute.
This is going to be a long week.
I should not be left alone.
I make bad decisions.
‘She’s a beauty, isn’t she?’the salesman grins at me.His copper hair is combed back and he looks breathless as he pushes the biketowards me.A very nice, expensive bike that certainly wasnotin my budget.A Triumph Daytona 675 – a bike that has been on my ‘really, really want’ list for a long ass time.
Shiny, black, lined with a gold so glistening it almost hurts to look at it directly under the sun.It couldn’t be more my style if I’d designed it myself.Taking a step closer to it, I run my fingertips across the paint.When I tested it, I feltalive.More alive than I had felt in a while.I used to ride a lot but have slowed down recently.It seems like it might be time to get behind the handlebars again.
After I impulsively bought the bike, while it was getting prepped, I went across town and updated my gloves and helmet.Everything else is in good condition.I’ve bulked up a bit since I last rode, so the jacket is a little tight, but it fits well enough.
The man releases a low whistle as his eyes dart from the bike to my helmet and back to the bike.‘Got the matching set, eh?’
‘Sure did.’
