“I guess not.” She crosses her arms. “But I really did want to see this design transferred over to skin.”
“Keep it. I maybe in need of some Ink therapy pretty soon.”
“You’d be down to wear my design?”
“Aw, yeah. It’s not like you haven’t tattooed me before?”
“But that was your design.”
“And.”
“And all I had to do was trace the stencil.”
“And look how good it turned out.” I encourage, extending my arm so she can see her work for herself. “I love your work Mira, who wouldn’t want to wear a design by the infinite Mira Henley.”
“Now I know you’re just boosting my ego.”
“Don’t doubt yourself girl.” I playfully bump her. “Your designs are wicked. Anyone would be honored to wear them.”
“That means a lot. Thanks Scar.” She softens, as her arms wrap around her legs for comfort.
Sensing her sadness, I ask the real question that’s been on my mind, “Are you okay?”
“I’m just feeling small for some reason,” she admits, as her head rests against her knees.
“I think we might be in need of a girl’s night,” I offer, as we stand from the curb.
“Yes.” Mira perks up. “Think we can get Izzy on board?”
“When have you ever known Izzy to turn down pizza?” I remark, over my shoulder.
“Good point,” she giggles, and immediately I see a change in her mood.
“Come on girlie,” I loop my arm around her shoulders. “I’ve got sketches I need to work on if I’m going to take the night off to stuff my face with the likes of you two.”
Chapter 8
Brody
Later that evening as I slouched back on my couch, I let Netflix play in the background. Aimlessly kicking back with a beer in one hand while the other rested firmly behind my head I was un-entertained by whatever it is I was watching. As one episode quickly turned into three or more it seems like I’ve barely even blinked. How’d I come so close to spilling Club Secret’s? I ask, as my thoughts draw me back to this morning at the studio. Am I ready to relive the memories of that day all over again?
I take a pull of my beer as my chest rises. Sharing the details of that day won’t only hurt me, it’ll also re-open Scarlett’s wounds too. I realize, chugging my brew back before slamming the bottle back down with a little more force than necessary. What if Scarlett blames me for her father’s death? My hands begin to shake. Will she even look at me when she finds out? Lowering my head into my hands, the images of my sister covered in blood gasping for air becomes too much. Bolting from the couch, I storm towards the fridge looking for more beer to drown the memories.
Grabbing another beer, I crack it open, downing half before the fridge has the chance to swing closed. It’s still not enough to erase the images. I mumble under my breath as my hand shoots out to keep the fridge from closing. Two more should do the trick. With the other two beers in hand, suddenly I don’t have enough coordination or energy to make it all the way back to the couch. Fuck it. I curse abandoning my original plan by detouring to the bed instead. Dropping onto the single mattress, I fall back onto the pillow as the room spins and takes me with it.
Completely passing out into a black abyss, it feels like I’ve just fallen asleep when I hear my phone ringing around me. Damn it. I curse, rubbing the sleep from my eyes while I’m blindly feeling my way around the blankets. Finally landing on something vibrating, I turn it over in my clumsy hands. It’s Tank, which means he’s probably broken down at the races. Dragging my finger across the screen, I answer, “Hello,” but it comes out as more of a croak.
“Brody, hey,” Tank starts in a huff, “Sorry to call so late but I kind of broke down out here man,” he explains already sounding apologetic.
“You out at the races?” I ask, drawing myself up.
“Yeah man.”
“Alright, ya.” I mumble, caving for my patch brother, even if it means delaying tomorrow. “I’ll be there soon.” I offer, stomping into my boots.
“Thanks man.”
“Don’t mention it.” Disconnecting the call, I duck into the bathroom to take a piss and wash the sleep from my face. Exiting my quarters, Diamond’s eyes follow me as I pass. I really wish she’d get over whatever fantasy she holds of us. I utter under my breath, it’s never going to happen, regardless of how banging her body was. She’s just as much a sister to me as Ashley.
