Page 53 of Switchin' Lanes

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Tink

I tookthe rest of Sunday to mourn my brother’s death. As bad as it is, I knew this day would come. I always hoped it wouldn’t come to this, that he would get the help he needed. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew he was in too deep. Diesel and Hollywood were with me all day. They made sure I was never alone but didn’t push me to talk if I didn’t want to. I tried calling my mom a few times, but she never answered.

Today is my birthday. Hollywood and Diesel have been waiting on me hand and foot since I woke up. Now, we’re getting ready to go out for lunch. I slip into a pair of high waist distressed jeans with a black tank top. I pair the outfit with my black Converse then head out to the main room.

“Happy birthday, Tink,” Minx shouts as I walk into the room.

“Thank you.” I smile. “Have you seen Hollywood or Diesel?”

“They’re out front with some of the guys,” she tells me.

“Awesome, I’ll see you later!” I walk outside and find them sitting at the closest picnic table with Kicks and Buzz.

“Hey, beautiful,” Hollywood says.

“There’s the birthday girl! Ready to go?” A smile stretches across Diesel’s face.

“Ready when you are.”

“Wanna ride on the bike,” Hollywood asks.

“Of course!”

“Be safe. I’ll meet y’all at the restaurant,” Diesel tells us.

The ride to Wing Stop is short but amazing. Riding on the back of Hollywood’s bike is freeing and invigorating. Having my arms wrapped around him and being so close to him is pure bliss. Pulling up to the restaurant is bittersweet.

“I could spend all day with you on your bike,” I tell Hollywood.

“Yeah?”

I nod. “It’s such an amazing feeling.”

“How about I take you on an all-day ride this weekend?”

“Yes, please!”

Diesel parks his car and hops out, meeting us at the entrance. We walk in and the hostess seats us right away.

“What do you wanna do after lunch,” Diesel asks.

“I’m totally fine with going back to the clubhouse and hanging out,” I admit. “We don’t need to make a big deal out of my birthday.”

“Sure we do,” Hollywood says. “There’s been a lot of negative shit happening. Why not do something to celebrate your day?”

Diesel is grinning at me. “He has a point.”

“Okay, okay,” I say. “But I honestly don’t know what I would want to do.”

“Leave that to us.” Diesel winks.

“Y’all were already up to something, weren’t you?” I accuse.

“I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.” He’s fighting back a smile.

“Yeah right.” I laugh. The waitress comes to take our food and drink order.