Ride E-Book

Chiquita Dennie

• Herausgeber: 304 Publishing Company
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Pierce Motors
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 260

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Enjoy this steamy, sports, second chance romance.....

Amena finally had her dream job as a top stylist when her world came crashing down around her. Now a single mother, she was determined to get her life back on track and be the best mom to her sweet little boy. Amena heads home for support from her family and comes face to face with her past.  

Laikin worked hard on the racetrack but played even harder off it. Fame, fortune and fast women were all his for the taking. And take, he did. That was true until the day he pulled over to help a beautiful woman and her son stranded on the side of the road. Amena.

He never forgave her but he could never forget her. Now he has to decide how to keep her. 

Leseprobe

Ride

A Second Chance Single Mom Romance

Pierce Motors

Book 3

Chiquita Dennie

304 Publishing Company

Contents

All rights reserved

Introduction

Author Inspiration

Latest Releases

A Note to Readers

Disclaimer

Synopsis

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

Check Out More from Chiquita Dennie

Struck of Love Universe

Heart of Stone Universe

Also By Chiquita Dennie

About the Author

What’s Next?

Acknowledgments

304 Publishing Company

All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

For questions and comments about this book, please contact 304 Publishing Company at [email protected]. Visit the official website at www.chiquitadennie.com

Introduction

Grab some wine and get ready for more spicy, sinful, sexy suspense!

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www.chiquitadennie.com

Author Inspiration

“Never allow anyone to steal your joy. It doesn’t matter how many times someone says you can’t do something. Invest in yourself—even if it’s just writing down what your goals and plans are. Starting small can lead to bigger things.”

—Chiquita Dennie

Latest Releases

Series

Struck in Love

The Early Years-A Prequel Short Story

Ruthless:Antonio and Sabrina Book 1

Savage: Antonio and Sabrina Book 2

Beast: Antonio and Sabrina Book 3

Captivated By His Love:Janice and Carlo

Brutal: Antonio and Sabrina Booke 4

Redemption: Antonio and Sabrina Book 5

Heart of Stone

Broken, Book 1 (Emery & Jackson)

A Valentine’s Day Short Book 1.5 Emery & Jackson

Rebirth, Book 2 (Jordan and Damon)

Reveal, Book 3 (Angela and Brent)

Bottoms Up Book 3.5 Jessica and Joseph Short

Renew, Book 4 (Jessica and Joseph)

Cocky Billionaire Boys

Cocky Catcher (Cocky Billionaire Boys Book 1)

Bossy Billionaire (Cocky Billionaire Boys Book 2)

The Fuertes Cartel

Stolen (The Fuertes Cartel Book 1)

Saved (The Fuertes Cartel Book 2)

Betrayed (The Fuertes Cartel Book 3)

Carrington Cartel

Torn: The Carrington Cartel Book 1

Claim: The Carrington Cartel Book 2

Something

Something Gained: A Romantic Comedy Book 1

Something Earned: A Romantic Comedy Book 2

Pierce Motors

Refuel: (Pierce Motors Book l)

Pressure: Pierce Motors Book 2)

Summer Break

Summer Nights: (Summer Break Book 1)

TN Seal Security

Aydin: Book 1

Nasir: Book 2

Nicco: Book 3

Standalones

Until Serena(HEA World Novel)

Temptation

She’s All I Need

I Deserve His Love

Mutual Agreement

Scoring with Sadie

Exposed (A Bodyguard Novel)

Love Shorts:A Collection of Short Stories

Red Light District(A Fantasy Romance Short)

A Note to Readers

Some characters appeared in Refuel, but you don't have to read Refuel to understand this book. Each book in the “Pierce Motors” series is a standalone story.

Disclaimer

This work of fiction contains strong language and explicit sexual content and is only intended for mature readers.

This story may contain unconventional situations, language, and sexual encounters that may offend some readers.

If you're looking for sweet, fluffy romance, then I would recommend another book.

This book is for mature readers (18+).

Synopsis

Amena finally had her dream job as a top stylist when her world came crashing down around her. Now a single mother, she was determined to get her life back on track and be the best mom to her sweet little boy. Amena heads home for support from her family and comes face to face with her past.  

