“That’s what’s up. Your folks doing okay?”
“Yeah. As okay as they can be.”
This time, my mom looked up, but I mouthed that I’d tell her later.
“One day at a time.” He cleared his throat. “I wanted to see if you wanted to ride with us today. You can ride on my bike, and I have a helmet for you.”
My heart slammed against my chest. Not only did Kane want me to ride with them, but he wanted me on his bike. The thought of being that close to him freaked me out a little. I’d never even been on a bike, and I got excited but nervous.
“Um, yeah. What time?”
“Two hours. We can come that way and get you if that’s cool.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be ready.”
“Cool. See you then.”
He hung up the phone, and I put mine back on the bed.
My mom finished folding the clothes she had taken and put them away. Mentally, I was freaking out, but I didn’t show it. I didn’t need my mom thinking something was wrong.
“By the smile on your face when you answered the phone, I’m assuming it was a man.”
“It was. It was Kane. Everyone is going on a ride today, and he asked if I wanted to go. I told him yeah.” I held back the squeal I wanted to let out.
“What’s going on there?”
I bit the corner of my bottom lip. I wanted to tell her about the kiss but decided against it. I didn’t hide things from my mother, but I wasn’t sure what was happening between Kane and me, so I’d wait to share that information.
“Nothing, really. He’s nice, and he’s been looking out for me.”
“I see you blushing. You’re a grown woman, so I can’t tell you what to do. Just be careful and know I’m here if you need me.” She stood from the chair and walked over to me as I sat on the edge of my bed. She placed her hands on the sides of my face and lifted my head. “You’re my baby girl, and I want what’s best for you.” She kissed my forehead and rubbed my cheek. “Have fun.”
“Thanks, Mommy.”
She released me, then left my room. I knew she was a little afraid because of what happened to Rameek, but I really did feel safe with Kane. Even Rico, Tech, and Slider’s crazy ass made me feel safe.
I made sure all the clothes were put away, then found something to wear, and got myself together so I could be ready when they came.
I heard the sound of the motorcycles before they could even make it to my house. Kane strolled up the walkway with his ever-present toothpick, as I opened the front door. The minute his eyes landed on me, he smiled.
“Let me find out you trying to be a Viper,” he said as he reached for my hand.
“I don’t know about that, but I figured I’d at least look the part.” I wore jeans with a hoodie and a blue puffy vest. My braids hung down my back.
I looked at the number of bikes that filled our little street. I spotted the guys, as well as Isis and Carmen, and waved at them.
“Why is everyone looking like that?”
Kane and I walked down the walkway to his bike.
“Because we usually don’t stop to pick people up, especially a non-member.”
I took the helmet from his hand that he held out toward me. “So, I should feel special.”
“Very. Not only did we pick you up, but you are also the only chick that could say they rode on the back of my bike. Let’s get this helmet on you so we can ride out.” He helped me put the helmet on, then picked me up and placed me on the back of his bike.
I stared at Kane through the helmet’s little window as he climbed onto the bike. My body buzzed when Kane turned the bike on and it vibrated underneath me.
