Page 24 of Everest

“He’s good. Mrs. Bethany started teaching him the alphabet this week. She said Julian is one of her brightest kids.”

I can hear the pride in Zara’s voice when talking about her son.

“That’s fantastic!” Ruby rushes. “It would be a dream to have your sweet boy in my class when he starts kindergarten.”

The conversation is halted when Mrs. Maggie bursts through the door of her restaurant carrying a tray loaded with sweet tea and her famous rye bread and honey butter. “London. Ruby, Zara! What a blessed day it is to see you three here.”

“Hey, Maggie. How’s it going?” I ask.

“Shoo, child. Other than these achin’ knees. I can’t complain. Now, what will it be today, ladies? Danny's red beans and rice will knock your socks off.”

“Perfect. Red beans and rice it is. I’m going to need some bread pudding, too,” I tell her.

“Same for me,” Ruby follows.

Zara nods. “I’ll have that too. Will you give me some extra bread pudding to go? I want to take some home to my little boy.”

“Sure thing, honey. I’ll be back in a jiff with your order.”

Just as Mrs. Maggie scurries back inside, the familiar rumble of a motorcycle draws our attention, and the three of us watch Catcher park his bike beside my car. Catcher tied himself to the Kings not long ago and is now the club’s latest prospect. He seems like a good guy, but I can’t seem to get much of a read on him. I feel there’s a story behind his sad eyes, though.Catcher is all hard lines and a mask of indifference, but there’s no mistaking the pain he carries around on his shoulders.

“Hiya, Catcher,” I greet him as he strides past our table. Catcher stops briefly and slides his shades from his face to the top of his head. “Lon,” he replies with a nod. His gaze then sweeps the table before halting on Ruby, who has suddenly turned three shades of red. With a tip of his chin, Catcher disappears inside the café.

I turn to Ruby with a lifted brow. “What was that?”

Ruby’s blush spreads to her ears. “What was what?”

My eyes narrow as I watch her pick at the bread on her plate. Beside me, Zara giggles.

“Ruby, do you have the hots for Catcher?” I tease.

Ruby sputters, “No!”

“Oh my God. You totally do!”

“What are you, five?” Ruby tosses a piece of bread at my face, making me laugh.

My teasing comes to a halt when Catcher exits the café. He slides his shades back down over his eyes and tosses a nod our way as he walks past our table.

“Good seeing you, Catcher.” I wave. “Right, Ruby?”

A foot connects with my shin underneath the table, making me grimace. “Ouch. That hurt, heifer.”

“I’m going to kill you,” Ruby whispers.

“Guys, look.” Zara nudges me with her elbow.

Ruby and I peer down the sidewalk at Catcher perched on his bike, head turned toward us.

“Great,” Ruby mutters. “He probably thinks we’re idiots.”

With a shake of his head, Catcher fires up his motorcycle and takes off down the street.

“You’re the worst, Lon,” Ruby grumbles once Catcher is out of sight.

“Meh.” I shrug. “You love me anyway.”

Ruby pops a piece of bread in her mouth and continues to pout. “Unfortunately.”

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