Laikin worked hard on the racetrack but played even harder off it. Fame, fortune and fast women were all his for the taking. And take, he did. That was true until the day he pulled over to help a beautiful woman and her son stranded on the side of the road. Amena.

He never forgave her but he could never forget her. Now he has to decide how to keep her. 

ChapterOne

Laikin

Sweat dripped down my forehead; some slipped into the corners of my eyes. Breathing slowly, the adrenalin rushed through me, and my helmet made me feel like I was shut inside a box, hearing the echo of the loud, roaring engine gain volume as my stomach knotted and I passed the first round. Almost immediately, I could hear the screams and cheers of my family in excitement of me winning. I could feel the flashes of cameras picking up on the number 19 painted on my black and red car. When I got the call, my dreams came true, and I stuck with that number because I worked hard and focused from the age of nineteen to make it in this business. I wanted to take the reins, become the best in the business, and show why I was meant to be there. My parents came out to watch, giving me encouragement and motivation to be the best and win.

“Shit.” The grip on the wheel felt off after the last pass on the track, and I tried to calculate and strategize how to get around the two rival cars ahead of me, when another car swooped in and made it to the finish line, as reporters, fans, and announcers called another name.

* * *

As I drove down PCH thinking back on my earlier time racing, I turned up the volume on my old school Tupac CD and tapped my finger against the steering wheel, ready for my next race. I met Malik Pierce through my closet friend, Kash, and we became like brothers after signing with Pierce Motors. In just a few years, I have seen my life take off beyond my wildest imagination. The rush from the crowd and the excitement behind the wheel were too much for me to imagine living without them. Only drawback is the press never relenting and always trying to get into my personal business. Every other day, they portrayed me as some playboy partying with women and having sex with them. I cursed, not wanting to be stuck in a traffic jam, as I dodged around the curve, but seeing a woman on the side of the road wasn't something I could leave to my conscience.

I put my car in park, then stuck my head out the window to see if she needed help. “Hey, do you need some help?” It was a pretty nice day out, the wind was suddenly sweet, the pungent air not overly hot or cold with the breeze from the ocean. The female driver was bent over the hood. Even being covered up, I could see she had a nice figure. I snatched the keys out of the ignition, climbed out and eased toward the rear. She rubbed her hands together, glancing at me.

“I do, my car ran hot...Laikin⁠—”

“Amena.” I moved slowly, balancing my head and heart to work in sync, and stepped closer, shocked at seeing the past right in front of me. We both stood frozen. My throat was dry, not knowing if this was real or a dream.

“​​Mommy, I'm hungry,” a tiny voice called out.

Amena glanced over her shoulder, flushed but remained silent.

My head whipped around to the back seat, jaws clenched and eyes slightly narrowed. “You have a kid.”

She opened and closed her mouth, then whispered, “A son.”

I watched her go to the back seat, open the door, and speak with him for a few minutes. I raked a hand down my face. “Where are you heading?” I controlled my anger; today was supposed to be simple, not complicated because of an ex.

“To my friends' place in the city, I just moved down here.” Amena walked around to the driver’s side and stuck her hand through the window to turn the key in the ignition.

No sound came about, letting me know it wouldn't start. “Looks like you're not getting far. Grab your things and I can give you a ride.”

Amena turned on me with a sudden flash of defensive spirit. “I can't ask you to do that, Laikin.”

The maddening inability to break free from the past was rearing up again. “Why not?”

“It's not your responsibility.”

I hated her high cheekbones, oval face, and soft prettiness that made any man drop to his knees to give her anything she needed.

“Amena, you're in the middle of the highway, with a kid, during afternoon traffic. Either you come with me or stay here and wait for car service.”

“You’re right.”

That same tiny voice yelled again. “Mommy!”

“Okay, Mommy's coming.” She breathed out in frustration.

I cleared my throat and folded my arms. “What's his name?”

Amena’s face showed a hint of sensitivity when it came to me asking about her son. “Why?”

Those soft lips I remembered nibbling to keep her from pouting whenever she got into a fight with her parents were pressed together. Our past was just that: the past. So the car ride was what I could offer to put my conscience at ease. If she were any other woman, I would do the same thing.

“Amena, we go way too far back to have this much animosity.” Yeah, I had a right to be pissed off, but we wouldn’t be around each other long enough to dig into old wounds.

