Page 30 of Pit Stop

“More like roll,” he replies.

As we wait for the root beer float, I explain to Axell my reason for being back. “Decker and I had this vision for the SK only for us, it was the Street Kings. A street racing family because you know how this world is... the racing world is a family of its own. We both wanted that. The guys that were like us wanted it too. Just a place to call home, people to rely on when things got rough. It’s all what we thought we were getting when we signed up for the SK, but we were wrong. Decker has been weeding out the members who believed the old way and now it’s just us and a few boys who need a place.”

My root beer float appears and I drink some of it while Axell digests the information I just gave him. “Wow, that wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but I like it.”

“Me too. So, what about you? How are the brothers? Any special girl in your life?”

Axell smiles. “Most of the time I’m busy at JamesTown, running the shop and keeping the bar up to par. Jagger came back a while ago. He went to Las Vegas after the death of Harlyn, but he’s happy now. Met a rich girl named Londynn who gave it all up for love. Bowie is back with Hollis. We had a scare and thought we might lose, her but she’s a fighter. Jovi is getting ready to graduate high school and Ace,” he pauses and shakes his head. “He’s the most changed. You know he had a really hard time after our mom. I didn’t think he’d ever let anyone in but then he met Kynlee and the rest is history. He’s a tattoo artist now.”

Thinking of the James brothers gives me the best memories of my former life here. I can’t believe how old we all are now. “Wow, that’s amazing. You left someone out... you.”

He smiles. “Sadie. I have Sadie.”

“Wait… you’re still with Sadie?”

“Yep, because I’m one lucky son of a bitch.” The rest of the time we laugh, catch up, and drink our root beer floats. Life feels like it’s finally on the path it’s meant to be. I couldn’t be happier. I was worried Axell would still be angry with my decisions, for the lies I fed to him over those years, but I guess time does heal everything, even broken trust. As we head outside Axell takes in my car. “Remind me to ask you what you were doing when you weren’t here next time.”

I laugh out loud. “I’m surprised that wasn’t your first damn question anyways.” I climb into the car and head back to the hotel.

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