Page 87 of Cash

“Cash! Wait up, fucker!”

The bald bastard catches up and falls in beside us. I ignore him completely, but I know it’s a temporary reprieve. Livi’s been silent throughout my embarrassing ordeal, but I know that’s temporary too. Fuck it, I might as well get this over with. I jerk my cart to a stop and turn to face Axel.

“Say it, Asswipe,” I demand.

“Say what? I have nothing to say,” Axel says in an innocent voice.

I wait a few beats, waiting for him to harass me, then make my way to the cashier. With groceries paid for and bagged, Livi and I gather them up and leave the store. As we’re pulling out of the lot, Axel exits the store, waves, big smile planted on his face and walks to his rig.

I heave a huge sigh, but I know I haven’t dodged the Axel bullet.

*~*~*~*

While grilling dinner, I explain to Livi what the EMT lady was talking about. She laughs then explains that she and James get called for things similar all the time. She tells me a few stories of strange calls they’ve handled, and I don’t feel so stupid for panicking.

“Beware though, Axel is going to have fun with this,” Livi warns.

“I know. I’ll never hear the end of it,” I grumble.

The words no more than leave my mouth and the calls and texts start rolling in. Axel must have sent a group text or something because I’m getting shit from nearly everyone I know. Even Dad, Terry and the Aunts have called to tease me. My entire body cringes when I hear a bike coming up the street. Jesus, aren’t the calls enough?

Livi snort-laughs before she walks to the front door. She comes back, James on her heels, and I relax. James already knows I stumbled when Liam first came.

“I’m not here to give you a hard time. Yes, I heard, but I’ve handled stranger calls than that. You were concerned about your baby. No shame in that,” James says as he bumps shoulders with me.

“Appreciate that.”

“I’m here to borrow Livi for a few minutes,” James explains as he grabs a water out of the fridge.

“What do you need?” Livi asks while shaking a rattle in front of Liam.

“Fulfilling a promise. Time for your bike ride,” James explains with a huge smile on his face.

“No,” I bark without thought.

Livi’s face had gotten all excited when James explained and then deflated when I barked my response. Two sets of eyes turn to me. One set is surprised and questioning. The other set is narrowed and getting angry looking. Guess which set is Livi’s.

“I’m pretty sure James was talking to me,” Livi says with an edge to her voice.

“Did I do something wrong?” James asks in a confused voice.

“No, you didn’t James,” I answer him without taking my eyes from Livi’s face.

“So now you’re answering for me?” Livi asks.

I know I need to explain the biker world to both of them, but I’m not sure how to do that without hurting Livi. That’s the last thing I want to do, but I have to be honest too.

“I know you two are friends, and I know you’re close. I’m glad you are, and I like it. But in my world, you don’t get to ride on another guy’s bike, Livi. Unless it’s an emergency, it’s not done,” I explain carefully.

I see realization hit James’s face, but Livi continues to stare at me, face suddenly blank.

“Why is that, Cash?” she asks.

“It’s the way things are done. Not everyone follows that rule, but I do,” I reply.

“Then who’s bike do I ride on if I get a wild bug up my ass and want to ride?” she questions while setting the rattle down and crossing her arms.

“Uh, look guys. I’m going to jet and let you two discuss things. I should have asked Cash about this first, I think. Shit, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded! Sorry, Liv! You know what? I’m out of here. Chat later,” James mutters as he makes a quick exit.

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