Page 40 of The Bikers Redemption

“Diadora?” I ask, “You’ve given your car a name?”

She giggles and looks over at me. “Duh, I’ve always called her that. You just haven’t heard me.”

“Okay,” I say, smiling.I don’t ever recall her talking to her car, so this is all new to me.

Liv takes off, and we drive to her house as she tells me about her new dog, Bella, a golden retriever. I’m happy for the light talk because right now, I can’t handle all the questions that are going to come. At least let me have a shower and coffee first.

We enter Liv’s driveway and exit the car. With Liv carrying my bag, we walk to her front door. She unlocks and opens it. Immediately, we are greeted by Bella with a ball in her mouth.

“Hello, baby Bella. I told you I wouldn’t be long. Have you been a good girl?”

She talks to her dog like she does her car, and it makes me giggle.

Bella jumps up on me, and I laugh, falling back against the door. “Bella, that’s enough,” Liv demands and walks to her sliding door, opening it up and letting the dog into the backyard.

“Sorry about that. Bella’s not used to many people coming over, so when I do have some company, she gets excited.”

I wave my hand at her. “That’s okay. She’s a cute dog.”

“She is, isn’t she?” she replies, smiling.

Walking farther into the house, I spot some photographs on the fireplace in the living room. They’re pictures I’ve seen before and know they are of her, her father and stepmom, and Harley. I walk over to them, pick up the frame with the image of Liv and Harley, and run my finger over his face. He’s sixteen in this picture. He had left school and is wearing a goofy smile on his face as Liv is posing like some gangster or something.

As I gaze around the cramped living room, memories of the three of us spending time together flood back. I have a memory of feeling left out during their conversations. When they talked about their family vacations or childhood memories, I envied their close bond because of their shared history and family connection. I didn’t have any siblings or cousins to reminisce with—just my dad and me. I used to visit Rachel in New York sometimes, but it wasn’t a common occurrence.

I don’t really have many friends—Liv is probably my best friend. But Harley would always find a way of including me in their conversation, and I used to love him for that.

“Has this got anything to do with Harley?” Liv asks from behind me.

Placing the photograph back on the mantle, I turn to face her, shaking my head. “No, this time, I can’t say it has unless you include him kidnapping me on my wedding night?”

Stunned, she drops my bag from her hand and covers her mouth in shock.

“No, he didn’t? Please tell me he didn’t do something stupid like that?” she asks, walking closer to me.

I smile. “Yup, he did.”

“Oh my God, Serena. What did Luca say? How did you get away?” She stops talking, then frowns. “You did get away, didn’t you? Or have you come here to hide from Harley? Does Luca know you’re here and safe?”

“No, it’s not that, I promise. I’ll tell you everything, but right now, I’m in need of a shower.”

She places her finger on her cheek as if in thought. “I didn’t want to say anything, but you do stink.”

Sniffing under my armpits, I smile. “No, I don’t.”

She laughs. “Oh, same old Serena, so gullible.” She links her arm through mine, and we walk farther into the house, taking my bag with me.

The kitchen and two bedrooms are down the hall, including the master.

“Why don’t you shower, and I’ll put on the coffee pot?”

I smile. “Thanks, Liv. I really appreciate this.”

“Anytime, girl. When you called me last night, I prepared the guest room for you. There’s lots of hot water, and I put a towel in there for you.”

“What would I do without you?” I say and hug her before I make my way to the bedroom.

I find the guest room, place the bag on the bed, unzip it, and take out some underwear, a clean pair of shorts, and a T-shirt. It’s hot in Houston, and it’s the one thing I don’t miss. The heat can be excruciating here.

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