Page 91 of Drifting

Paige waves as they head over to the Jeep parked a little farther down the lot.

Nick pulls his keys from his pocket. “Shelby, are you and Paige riding with me?”

“I’ll take Shelby,” Luke offers, blushing. “Your truck is small.”

I gaze over at Paige, silently asking if she’s okay with this.

She nods yes and climbs into Nick’s truck.

As Luke and I head to his Mustang, I ask, “So, are you going to let me drive her?”

Luke opens the door for me with a glare. “Sorry, no one drives my baby but me.”

Shaking my head, I settle in the passenger seat, and he shuts my door. Men and their damn cars. But I shouldn’t complain. I’m the same way with my bike.

On the way, Luke asks, “How are you feeling about what happened to the Barbie Squad?”

I tell him the truth. “They got what they deserve. Unfortunately, there’s also a bigger target on my back.”

“How’s your leg and arm feeling now that they’re out of the casts?” he asks.

“I can tell the difference between my arms. I lost a lot of muscle mass,” I explain. “How are your ribs after that hit late in the third?”

He took a hard hit, but he gives the manly answer. “I’m fine, but sore.”

He pulls into the diner, which is literally called The Diner, and it looks like we just jumped back in time.

We climb out and head for the entrance, Luke stepping forward to open the door for me. "I know it looks like we time-traveled back to the fifties, but their food is unbelievable. They give you so much, and it’s cheap.”

I glance around as we walk inside. The floor has a black and red checker pattern. Vinyl in the same shade of red covers the booths and tables, with black stripes along the seams and sides. A counter with round stools runs along one wall.

Luke leads me to a large, semicircle booth in the back right corner. Looks like we’re the first to arrive. I slide in, and Luke follows beside me.

Menus rest on the table, and I grab one. “So, what’s good here?”

Luke takes the menu and sets it flat on the table so he can see it, too, and leans in. He makes a few recommendations before Nick and Paige stroll up. More of the team stream in behind them. I guess this really is the best place to eat before the party.

Paige starts to slide into the booth, but Cam yells from across the diner, “Don’t you dare, Little One! I want to sit by her.”

Running down the aisle, he crawls under the table and pops back up beside me.

I sputter out a laugh.

“Hi, Beautiful, did you miss me?” He lays his head on my shoulder, giving me a smile that would melt any girl’s heart.

“Knock it off, Cam,” Luke snaps.

“Lighten up, Lukey, I’m having fun.” He takes in Paige, who’s still standing. “Come on, Little One. I promise not to bite.” He winks. “Unless you ask me to.”

Paige peers at Nick, who just shrugs, so she climbs in.

Before Nick can take his seat, Cam stops him. “Wait, dude.” He raises his voice. “Hey, Sammy, come sit with us! I want to introduce you to someone.”

Paige’s eyes go wide, and she glances at me for help.

Shrugging, I shake my head. I don’t control him.

I lean closer to Cam, and he puts his arm around my shoulders as I hiss, “What are you doing? You’re embarrassing my friend.”

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