Page 50 of The Price of Love

Shadow waves to Edge, the Graces’ VP, who wanders over. She greets us before she asks Shadow what she needs.

Once Shadow explains about her bike, Edge says, “Not a problem.” She takes the cards and clipboard from Shadow and points toward Frost. “Maybe I’ll see if Frost will help me out.”

I try not to show my surprise. I’d noticed the pair were quite chummy at the last stop, but I’m not liking this.

“I’m not a mechanic,” I tell Edge. “So I’ll stay and help you with the cards.”

CHAPTER 22

SHADOW

There isn’t much anyone can do for my bike in the parking lot. I just need her to get me back to Saratoga without leaving me stranded on the shoulder. I know the smartest choice is to ride home since it’s closer, but my chest tightens. It’ll mean my time with Storm is about to come to an end. The disappointment hits harder than it should.

“What’s the verdict?” I ask over the prospect’s shoulder.

“She’s running hot. Real hot.” The prospect glances up at me. “Plus, she’s spitting oil.”

I tug open my saddlebag. “I always carry extra. Will it help?”

The prospect bites her lip. “Some. But she’s pretty hot.”

I sigh. The problems with my bike were getting worse last year, but I’d hoped that this year would be different. Right, because bikes miraculously heal themselves. Club rules are simple. To stay patched, ya need a bike. No exceptions. I can’t afford another if this one isn’t repairable. I can milk it awhile, but eventually, they’ll oust me.

“Hey.” Storm puts her hand on my arm. “I’m telling you. She’s a magician with a wrench. Bring your bike to our garage.”

I smile. “Aren’t you up in Cinder Ridge? I doubt if she’d make it that far.”

Storm returns my smile. “Good point. We can trailer it.”

My stomach drops. A trailer means more money I don’t have.

A slender young woman threads through the bikes with a handful of beers cradled in her arms. “I thought you ladies might need a beer.”

“Thanks, Two,” Storm says. She turns to me. “Two, I’d like you to meet Shadow. Shadow, this is Prospect Two.”

I reach out to shake her hand but realize my mistake since she’s still holding the bottles. She thrusts a beer into my hand. “I brought one for you, too.” She taps the other prospect on the shoulder. “Here you go.”

The prospect looking at my bike takes the beer. “Thanks.”

As Two is telling me about herself, cheesy circus music blares from my back pocket, and my heart sinks to my stomach. I pull my phone out, making sure it’s Margot. Of course it is since she’s the only person in my life who elicits such music.

“I have to take this.” I move several steps away from the group before I accept the call.

Before I can say hello, Margot says, “What the hell took you so long to answer?”

I don’t bother explaining. She wouldn’t listen anyway.

“My mom’s taken a turn, and she’s in the hospital. You need to come pick up the kids,” Margot says.

My heart sinks. “I’d love to, but I’m in Lake George, so it’ll take me a bit to get there.” I look at my bike, wondering if it’ll get me home to pick up my car.

“Why the hell are you in Lake George? Never mind. It doesn’t matter. You just need to get home. A car will drop them off at your apartment.”

That’s it. The call ends before I can get a word in.

I hit the call button, but Margot doesn’t answer. Shit. Now what? If I leave now, it’ll take me at least thirty minutes to get home, longer with my bike acting up. They could be there within the hour.

I hit the call button again with no answer. Fuck! I consider leaving a message, but I don’t. No sense giving her ammunition to claim I’m an awful mother. I just need to get my ass home. At least the thought of seeing my kids warms my heart.