Page 29 of Refuel

“Josie and me,” Ronald said.

My ears picked up at that mention.

“You and Josie, huh?”

He looked over at Josie talking on her phone, staring at us.

“She came on to me one night,” Ronald started to say, and I stopped him before he could give me all the sordid details.

“Listen, whatever you have going on with Josie, keep it to yourself. I don’t need to know.”

“I just want to make sure we’re cool. I mean we race on the same team, and we’re friends,” Ronald said, and I saw a hint of cockiness cross his face.

Done being nice with everyone trying to play me for a fool, I punched him in the face.

“Kash!” Colton yelled and ran toward us. I grasped Ronald’s jacket as security came over to break it up when Ronald tried to hit me back.

“Baby!” Josie yelled, running over to check if I was all right.

I yanked out of her grip.

“Get off me!” I said.

“Kash, you’re done for the day. Go cool off,” Colton said.

“This is some bullshit, Colton, and you know it,” I said and snatched my keys out of my pocket and picked up my helmet to leave.

“Kamden, wait,” Rylee said.

I kicked the bike stand and sat, putting my helmet on.

“Rylee, not now.”

“What was that back there?” Rylee asked.

“Nothing.”

“It didn’t look like nothing. Are you pissed that he’s dating Josie, or that you actually like Arianna?” Rylee questioned.

“Did Colton ever tell you that you think too hard about things?”

“Only when I’m right,” Rylee retorted, and we both chuckled.

“You’re wrong this time, Rylee. I like having my freedom.”

“I see the spark in your eyes when I mention her name. Nothing’s wrong with love, Kash,” Rylee stated, tapping the top of my helmet. I revved up the bike and rode off, heading to the house to see the boys for a little bit.

Flashback

I woke up groggy from the night before with a piece of paper on my face. I picked it up and read the note “Thanks” from the woman who disappeared and left me in bed alone. I chuckled, sitting up in bed and stretching. I checked the time on the clock and saw eight a.m. and moved the covers off me. Planting my feet on the warm carpet, I stood and walked to the restroom to piss. Washing my hands and brushing my teeth, I heard my phone ringing before I could turn the shower on. I strolled to the bedroom looking around and noticed it was coming from the living room.

Sarai’s name flashed across.

“Sarai, how’s it going, beautiful?” I asked, getting under her skin as usual.

“You tell me, Kash. This morning, after finishing my normal routine, I went through my emails and guess what I saw?”

“What happened?”

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