Page 5 of Storm the Night

“Don’t apologize. It’s ok. What are your plans this evening?”

“Plans? I never have plans, Ryder. I’m not supposed to leave the house.”

Hearing her say that pissed me off. That dickhead expected her to stay in the house for a week. Wasn’t happening if I could help it. “Would you like to grab something to eat?” She hesitated and was fidgeting with her hands. “It’s innocent, I swear. I just want you to see something besides these walls. I’m here as a friend.”

“A friend…” She scowled.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her.

She was choked up. “I haven’t had a friend in a long time.” She shrugged.

“Well, right now, you do. Let’s go get something to eat.”

“Ok, yeah. Sure. Let me grab my purse and phone.” She turned back to the kitchen and just as fast was back with her things. We walked out and she locked up. I noticed her looking around before walking down the porch steps.

“It’s ok. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

She nodded and we went for my bike. “You don’t have a car?”

Shaking my head, I reached for a helmet and handed it to her. “This is it.”

“But… I’ve never been on a bike before. What do I do?”

I smiled. “You hold on. Hold on tight and enjoy the wind through your hair, against your face, and that feeling of freedom it’s going to give you.”

Her eyes looked glossy. “Freedom…”

I nodded. “Freedom. Do you trust me?” She smiled and nodded. She put the helmet on and looked at me for help with the strap. Once she was good, I got on, then had her get on behind me. “Put your arms around me and hold on tight. It’s going to be ok.” She did and I could feel her exhale. “Remember to breathe. I don’t need you passing out on me.” I laughed and I could hear a small giggle come from her and then she leaned into my back.

*

We pulled into Kai’s Bar & Grill. It was a low-key place near the clubhouse to grab bar food, a drink, and just sit for a bit. They had booths that lined the walls and then some tables in the center just before you reached the bar. Everything was wood and there were t.v.’s in different corners of the bar, all showing something different. I got off my bike and helped Calliope off.

“So, what’d ya think of the ride?” I looked at her hopeful.

She smiled. “Not bad. I feel like my entire body is vibrating though. It’s weird.” She laughed. She had a great laugh. Fuck that guy for ever squashing that part of her.

“Yeah, it takes some getting used to but after a while you don’t even notice that anymore.” I smiled at her. “This is Kai’s. Amazing food. Their mozzarella sticks are the best.”

“I can’t wait.”

We walked in and grabbed a booth. The waitress came over and I recognized her. She’s someone who spends time with Country at the Clubhouse. Country's real name is Chase, but he is a country boy through and through so the nickname stuck. “Hey, Ryder!”

“Hey, Mika. Mika, this is Calliope, a friend of mine. Calliope, this is Mika. She’s a friend of the club.” It was easier to say friend of the club than go into her being Country’s old lady and what that meant. She smiled so I knew she understood.

“Nice to meet you, Calliope. I love your name.”

Calliope got really shy. “Thank you. I like your name, too,” she said quietly.

We ordered our drinks and food, and Mika took off. I looked at Calliope and asked, “You ok?”

She nodded and gave a very faint smile. “Yeah, I’m just so nervous. I literally havenothad dinner with anyone other than Colin is so many years.”

“Do your friends not wonder what happened to you? Why you never leave the house?”

She shrugged. “They did in the beginning, but I made excuse after excuse of why I couldn’t go out. After so many, they just stop inviting you. They stop texting, besides the occasional funny meme or to tell the group what crazy thing just happened.”

“What about family?” I was digging. I wanted to know everything. Did she really have no one to help her?

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