She gathered her purse, cell phone, and ushered her son out of the car seat saying, “You mean like breaking my heart?”

“I recall something differently.”

A tiny hand pointed at me. “Who are you?”

Amena giggled and I dropped down to his height. “Laikin. What's your name?” I stuck my hand out to shake.

When I asked him a question, he glanced up at his mom before answering. I could see the little hint of her in him from the small round nose, dimples in each cheek, and pointy ears. I used to make fun of her ears growing up and she’d get on me about my failed dance moves. Being my best friend’s sister brought her into my life between the ages of fifteen and twenty—until she left with her secret boyfriend, breaking my heart in the process. Brett, her brother, still stayed in touch to this day and we hang out when our schedules are free. As hard as I wanted to ignore those memories of running up behind her at fifteen to give her our first kiss, we needed to get off the side of the road.

“What’s your name, baby?” Amena rubbed a hand through his curly hair.

He scratched his nose, and he answered, “I’m Kayne.”

I chuckled at his smile. “Nice to meet you, Kayne.” Standing to my full height, I motioned to my car and opened the back door to help Kayne climb inside. I watched Amena help him into the back seat. I held the door open to let Amena get in front. When we were fifteen and planning our future together, I thought I would be opening the door for her forever. I locked my seat belt and checked traffic in the side and rearview mirrors. I turned the volume low on the radio and caught Amena scanning my every move before I focused on the road again. I swore the day I saw here again I’d let her know how she fucked with my head when she left town and never said a word to me.

“Mr. Laikin, do you like pizza?” Kayne raised a right hand up in the air, holding tight to his toy in left hand. Even though Amena was fucking up my head right now, her son sat back in his seat with his toy, getting comfortable.

I glanced at him through mirror. “I do.”

Kayne kicked his feet up in excitement. “Me too! Mommy, can we have pizza?”

“Kayne, that’s not how you ask for something, and besides, I planned on cooking when we got home.”

“He’s fine.”

Amena turned in her seat to look at him. “No, he’s spoiled.”

“But, Mommy...” Kayne crossed his arms around his chest, poking out his lip.

“Spoiled.” I chuckled, thinking back on Amena constantly throwing a tantrum. If Brett and I went anywhere, she had to be there and have the same things.

“What are you saying?” Trying to size me up, Amena fought back a grin at my words.

We pulled off the highway, taking the short route back to Los Angeles. “Where am I taking you?”

“My parents house,” she sighed.

“I thought you said your friends’? Either is cool.”

“Yeah, at first my goal was to hit up Winter, but this time of day she’s working. Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Picking us up.”

I hit the turn signal. “No need to thank me.”

“I asked Brett about you often,” Amena spoke

To hear that she talked with her brother about me and stayed updated on my life was shocking because he never gave me a clue about her—especially not that she’d had a baby.

My jaw went slack. “Yeah, can’t say the same.”

“Not Brett’s fault. I made him promise to keep my life away from you.”

I scoffed, gripped the wheel tighter, and clenched my teeth. “What?” Brett at the end of the day was my best friend, not sibling, and we told each other everything. I understood she was his sister, but that was a big secret to keep from me.

“Laikin, you’re the biggest celebrity in sports. Every girl has a picture of you on their wall, and the last thing I need is to deal with your harem.” She raised her fingers, making air quotes.

“What’s a harem, Mommy?”

A triumphant smirk stretched across my face at Kayne catching our conversation. Plenty of times I eavesdropped on my mom and her friends gossiping.

I cackled and Amena groaned, shook her head, then slapped me on the arm for laughing.

“Kayne, what did I tell you about listening to grown folks’ conversation?”

I peered through the rearview mirror at him, and he shrugged. If Kayne has Amena’s personality, I can’t imagine what he got from his dad. Early on I knew having kids with her was a dream, but her mind was always wrapped around getting away from her parents. Brett could do anything, but Amena had a curfew, wasn’t allowed to date until she was older, could only have limited friends, and had to go to church every Sunday. When I came along, we’d sneak around when I wasn’t with Brett and hang out together. Our love of comic books, movies, and Cheetos made the friendship grow into more, and we dated briefly, before something else caught her eye.

“I date, Amena, same as any other single man. Knowing you have a child wouldn’t hurt.”

Amena grunted sarcastically. “Single. Okay, Laikin.”

