I watch her take it all in. It’s as if I’m experiencing the Lost Tropics for the first time again by showing her. The grounds are teeming with people, and the robotic pump of hydraulics mix with the bass vibrating the air.
‘Don’t lose me,’ I tell her.
‘You’re six-foot-six. I couldn’t lose you if I tried.’
Six-four, but she’s right. I wouldn’t let her lose me. I just enjoy how small and perfect her hand feels in mine. I weave my fingers between hers and gently squeeze as I lead the way. A few buddies greet me, asking when I’ll be racing, but tonight, I’ll just watch.
The plan may have always been to meet here, but Gianna’s right – the initial plan didn’t include bringing her, and Jace’s words from this afternoon still ring clear in my head. He doesn’t want Gianna involved in the racing. But there’s a small part of me that hopes he’ll change his mind. That he’ll see she’s safe with us. That she belongs here.
We always meet at the same spot, at the top of the hill, to the left of the track. It’s a bit away from the crowd, but still close enough to the strip. The crowd thins out and at the crest of the hill Jace, Renny and Monique come into view, the headlights of the Mustang and Renny’s WRX lighting the ground behind them. It takes a moment to see Tyler at the back, leaning against Renny’s car, a phone pressed to his ear.
‘Monz!’ Gianna lets go of my hand and rushes to her friend’s side.
‘The Prank was fucking crazy!’ Renny laughs, his red mask propped on top of his head as he points to Monique. ‘This one’s a fucking fireball.’
‘What did you do?’ Gianna asks, her eyes widening.
Renny grabs Monique’s shoulder. ‘I circled back to see her fucking jump her car over the kerb and scare the shit out of those Empire City shits so Ryker could escape. Let’s be real bro, you were so fucked.’
He’s right. After Gianna ran off, at an impressive speed for someone with such little legs, Lex and Erik had me pinned.
‘You did that?’ Gianna asks her friend.
Monique smiles sheepishly. ‘I’ve never been so scared in my life.’
‘But would you do it again?’ Renny implores.
His smile widens as his eyes burn into Monique’s. We all turn to face her. There’s a beat of silence, but then she takes a deep breath.
‘Absolutely,’ Monique says, looking proud of herself.
‘Fuck yeah!’ Renny screams, shaking her shoulders once more.
Tyler appears in our circle, pushing his mask up to reveal that even he is wearing a rare smile. Gianna and Monique whisper excitedly to each other while Renny lights a cigarette. The ground vibrates through my boots as ‘Rollin’’ by Limp Bizkit pumps through loudspeakers.
I notice Gianna wrapping her hands around her arms and shivering slightly. I run over to the Mustang, pull out my Kings jacket and slip it over her shoulders. She looks up at me and gives a small smile before sliding her arms through. My chest tightens seeing her in my clothes. I don’t think I’ll ever want that jacket back.
‘Thank you,’ Gianna says. ‘This feels like being in your truck.’
‘My truck?’
‘Yeah.’ She smiles. ‘It’s warm and feels like a big Ryker hug.’
Fuck.This girl is going to kill me. ‘You can have all the hugs you want.’
Footsteps approach and Jace appears beside us, ripping his mask down so the strap hangs around his neck. ‘Gia, go home,’ he suddenly orders.
I whip my gaze toward him. His arms are folded across his chest and a mean look is on his face.What’s up his ass?He was fine a minute ago. I look back at Gianna, unease pouring through my veins when I see her flinch. Her shoulders slump, glossy lips parting as she fiddles with her rings. Something tugs in my chest at how her fire is being snuffed out.
‘Lucifer’s Dream is on tonight, remember?’ I rush out. ‘We’re all only here for a bit.’
Jace scoffs. ‘I’m not going to some stupid carnival. That was all your idea. You go if you want to.’
‘Alright then.’ I shrug, not in the mood for his dickish tone. ‘Grab your phone and let’s go, Gianna.’
‘She’s not going with you,’ Jace snaps. ‘She’s going home.’
‘Bro,’ I start, ‘what the fuck is the problem? We’re all here. So we can either stay here at the Tropics, or go to the carnival and still have a good time. I don’t see the issue.’