“Where you headed brother?” Hawk calls out.
“Tanks burnt out again,” I chuckle. “I’m going to borrow the truck and head out there.”
“Typical boy,” he laughs with amusement as he moves to dig the keys out of his pocket.
“You’d think he’d take after his old man.” I tease.
“Watch it boy,” he warns, as his old lady pulls his attention away. “Tell that boy of mine he needs a fuckin’ upgrade already.”
“I’ve tried, but he’s just as stubborn as you, old man,” I jab him a little more, as I climb into the coach.
“Isn’t that the truth.” He tips his chin. “But seriously though. I think it might be time to do a run for a few new pieces around here.” Hawk motions around the lot.
“Does the Club have the cash flow for that right now?” I ask, slamming the door.
“Michael’s got a run coming’ up in a couple of days.” He offers, approaching the truck. “Should set the club up nicely for the next little bit.” Hawk brags.
“Oh yeah?” I press, rolling down the window to hear more. “What kind of setup is he running?”
Leveling me with a stare, he says, “You haven’t been brought in?”
“Nah,” I shrug, starting the truck. “I’ve kind of got my own thing going on right now.”
“I’m sure you’ll know soon enough then brother.” He says, brushing it off. “You better get out there.”
Without the rumbling of my Harley, the drive out to the races would be maddening if it weren’t for some music. Reaching for the audio cord on the truck’s cheap stereo, at least my phone is loaded with some decent music to jam to.
Arriving in the outskirts of Oshawa, I lower the stereo’s volume as I pull up to the gate. Reaching for my phone I check the time before the gatekeeper asks for my driver’s license. Noting the time of quarter to three, I’m wondering what’s happened up here this weekend. Extending my license out the window, the keeper takes it, glancing down at it quickly before returning it. “Sorry about,” he apologizes, no doubt recognizing the Wolfe last name. “Gotta check everyone,” he adds, covering his ass.
Nodding, I call out, “Sure, thing man.” As the gate slowly begins to open. Revving the trucks engine, I pass through the gate and turn down our lane. Passing other trailers and RV’s I finally come up on the clubs. “Hey man thanks for coming.” Tanks calls out.
Cutting the engine, I grumble, “Yeah of course.”
Exiting the truck, I can feel Tanks side eye all the way from over here. “You’re not fucking drunk, are you?” He asks.
“Nah man,” I wave him off. “I had a few before I crashed but you know how quickly my adrenaline kicks in when I get out onto the road. I’m just fucking exhausted.”
“I’ve got nowhere to be in the morning, so we’ll crash in the trailer for the night.” He offers.
Too tired to argue with him, I cave. “Whatever,” I yawn. “What’s the damage we’re looking at?”
“Totalled beyond repair,” he starts, before his words turn into syllables instead of sentences. Following his line of sight, I spot the familiar stranger from the Studio. “Who’s that?” I inquire.
Turning to me with shock, he says, “You don’t recognize her?”
“Nah, should I?”
“That’s Elizabeth Rainer.”
Pausing to consider the name, my eyes pan back, wait didn’t my sister talk about a Rainer non-stop? “Izzy Rainer?” I question. “You sure?”
Undressing her with his eyes,
he says, “I’d know those legs anywhere bro.”
“Dude,” I slap him out of it. “Have a little class alright?”
“Look at you, always being the gentleman,” he jokes. I wouldn’t go that far. My thoughts got a little carried away with me in Scarlett’s presence too. “All I’m saying is if you want her brother back out here then by all means have at her.” I express, throwing my hands up in defeat. “But don’t be calling me when you need another pair of hands to fight your battle.” I snicker, with a shake of my head. “There’s no way I’m dealing with Dre.”
“So that’s how it’s going to be?” Tank calls out. “You won’t even come to your club brother’s rescue.” He calls after me.
“That’s exactly how it’s going to be if you go around asking for trouble.” I offer.
