Page 58 of Ride or Die
December passed quickly, and we are just over a week out from Christmas. I’m so excited to have Colton this year. After what happened with my sister and Bruce, I have been staying at his place. His mom, Jen, doesn’t really care what he does, which works perfectly for us.
I get along with his mom when I do see her. She’s a very sweet woman, but has had mental health issues for years. She works overnight shifts as a cleaner for a company with corporate contracts. It’s routine and gives her purpose, so she gets up every day and manages to do it regardless of her issues.
She hates being home ever since Colt’s dad left them. He says she’s still waiting for him, even though it's been eleven years. Apparently, he promised he’d be back for her. His dad was all she knew, but it’s Colt who pays the bills, buys the food, and cooks it. He is an amazing man and takes care of the people he loves.
I always knew there was so much more behind the bad boy exterior, but it’s even better than I could have ever imagined.
He let me decorate his room with some of my stuff to make it feel like home. I also got a small Christmas tree and placed lights around the window and above the bed. He says he loves it, but I think he just loved how excited I was to buy and decorate for the holidays. It felt like a small step towards starting our forever together.
We finished exams earlier this week, and I was transferred to a local coffee shop since the campus location closes over the holidays, so I have been working most days.
Colt has been teaching me basic self-defense techniques and how to maneuver quickly with a knife. I never thought I’d be in this position, but I have to learn in order to protect myself. This place is shifty to begin with. Of course, our physical training sessions always end up with us tangled in the sheets, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I used to love that no one noticed me, which made it easier to hide from the drama, but now that I’m with Colt, I have a huge target on my back. It’s a fucked up situation. I’ve avoided The Shores’ influence for longer than most, but I’d do this all over again to be with Colt. He makes me feel alive and loved.
Colt’s friends and street racing crew have accepted me, and I am finally building friendships with them. Drai and Adam are hilarious and easy to be around. Their girlfriends Gina and Krissy are the same way, and Daya and I have grown closer, too.
Since the garage incident, Simone, Serena, and Nate are no longer welcome at his place, which means others aren’t either. People have chosen their sides.
I’m lying in bed after we made love, watching him get ready to go out. I know what he has to do, but it frightens me, so I don’t ask much about it. I have to buck the fuck up and deal with it, and I find I do that by knowing less.
Colt throws on his leather jacket and walks over to where I’m sitting on the edge of the bed.
“I’ll be back soon babe, then we will have everyone over?” He cups my cheek, eyes searching mine for any signs of distress. I smile and nod.
“Stop looking at me like that,” I whisper.
“Like what?” His eyes flit between mine.
“With all that guilt and worry. You have to do this, so don’t make it more dramatic,” I tease, and he sighs.
“You’re right. It’s almost over.” He pauses to caress my face. “I just love you so much. I hate being away from you, so I always try to memorize your face before I go anywhere,” he whispers, looking between my eyes and lips.
“So romantic.” I poke at him with a smile, making him smirk. I lean in, pressing my lips to his. It’s soft, gentle, and full of love.
“I love you,” I say against his lips.
“I’ll be back soon. Love you.” He winks and gives me another peck before he gets up.
He looks back one last time before exiting. It’s like this every time he leaves for jobs, always a dramatic departure. He has a few more after this one, so I just have to hang in there and stay positive. All will be fine and go according to plan. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
I finish cleaning up from dinner, then I shower to distract myself, getting ready for his return.
As much as Colt loves my little sundresses, it’s too cold now, and I can’t wear dresses anymore, so I went on a little shopping spree and got some new clothes. He gives me so much confidence, and I love looking good for him, so I wanted to expand my wardrobe. Change it up to reflect the new me. The badass me.
Pulling on my distressed jeans and a red off-the-shoulder sweater, I curl my hair and leave it down over my shoulders, finishing the look with a pair of chucks. Cute but sexy, my new kind of style.
I head down to the garage to meet up with Daya and wait for the others to show up. We had a blast when she came shopping with me, so now we get together before parties.
I am so happy we’ve become friends. Daya has taken me under her wing and has been showing me the ropes around here. Plus, she’s street-smart and has shared some great tips to make life easier. She’s been super helpful and has made me feel way better about starting this new life.
“Looking good, girl!” Daya smiles, walking into the garage, looking gorgeous in her skin-tight leather pants and green crop top. She throws her purse onto the workbench and hugs me.
“Thanks, you too! Drink?”
She nods, and I hand her a vodka soda.
“God, I’m so over the holiday rush, and we still have a week to go. So many work parties,” she says with a huff, rolling her eyes and opening her drink. “How’s work for you?”
