Page 84 of Pride High 2: Orange

“I was letting this hunk of junk warm up,” she replied. “And watching the snow accumulate on your shoulders. Hop in. There’s plenty of room for your bike in back.”

Silvia shook her head. “I live too far away. I’m okay.”

Keisha smirked. “Maybe it’s just me, but those two statements seem to contradict themselves.”

She didn’t ask a second time. Keisha got out and walked around to open the tailgate. After shivering a moment longer, Silvia rolled her bike over, and together, they got it loaded up.

“You really don’t have to do this,” Silvia said apologetically.

“I want to,” Keisha said. “Now get inside. You’re so cold that you’re starting to look like a white woman.”

Silvia happily complied. The Bronco’s interior was nice and toasty. And surprisingly devoid of decoration, considering how elaborately Keisha dressed. She found herself smiling while waiting for the driver to appear on the other side.

When she did, Keisha was smiling too as she climbed inside. “Now then, whereabouts do you live?”

“Have you heard of Homestead Hills?”

Keisha didn’t think long before nodding. “It’s on my way.”

That was nice of her to say, even though it couldn’t be true. There wasn’t much of anything past the trailer park.

“Do you feel that?” Keisha asked as they left the parking lot. She breathed out as if relieved. “Winter break has finally begun.”

“Two weeks of freedom,” Silvia said just as blissfully. “Besides work.”

“True, but almost anything is better than mandatory education.”

“You make it sound like corporal punishment. I like that.”

“Everyone has their kinks,” Keisha murmured.

Silvia noticed the teasing expression. “Look, all I’m saying is that whips and paddles turn me on, okay?”

“I’m not judging!” Keisha replied with a wry grin. “Is that what you asked Santa for this year?”

Silvia shook her head. “I’m not into that sort of thing.”

Keisha furrowed her brow at this. “You’re not excited about getting presents?”

“Not really. I like shopping for my family and friends. But I don’t care if they give me anything.”

“Hmm,” Keisha said musingly.

Silvia could guess why. “I do desire more than just surviving, you know.”

“Tell me about those dreams then,” Keisha said. “I’m all ears.”

Silvia thought about it so hard that her knee began to bounce. She wanted her parents to stay safe, her brother to learn the rules they had to live by, and to make enough money that she could help her family out of their current situation. But those things were all for them. Keisha would call her on that, so she deflected. “What areyourdreams?”

“I want the same as every red-blooded American,” Keisha replied. “A wife, kids, and white picket fence. The only difference is how I plan on getting there.”

“As fast as you can?” Silvia guessed.

Keisha shook her head. “I don’t plan on wasting time. But the important part is to make your dreams come true without stepping on anyone along the way. It’s possible. My parents have proven that. Although I won’t be feeling so cheerful about it come Christmas.”

“You lost me,” Silvia admitted.

“Don’t worry,” Keisha said as they took a left turn. “I know the way.” She shot Silvia a wink. “I’ll be working Christmas Day. On the family farm.”