“Fair enough.” He nods, with an amused smirk. “What would you say if I told you I’ve already hit that?”
A smirk turns up in the corner of my mouth, “I’d say I’m not surprised.” I pause, wetting my lips to consider what I’m about to say next. “But what the fuck are you getting yourself into, man?”
Circling his beat-up bike, he asks, “What do you mean?”
“I mean you’re wasting your time with girls like her?” I motion back in her direction. “Girls like her, they’re only in it for the thrill of the moment, Tank. Once that moment is gone, so are you.”
“Yeah but that one moment bro,” he bites his knuckles with anticipation. “Pure fucking heaven.” I don’t doubt it. I wet my lips. Fuck, I bet Scarlett would be a nice little ride too. I clear my throat, but I couldn’t go there. Could I?
“Look.” I level with him. “You know her brother is a fighter, right? Like a real fighter, not just some asshole who likes to throw his fists around.”
“And?” Tanks asks, not really getting the point.
“You know he’s served jail time too, right?”
“That charge was on a completely different matter though.” Tanks says without a care.
“You do know he went after his stepdad, right? He put the guy in critical condition.”
“Whatever, he’s been MIA since.”
“Nah man, you haven’t heard? He got out of the life.” I start as we take position around the bike. “My buddy just told me he’s recently returned.”
“Shit,” Tank drags out, on an exhale. “That explains her sudden return.”
“How so?”
“Her brother scared her shitless awhile back,” he starts, as his eyes trail back her way. “He forced her to quit racing, or at least that’s what she told me.” He mumbles, his voice lowering a significant amount. “Suddenly she’s calling it quits with us and stops coming out to the races.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“Any idea what she did when she left?”
Shaking his head, he says, “No clue. She kind of just vanished.”
“You know she works at a tattoo studio, right?”
Tossing his hand through his ash blonde hair, that’s styled much the same way as my own, he says, “That can’t be right.” But watches her a little closer.
Sensing there’s more to their story than just some cheap thrills, I smile. “You fell for her, didn’t you?”
“Something like that,” he says, turning away to lock up his feelings.
“So, what’s the deal with you two now?” I press, curious for more.
“There’s no deal. Been there done that kind of thing.” He shrugs, but his demeanor says it all.
Having interacted with her on my own, I get the impression she’s not one to be pushed around. “On your terms or hers?”
“Does it matter?” He barks, which tells me she was the one to end things. “Can we just get this piece of shit loaded up already, fuck.” He snaps. “I didn’t call you out here to fucking reminisce you know. I legit needed some help.”
Backing away defensively, I put my hands up in surrender. “I get it alright. At least now I know she’s a touchy subject.” I raze him. “But hey I’ve got something that might lighten your mood.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Your old man was just telling me the Club is due for a few new bikes.”
“Noooice.” He drags out. “Are they sending you to do the shop?”
“I’d assume so.” I offer, approaching the right side of the bike. “Looks like the Speedster has seen some better days, huh. Might be time for the boneyard after all.”
“As much as I don’t want to admit it,” he sighs, as his hand runs along the angle of his jaw. “I think it might be time.”
Throwing my head back, I let out a laugh. “I don’t think you have much of a choice in this case.” I clap him on the back. “What happened anyway?”
“I missed a fucking turn.”
“How’d that happen?”
“Might have been distracted.”
“Typical.” I joke. “But at least you remembered to fill the tank.”
Playing along, he chants, “Did I though?”
“Seriously Tank? Where’s your head at these days man?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Probably not,” I realize. “You grab that end and I’ll get this one.” I advise. “On the count of three we’ll lift and carry it to the cage.”
“Got it.”
Bending to get a grip, Tank and I grab hold of the sides, lifting in unison. “Got it?” I groan, as most of the weight falls on me to carry.
“Got it,” he barely replies.
Shuffling to the cage, we manage to angle the frame in enough to just push the bike up the rest of the bed. “Shit that’s difficult,” Tank curses, beyond out of breath.
