Page 75 of Flyboy's Nightingale
“I,” Pretty Boy grits.
“You know I am,” I throw out.
“That’s plenty. Duck, make sure the enforcers know the plan and what needs to happen. With Lil’ Red being pregnant, I’m glad there are enough of us for you not to have to come along. Everyone else stays. While we’re gone, I’d like for all the Ol’ladies and kids to stay at the clubhouse, just in case. Anything else from anyone?” Prez asks, looking around.
We all stay silent, letting the events settle over us. No one says a word. Hell, I think we’re all barely breathing.
“That’s church. Duck, I want to be on the road in twenty-four hours,” Prez snaps, banging his gavel on the table.
We all stand, our thoughts on getting ready to hit the road. My original plan is to find Riley, only I find myself moving toward the front door. For the first time since my accident, I’m on the hunt for my bike, only my hands start to sweat and my nerves begin to take over. I manage to make it through the front door and out into the open air, feeling the sunshine on my face. The sound of the door opening behind me has me turning my head to see Wesson and Coin standing there.
“Finally ready to get back on the bike?” Coin wonders, slapping me on the shoulder as he walks by me.
“Where is it?” is all I can seem to get out of my tight throat.
“It’s in the garage. Let’s go take a look,” Wesson states, moving past me to follow Coin.
I walk behind them slowly, still not sure if I’m ready for this. We make it to the garage and Coin slides the door open, and where in my head there was going to be a mangled mess, there was my bike as if I parked it a year ago and nothing had happened. How the fuck?
“What? How?” I stutter.
“Well, what did you think was going to happen? We’d just leave it sitting in a mess of bent metal?” Coin chuckles.
“No, to be honest, I had no fucking idea what to expect. It damn sure wasn’t that it would look pristine, like I parked it here and just walked away,” I tell them, still taking in my bike so perfectly fixed. Am I going to be able to ride? Will I be able to handle holding the throttle long enough with all the damage my hand sustained?
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to ride long enough to make it to Texas with my hand the way it is. Hell, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to make it around the fucking corner,” I think out loud, not really talking to myself.
“That’s the great thing, your bike has been completely rebuilt. We were able to add “cruise control” and everything else is on the left. We also added floorboards and extended crash bars to allow you to stretch out.” Wesson points at everything as he tells me about them.
Coin smiles. “So get your ass on the bike. Go grab your girl and go for a ride.”
“First ride won’t be with her but let's see what we can do,” I tell them, walking over and throwing my leg over the saddle, setting it up. I’m shocked that there isn’t as much pain as I would’ve thought there would be after the damage inflicted.
“Fuck yeah, let’s ride, boys.” Wesson smacks me on the back, heading for his bike.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket I shoot Riley a message.
Headed out for a bike ride. I’ll be back shortly.
To my complete surprise she messages me right back.
That’s amazing! Have a great time! I love you!
I stare at the three words still shocked by them.
I love you too.
I slide my phone into my pocket and grab the clutch, starting my bike for the first time since the night I nearly lost it all. A small wave of anxiety washes over me, shockingly followed by a wave of pure joy. The vibration and rumble remind me of thefreedom that comes with being on a bike. I pull my helmet on, bringing my uninjured leg up to shift into first gear.
The bike rocks forward like it’s ready to run. Wesson and Coin’s bikes rumble to life, bringing a smile to my face. “Let’s ride.” We shoot through the gates, taking a right onto the main road. My bike rides like she always did, itching to be let loose, running wild and free. We come to the first curve and I slow, taking it slower than normal trying to get my bearings. That only lasts about twenty minutes, and then, I’m riding like nothing ever happened. We only ride for about an hour before heading back. Once back in the yard, bikes backed in and parked, I pull my helmet off smiling like a fool.
“Fuck! It’s so fucking good to have you back on the road, brother.” Wesson smirks as he heads into the clubhouse.
“It feels damn good to be back,” I chuckle.
Twenty-four hours later—on the dot, we’re getting ready to head out and ride to Texas. It’s going to take us about three days to get there. Thankfully, we have several allied clubs not far from the Dazed Monkeys for us to lodge with. I close the lid on my saddle bag, turning to face Riley.
Cupping her jaw, I tilt her head up. “I’ll be gone for about a week. You can go back to work and live your life. Just listen to the brothers that are here. If they feel like it’s not safe, do as they say. I’ll call and text when I can.”