“We were friends first.”

My phone rang. I noticed Malik was calling and picked it up. “What’s good. Malik?”

“Are you swinging by the office?”

“I had no plans to. I’ve got a few errands to run.”

“Do those plans include you posting with some influencer or model?” Malik stayed on me about the women I’m often spotted out with by the paparazzi. I made it clear right in the beginning for any woman, especially if I had date the night before a competition, that we’d have to reschedule until racing was done.

After the media circus when his sister and Kash’s relationship became public, along with Malik also getting into trouble, he has gotten onto everyone at the office about reining in their extra activities in public, especially the drivers.

“My personal life is simple. I go to a few events and drive. I mean, your wife handles my PR, so if something is off, take that up with Sarai.”

Sarai kept him on his toes, and I loved their relationship, just like Kash and Arianna. Settling down looked good on him, but putting me in that box right now wouldn’t work. I liked having the freedom to go where I pleased without having to answer to anybody.

“Simple, my ass,” Malik cursed.

Fear and sorrow mingled in Amena’s glistening eyes, and she looked away.

“I can run by there tomorrow. I have an errand to handle,” I explained.

“All right, be prepared for practice, we have a lot riding on the race coming up.”

I whipped my car around the corner a few blocks from Amena’s parents’ home in Calabasas. Listening to her have a conversation with her son filled my chest with pride. I could tell from the little time we’d spent together in the car how good of a mother she was. That was one thing I’d always known she would win at—no matter where she went in life. A role I expected to be a part of and maybe I held a little jealousy at him not being mine.

Pulling myself out of that trance I heard a car horn behind me, and I flicked my turn single to ease down the road.

“Who was that?”

“Malik, the owner of racing team.”

“I’ve seen a few of your races, you’re good.”

“Thanks.”

Kayne mumbled under his breath, “Mommy.”

The depths of how much I loved Amena and cherished every moment we had growing up gave me a long-standing bond that would never go away, but at our age now, she’ll never be my girl again after breaking my heart. I never settled on any one girl for long, and they all had Amena to thank for that.

After handling the favor of getting her car fixed and getting her to her parents, it would have to end. It would have to be like she was invisible or lived in another state. We could coexist in California, but anything beyond a “hello” could never happen again.

ChapterTwo

Amena

Before I knew what was happening, a rush of old memories of Laikin and my brother hanging around our neighborhood with their friends playing ball popped into my head. My brother had no clue about the crush I had on his best friend. It was something I would take to my grave, and now, years later, sitting in a car with him and my son in the back seat sent my nerves to new heights. I came back into town to start over and get away from my ex-husband Virgil, an asshole who felt like he owned me. Everything had to be to his liking-- how I dressed, the food I made, the way we raised our child. Getting swept up in love and being blinded to the red flags at a young age, I should have listened to my parents when they asked if I really wanted a life with him. I rolled my eyes when I saw Virgil’s name flashing across my cellphone for the tenth time. I’ve been avoiding talking with him since the divorce papers were signed, but I knew I would eventually need to let our son speak with his father. However, at the moment, I needed a break and time to think and to get my life in order.

Laikin Trenton, the first boy I ever loved, held that stare that could get anything out of me. “What's up with you, Amena?”

I was grateful he wasn’t a crazy stranger on the highway that picked up us, but at the same time having a reunion under these circumstances was weird. I checked over my parents’ old block, slipped down in my seat, and looked in the back to check on my pumpkin. He was knocked out in his car seat with drool running down his chin.

“Surprised to see you driving yourself on the road like a normal person.” All of his family and friends knew Laikin would make it in sports, from basketball and track to racing. His parents and mine were close because we all lived in the same neighborhood growing up. From what I’d heard, he moved them to a bigger house after he got signed and had endorsements deals.

Laikin stared at me for a moment before licking his lips. “You still do that?”

I slouched back. “Do what?”

He scratched the top of his head. “Change the subject.”

“What are you talking about?” I stared back at him in confusion.

“Nothing, Pepper.”

That nickname was the last thing I figured he would call me after so many years. It became his signature joke between us because I loved pepper on almost all the food I ate growing up. I loved spicy foods in general, plus with extra pepper, and it stuck so much that even my family wanted to call me Pepper, but I put a stop to it.