“Light weight.” I rouse. “Maybe you should try picking up the weights again instead of picking up the ladies.” I continue, as we’re move back to the pile of broken bike parts.
“Good one,” he laughs, again without pausing to take my advice.
“I fear you’ll never learn.” I chuckle, with a shake of my head, as we go about collecting the rest of the speedster’s debris.
“Probably not.” He admits, as we toss the remaining pieces into the back of the cage. “You plannin’ on crashin’ or do you wanna knock a few back?” Tank throws over his shoulder.
Knowing I need answers on a few things I go for the latter, “Yeah I could knock a few back.”
Chapter 9
Scarlett
Once my wild clients have left for the day my stomach growls as my eyes are drawn towards the clock, where’d those three hours go? I sigh. “Hey Mir, I’m going to pack up and run over to Emerson’s for lunch do you want anything?”
“I could go for a burger.”
“Your usual?” I ask, deposing my needles into the yellow safety bin.
“Nah, I’ll just take a double cheese, thanks. I’ve got save room for girls night.” She explains, with a little more excitement in her tone.
“Have you heard from Izzy today?” I ask, exiting my station.
“I haven’t, but she was at the races last night.”
“What time did she get in?” I ask, crossing the studio for my hoodie.
“I’m not sure?” She worries.
“Did she even come home?” I press.
Grabbing her phone, I watch her frantically swipe right and type in her code. “Now you have me worried?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing.” I offer, “You know Izzy, she probably just met someone.” I add, hoping it reassures our little worrier.
“You don’t think she’d get back with Xander, do you?”
The guy she was two seconds away from marrying? That was until his one- night stand informed her he was cheating… two days before the wedding? “I don’t think so?” Yet again she was pretty head over heels for him.
“She’s not answering.” Mira begins to panic as I swing my hoodie around my shoulders.
“I’m sure everything’s fine.” I offer, slipping my hair out the back. “If we don’t hear
anything from her soon you can run home, while I hold things down, okay?”
“Alright,” she relents.
“I’ll be back with food,” I sing, spinning out the door.
Setting foot on the street, the cool October air nips at my face as I flip my hoodie up. Reaching into my pocket for a smoke, my thoughts wander towards Brody as someone’s eyes roam over me. What’s wrong with guys these days? I ask, protecting my smoke from the October elements. I’m not even dressed up. I realize, taking in my outfit of torn jeans and a band tee. Pocketing my lighter, I roll my eyes with disinterest as I duck around Emerson’s to smoke in peace.
Leaning against the brick wall, I’ve got a smoke poised at my lips while my brain begins to remind me of all the reasons why getting involved with the Glory Bounds is a bad idea. Taking a deep pull, my thoughts return to yesterday’s interaction and no matter how badly I want to deny my feelings, there’s something going on between us, I just didn’t know what.
Tossing my butt into the smoke pail, I enter Emerson’s Diner from the back. “Is that you Brody?” David calls out.
“No, it’s Scar,” I return, coming in from behind. “I didn’t know you knew Brody?” I ask, approaching his left side.
“Oh hey,” he calls over his shoulder. “Yeah Brody and I go way back.” He offers.
“Seriously?” I reply with curiosity as I move to the back counter. “What do you know about him?” I press, hoping to learn more.
With a quirk of his brow he bates me with one of his beach boy smiles, “What do you know about him?”
“Not much,” I shrug. “I just met the guy.”
“And…”
“And what?”
“Nothing,” he chuckles as if he knows something I don’t. Seems like that’s going on a lot lately. “What are you girls ordering today?”
“We’ll just grab two double cheese burgers for the road.”
“Where’s Izzy at?” He asks, placing two homemade burgers onto the grill.
“Good question. She’s been back out at the races but Mira and I both crashed early so we didn’t see her.”
Bad Vibes (Inkspirationz Book 1) Page 6