Page 6 of Send It
“That’s fine, we can go to the doctor tomorrow,” I smile, having every intention of sneaking off to ride.
“I’ll take her,” Colson buds in. “I’m going into town anyway to see my Nana.”
She smiles, quickly hugging him, “Thank you, hon. Is that okay with you, sweetheart?”
I stare at her, screaming ‘no’ inside my head, but I don’t want her to feel like she can’t go to the salon because of me. So I nod, “Sure.”
She hugs me and grabs her bag off the table, rushing to her car. “Reiss, tell your father I’ll be back later.”
The three of us watch her walk outside, and the second the door shuts, I turn to Colson.
“I can drive myself.”
He stares at me, his jaw tightening. “Or you could just shut up and get in the car.”
Reiss shakes his head, “You guys are so exhausting. I’m going to Lakeside, call me after the doctor.”
He exits the room and it’s like the tension between us stretches even farther. Colson moves to me, and bops his finger on my nose, “Come on, baby Bane. Your chariot awaits.”
4
Colson
For the record, I would never physically hurt Lincoln intentionally. I didn’t know that she would react so slowly that she’d ram into my bike and send herself flying. I just wanted to slow her down, because I needed to help Reiss secure the win.
She’s a good rider, and could’ve probably beaten her brother, but I will never tell her that. Or Reiss for that matter.
All that this sport wants to do with her is chew her up and spit her out, that’s why most of the girls fizzle out before ever having the chance to go pro. The guys are brutal and when you’re on the track, gender doesn’t matter. The thought of someone hurting Lincoln and me and Reiss not being able to help her drives me insane.
It’s not happening.
I can tell you the exact moment that I fell in love withLincoln Bane. I remember it like it was yesterday. There are moments like that, moments that change everything. I was sixteen and Lincoln was fourteen. I had just gotten my driver’s license, and basically thought I was king dick. I walked around with that set of car keys like I was on top of the world. For the first time in a long time, I felt free.
My parents were never the type to hang around with me. Trust me, they make it known that they never wanted any kids. I was an obvious accident, and the second I got those car keys I felt some freedom. I didn’t need them as much, and my parents started taking trips. It was the beginning of a lonely few years, I just didn’t know it at the time.
Anyway, Kate, Lincoln and Reiss’ mom, called me and said that their dad had been in an accident at the track. I got in my car and drove to the hospital, where I found Reiss and Lincoln sitting in the waiting room. I didn’t really know what to expect because this sport comes with risks. It’s almost inevitable. It’s hard to know whether you’re walking into a broken collarbone or a traumatic brain injury.
The anxiety that Lincoln always felt watching her dad race was almost suffocating for her. She would hold my hand the entire race, and sometimes even close her eyes, which is why her racing herself means she’s come a long way with the fear. Or maybe she doesn’t feel it for herself, just the people she loves.
Either way, I walked into the hospital waiting room and the look on her face broke me. She needed me. I sat there with her until her dad was released. Luckily it was only a broken wrist and a concussion, but when the time came, she chose to ride home with me.
Reiss stayed to help his dad, and for the first time in a long time, I was alone with Lincoln. I drove her home and we sat in her driveway. She hesitated to get out, and I watched as she fidgeted her hands in her lap. Her long dark hair was straight down her back, not her usual ponytail, and the jeans she was wearing hugged her hips like I wanted to. I sat there staring at this girl that I’d known for most of my life and my whole world shifted. I wanted to kiss her goodnight.
The feeling was so foreign, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. If Reiss hadn’t pulled into the driveway seconds later, who knows what would’ve happened. He reminded me of something very important, that the beautiful girl sitting next to me was my best friend's baby sister.
Lincoln was off- limits. She’d always be off-limits.
That’s when Lincoln went from Linc to baby Bane.
The nickname reminded me that not only was she two years younger than me, but she was a Bane.
I needed that reminder nearly every day.
“Why did you tell my dad about my hip?” She asks, slamming the door of my truck, but instead of arguing, I just ignore her.
“Wow,” she scoffs. “Ignoring me. Real mature, Colson.”
I shoot her a death glare, and start the engine. “I just don’t want to fight with you right now.”
