Page 38 of Kairo

Ricky’s dad was a part of the Iron Knights, but his dad was also killed in a motorcycle accident when he was eight. After that, my father made sure that Ricky was taken care of. My dad stepped up as the godparent to Ricky, since him and Ricky’s father were close friends. When my dad died, Ricky promised to be there for me just like my dad was for him. Ricky didn’t associate himself with the Iron Knights. He didn’t like what they stood for. He only cared about bikes and felt that having his own shop would pay homage to his late father.

“I appreciate that.”

“Fa sho. Take all the time you need.” He looked over at Junie and smiled. “You did good, my boy!”

“Whatever, man!”

“I’m fucking with you. How you doing? Nice to meet you, pretty lady,” he said, waving at Junie.

“Hey, I’m Junie.”

“Ricky. Pleasure!”

“You just want me to text you the details?” I asked Ricky.

“Yeah, that’s it, and I got you. For real.”

“Bet.”

We dapped up once more and Ricky headed to the back. Once he was out of ear shot, I turned back to Junie. She had an eyebrow raised.

“What?” I asked with a smirk.

“What are we doing here?”

“This is your surprise.”

She looked around again. “What’s the surprise, Kairo?”

I smiled. “I know that since everything happened and how you feel about your father, you’re ready to let go of everything and anything that reminds you of him.” She nodded. “I reached out to my boy Ricky and asked if he could customize you a new bike. Have you start over from scratch with your bike collection. This bike will represent the start of your new life. No more Savage Saints. No more having to please your dad. No more having to miss out on doing the things you love. Whatever style, color, customizations… it’s up to you. Don’t worry about the price.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks, and within seconds, she leaped into my arms, placing kisses all over my face.

“Oh my God, Kairo! I can’t believe you thought to do this for me. This is so sweet and beautiful. I don’t know what to say.”

“Tell me you love me,” I said.

“I love you, I love you, I love you!” She shouted. “This is the sweetest thing someone has ever done for me. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Junie. Anything for the woman that conquered my heart.”

SIX MONTHS LATER

I smiledas Kairo walked inside the house. He had just returned from the store and had two bouquets in his hand. He walked toward me, kissing me on the forehead and handing me a bouquet.

“These are beautiful, baby,” I said.

“Just like you.”

I laughed. “You are so cheesy.”

“You like it.”

“Nah, I love it.” I placed a kiss to his lips and looked at the other bouquet of flowers.

“Your mother is going to love them. They are so pretty.”

He smiled. “Yeah, you know how she is about her flowers. My dad created a bad habit.”

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