Page 97 of Shifting Gears

I thought about it. And just imagining hearing her voice? It made me more excited than I’d been about anything in a long time.

I nodded and walked.

“That’s the spirit!” Sydney called after me.

I chuckled and picked up the pace, getting into my car and starting it up. I couldn’t do it here. I had to get back to my place, where it was private.

I raced home at breakneck speeds, sliding into my spot at the docks and jogging inside, taking the stairs three at a time. I got into my room and sat down. I pulled out my phone and saw the time. That was when it hit me.

I can’t call her right now. It’s five a.m. for her. She won’t even be up yet.

“Damn,” I said as I set my phone down on the table.

I sat there, thinking about Rosalie. And doubt began to creep in.

What if I called and she wasn’t happy to hear from me? Shit, what if a man answered her phone for her?

I didn’t know if calling her directly was the best idea. I could call the shop, but Kayden would likely answer that over Rosalie, and he wouldn’t be happy to hear from me.

“Billy Crystal.”

The local plug I used to buy my weed from all the time had swung by the last time I needed her to be checked on. I could ask him again.

I grabbed my phone off the table and opened our messages.

AJ

Hey, need you to swing by Kayden’s Customs again and check on that same woman I asked you to look in on before.

I knew Billy wouldn’t be up yet, so I just went about the rest of the night like usual, checking my phone one last time before I fell asleep.

CHAPTER 31

AJ

I wokeup to a text from Billy.

Billy Crystal

Yo, if it ain’t the Last Samurai. Do I look like an errand boy?

I rubbed my face, squinting at the screen through half-lidded eyes as I sat up. Should have known he might give some pushback, but I also knew Billy just liked to give some shit to people too.

AJ

Nah, man. But if you do this one thing for me, I’ll owe you.

Billy Crystal

You sure will. I’ll add it to your tab. You really still hung up on this chick, huh?

AJ

Yeah. So, are you gonna check on her or not?

Billy Crystal

Lucky you, I wanted to get my new whip painted anyway. I’ll let you know.

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