I playfully nudged him with my elbow. “I haven't heard that name in years.”

“I'm the only one that should call you that.” We parked in front of my parents’ two-story home that I hadn't seen since I was in my early twenties. I had stopped visiting, only talking on the phone. I felt like they hated me for leaving.

I shook my head, removing my seatbelt. “Still cocky.”

“Are you hungry? I can go grab that pizza for the little guy.”

“No, I can handle getting dinner prepared.”

“Are you sure? What about the little man? It might be faster to grab pizza.”

Nibbling on my bottom lip, I realized we hadn't eaten for a few hours after getting on the flight from Atlanta. I’d had a few snacks, but no real food. My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I was starving, and my parents barely cooked now that it was just them.

“We can order something to eat.”

“All right, Pepper, hopefully, Kayne didn't pick up your bad habits.” He smiled and I shoved him on the shoulder at his silly joke. Opening my door, I went to grab Kayne from the back seat. Laikin surprised me and removed him from the car seat, then picked up his tablet and jacket. Lifting some of our things, I made a reminder to call the tow truck company to bring my car to the shop and got the rest of our bags.

“I can carry him. I know he’s heavy.”

“He’s good in my hands.”

“Amena.” I froze at the low grumbly voice, taking in my father’s five-ten height, square shoulders, gray beard, and short afro he’d had since I was younger.

He approached the end of the porch and I stepped forward, waiting to see whether the raised eyebrows meant I was welcome or not.

“Come give your daddy a hug, little girl.”

Running into his arms, I felt like that little girl who always wanted to be protected by her dad and have his attention and love all the time.

A part of me knew I was wrong for taking off without telling my parents too many details. At the time, I thought I knew everything, and living in my parents’ house was stifling.

A throat cleared behind me. Forgetting Laikin, I reached to take Kayne out of his arms, and my dad shook hands with Laikin.

“Is this my grandson looking grown now?” Dad took Kayne, rubbing his back. They saw pictures after the birth, and talked with him on FaceTime, but my son wasn't close to my parents. Partially, it was because of my marriage to Virgil. We couldn’t visit my side of the family because he was the priority; it was always all about his career and his family.

Kayne started to fuss, which meant he was hungry and ready to play with his toys. Dad whirled around and headed to the front door. I tried to grab my things out of Laikin’s hand, but he refused. My dad sat down on the couch, peering at me and holding the TV remote.

“Amena, when did you run into Laikin?”

“Brock, who are you talking to in there?” Mom shouted, coming into the living room.

* * *

“Why can’t I go out with my friends? I’m seventeen.”

“Because I said so. When you’re grown and pay your own bills then you can stay out longer.”

“That’s not fair! Brett gets to run around with his friends and be gone all night.”

“First off, who are yelling at Amena? My house and my rules. Brett has curfew.”

“Yeah, midnight,” I mumbled.

“He’s a boy. He can handle himself.”

I threw up my hands. “You treat me differently. Daddy, say something.”

It was Friday night, and my parents wanted me home by nine. I would be eighteen in another five months, but according to them, I still needed to be home before it got dark, and I should have been thankful that they cared.

“Listen to your mother, she loves you, baby.” Dad rubbed the top of his head, eating his meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

“I hate it here.” I shoved my plate forward and jumped up, letting the chair fall to the ground.

“Keep acting like a child, Amena, and see what happens,” Mom snapped.

“I get good grades, go to school, and do babysitting on the side for extra money. Why can’t I go out with my friends?”

“The discussion is done. Either sit and eat or go to your room. You are grounded.”

* * *

Those old arguments flood my mind as I lifted a hand to wave. “Hi.”

“Amena,” Mom whispered, hand covering her mouth in surprise.

“Yeah, Mom, it’s me.”

“Are you here for good?” she asked, taking a seat next to my dad on the couch and running a hand across Kayne’s back.

At first, Virgil wined and dined me. I was nineteen and he was twenty-seven. Our early courtship was a dream come true and made me feel alive after seeing Laikin fall into anything that opened their legs when we were younger.

I thought it would be a good idea to come back and start over. My life needed a new start, and my son needed stability. The fights, cheating allegations, and being in the public eye because of my husband’s job as mayor had put a strain on our lives.

