“You’re a natural.”
“I don’t know about that but thank you.”
After I ride twice by myself I feel more confident, but my inner thighs are burning, and I know it is time to call it quits. The bar is shutting down and I am feeling the exhaustion of my drive setting in.
“Are you okay to drive?”
“I’ll be fine. I’m not staying that far from here. I’m staying at that trailer park you mentioned earlier.”
His eyes brighten. “That so. Well, lucky for you, I live there, so I can at least follow you to make sure you make it home safe and sound. Who are you staying with?”
“No one. I’m cleaning out my dad’s trailer.”
He squints his eyes and makes a weird face. “Are you Joe’s daughter?”
“Yeah, did you know him?”
“He’s only one of the greatest riders I have ever known. The man taught me everything I know.”
“Funny, I can’t remember a thing he ever taught me. I hadn’t seen him since I was three. Anyway, tonight was fun, but I’m tired…”
Lucas cuts me off, planting his lips firmly on mine. He pulls back and gives me a goofy smile. “Been wanting to do that all night.”
I give him a faint smile. “Good night, Lucas.”
He nods, and I get in my car touching my lips. Only it isn’t the kiss I shared with Lucas presently that is on my mind. I’m thinking about his brother, Zane.
As I drive back to the trailer park I wonder who the slut is now. I kissed two brothers and in the same night. I need to steer clear. I can’t become involved with either of them. It’d be pure trouble to contemplate doing so.
However, when I lay my head down to go to sleep I can’t stop myself from thinking about them.
Both of them.
*—*
Filling up another trash bag I think it is safe to say my father loved checkered shirts. I believe the man owned every color combination imaginable. The only thing larger than his shirt collection is his belt buckles. Rubbing my fingers over them it is evident he had a lot of pride in riding. He must have been good. Part of me wishes I could have watched him ride. The other half of me is angry that I never was given the choice. I lay my favorite buckle to the side. Maybe Lucas would like to have one to remember him by. I place the ones that look special in a box for later.
I’ve been cleaning for what seems like days, but it has only been hours.
I’m making progress. I have my piles separated between trash, keep, and donate.
I feel like there is so much I need to do. Like go to the store. I can’t constantly eat out at Rowdy’s, even if the company is cute there.
A knock at the front door pulls me from my thoughts.
Some chubby blonde stands on the porch holding a travel mug.
“Can I help you?” I ask through the screen door.
“You must be Hattie. I’m Mary. I dated your daddy.”
“Okay. What can I do for you?” Bethel’s warning about Mary rings in the back of my mind, and I fold my arms over my chest, not wanting to invite her in. I know it isn’t very Christian or southern of me not to do so, but I don’t know this Mary chick or what she wants from me.
“Well, aren’t you going to invite me in?” She purses her lips before sipping on her drink.
“Sorry, I’m busy and not ready for company.”
“Well, I won’t be a bother. You see I can’t find my favorite earrings and I am sure I left them in the bedroom. I’ll only be a minute.” The woman steps forward and goes for the door handle.