Didn’t mean it would stay that way.But for now, it was enough.
“Jude?”Oliver called, already heading for the door.“You riding or what?”
“I’m coming,” I said, following them out.
The night air hit cool as soon as I stepped outside, carrying the low hum of engines starting up and the faint smell of exhaust.Fox was already on his bike, helmet hanging off the handlebar, while Oliver swung his leg over his.
Wrecker climbed onto his, Alice settling in behind him like she’d done it a thousand times.Clove hopped up behind Ender, wrapping her arms around his waist without hesitation.
I kicked my bike to life, the engine rumbling beneath me, steady and familiar.
Clove leaned forward, her voice carrying over the noise.“If they’re closed, I’m blaming all of you.”
“They won’t be closed,” Fox said.“Relax.”
“They better not be.”
Ender shook his head.“You’re dramatic.”
“And you’re slow.Let’s go.”
We pulled out together, engines echoing down the street as we headed toward town.The ride didn’t take long.It never did.Just enough time for the wind to clear your head and the road to settle something in your chest that didn’t have a name.
The Dairy Bar came into view a few minutes later, neon lights glowing in the windows, the sign still flipped to OPEN.
Clove let out a cheer from behind Ender.“See?Meant to be.”
“Or it’s just a business with regular hours,” Oliver said.
“Don’t ruin this for me.”
We pulled into the lot, cutting engines one by one.The place looked the same as it always did.Red booths, black-and-white tile, lights warm against the dark outside.
Comfortable.
Familiar.
We headed inside together, the bell over the door jingling as we stepped in.
Lark was behind the counter, rag in hand, mid-wipe.She looked up when we walked in, her face lighting up.
“Well, look who decided to show up all at once,” she said.
Bay was working the register, glancing over from where she’d been punching something in.She nodded at Fox.“You bring the whole crew or what?”
“Not even half,” Fox said.
Alice stepped up to the counter, looking around like she was searching for something.“Where’s Ever?”
Lark paused, then leaned her hip against the counter.“Not here.”
Alice frowned slightly.“That’s weird.”
“Yeah,” Lark said, dragging the word out just a little.“She’s out.”
Clove perked up immediately.“Out where?”
“On a date.”