“We’re here for now, Momma.” Giving her a long explanation of my divorce would have to come later; the only thing on my mind was how exhausted and hungry I was.

“Laikin, how are you, son? Brett told us you have a race coming up soon.” Mom reached over to embrace Kayne. He had fully woken up and I watched him look around the room.

“I’m good, ma’am. If you want to come with Brett, there’s more than enough room for everybody.” Laikin's phone chimed. Out of habit I watched him remove it from his pocket and put it on silent. Biting his bottom lip and grinning meant it was some girl wanting to meet up.

“Thank you, Laikin, We'd love to come,” Mom replied.

His six-foot frame and square jawline always gave me goose bumps. Strong wide shoulders that carried me around the pool when we were younger and full lips that sucked on mine gave chills. His dark, charcoal skin had pierced my soul when I first met him. I was fourteen, and he was fifteen, riding bikes with my brother. Back then I had no clue about loving boys, but Laikin was my hero, best friend, and deep down the first man I wanted to have kids with.

“Brett has my number. Let him know and I’ll get you settled. I have to leave. It was nice seeing you all again. Amena, take care of yourself.” Laikin gave a goodbye wave and whirled around to the door. Kayne suddenly started to pout and throw a tantrum.

“Hey, Kayne, what’s wrong with Grandma’s baby?” Mom pulled him on her lap, rubbing his back.

“I want to go with Laikin,” Kayne cried, extending his arms out for Laikin to pick him up.

My father wiped his tears, turning the TV to some kid channel and patting his leg to get his attention. Scrubbing a hand down my face, I could see my baby getting attached fast. “Baby, Laikin has to work.”

Those bright almond shaped eyes stared at me. “I want to work.”

We all chuckled at his hopeful eyes. “When you get older, honey, you can work.” I kissed his forehead, then removed my coat and shoes.

“Are you two hungry?” Mom placed him on the floor, while Dad sat watching him.

I dug my phone from my purse to check the time. “We are. My car broke down on the highway. I need to get a tow truck.”

“Give me your information and I can have my friend bring it to the shop.” Dad picked up his phone to make some calls.

“Thanks, Dad.” I gave him my insurance and license, then walked with my mother to the kitchen.

“Does Brett know you’re here?”

I took a banana from the fruit bowl to hand to Kayne. “I texted him before our flight.”

My mom removed plates from the cabinet. Picking up the glasses and pitcher of water from the fridge, I helped gather everything to eat.

“We have a lot to catch up on, Amena. I’m grateful you made it home safely with my grandbaby.” The sad yet stern tone let me know we would be having a long conversation soon. I was a problem child—even though it stemmed from being put in a perfect little box and trying to be what she wanted me to be, instead of making my own choices.

I sighed, nodding my head in anticipation of the judgment coming from her voice. Dad went along with her on some things, but he’d get on me if I stepped out of line and got disrespectful.

“I know.”

She wiped her hand on the towel. “He’s beautiful.”

“Kayne’s my entire world.” I took the utensils out of the drawer.

“I feel the same about you and Brett.” Our eyes locked and I understood her fears, love, and devotion to us when we were younger. Raising my son with his father put things into perspective about living in an unsafe environment in a two-parent household or being a single parent and showing your child that love doesn’t need to be defined in one way.

My mom smiled. “Laikin’s still cute.”

“Mom…” A flashback of his long eye lashes, thick lips, and smooth skin captured that same flicker in my soul.

“I’m not dead. He’s sexy and I’m guessing you're single.”

I grumbled, taking the plate from the microwave. “Here you go.”

A few seconds later, Kayne and my father strolled into the kitchen, and we all sat, holding hands as my father said a prayer. I listened to my parents talk to Kayne about what he wanted to do first in Los Angeles. The excitement in Kayne’s voice about flying on the airplane, and meeting a new friend named Laikin put a smile on my face. Maybe I made the right choice to come back home.

* * *

After Kayne played with his grandparents after dinner, I gave him a bath and put him to bed in Brett’s old room. The both of us had a long day and needed rest before things would get busy. My mom followed me to the room and wanted to know what was going on with Virgil, and I changed the subject. Talking bad about Kayne’s dad only annoyed me more and I was exhausted. from the long day. I set my alarm to get up early tomorrow, then laughed at the message from Winter that popped up on my screen.

Winter: