Page 26 of Pedal to the Metal

“What?” Jovi and I both ask at the same time.

She looks between us. “When I was younger, I always ate Raisin Bran because it was healthy and since I was a dancer I couldn’t afford to not be healthy, so I don’t think I’ve ever eaten Lucky Charms.”

“Okay no offense Raisin Bran tastes horrible," I say grabbing two bowls from the cabinet and taking a seat next to Jovi at the table. I slide a bowl over to Londynn.

“Well, if you don’t know anything different," she says with a shrug. I fill her bowl and watch as she stares at the cereal like it’s some sort of unfamiliar species. I would laugh at how cute it was if the situation wasn’t so damn sad. What person has only eaten Raisin Bran? Finally, she raises a spoonful to her mouth, and she makes a sound of satisfaction. “Okay you’re right Raisin Bran does taste horrible.”

I watch Londynn while she eats. Jovi is talking away about some girl in his class that he obviously has a crush on named Monrowe Fields. I had to laugh because it seemed like justyesterday, we were all watching him learn how to walk. “Hey Jovi, you got that learners permit yet?”

“Yeah!” He responds.

“Well then how about I let you drive us to school?” I offer.

“Are you for reals?” He asks but I recognize that same gleam in his eyes that I had at that age. He’s unable to hide his excitement about getting behind the wheel of a car.

“Yeah," I answer and motion towards his room. “Why don’t you go get ready?”

He’s up and out of the kitchen in record time. Now, it’s just Londynn and I, this is harder than I thought it would be. I clear my throat, “Londynn, I owe you an apology. You opened up to me and after that I’ve handled everything all wrong. It’s just your confession scared me.”

“It’s okay. At first, I was sad then I was mad but now I understand. While I was sitting on the side of the curve staring at that cross for Harlyn I realized that my confession probably scared the hell out of you. After losing her I can’t imagine you’d want to be with someone who almost accidently drowned because she made a stupid decision," she says quietly.

I sigh and let silence fill the space between us. “Londynn, it did scare me. That’s why I ran. Ever since I lost Harlyn and Harper, I run when anything gets too tough or scary. It’s what I do because I try to avoid all of it. I’ve spent the last month in a mostly drunken haze trying to forget about you, but I can’t. When Sadie called me, I realized that I wanted to be here…with you.”

I study her, but a look of defeat is in her eyes. “Things have changed Jagger.”

Nodding I tell her, “I can imagine so. Nothing stays the same and it’s been a month, but I’d like to actually give this a chance. You want to go to lunch today, and you can fill me in on what I’ve missed?”

She looks up at me and she seems shocked but I’m not sure why. “Jagger, I’d love to go to lunch but I don’t think that’s a good idea," she says drawing a circle around her face.

I shrug, “It’ll be okay. I promise I’ll take you somewhere that you can wear a pair of those huge sunglasses.”

She laughs, “Thanks but I don’t have any of my stuff.”

“I’ll call Kynlee. You have on her clothes now, right?”

She looks down then gives me a smirk, “Yeah I do but how did you know that.”

I bite my lip to keep from laughing, “Because your dance practice outfit covered more than that. It just screams Kynlee.” Silence is upon us again, but Sadie enters the kitchen. I get up and tell Londynn, “I have some stuff I need to take care of this morning, but I’ll be back by lunch time for you.” As I’m heading out of the kitchen I stop behind Sadie and place a kiss on top of her head and whisper thank you.

****

I pulled up to Inkcredible, Ace’s tattoo shop, once inside I holler out for Ace. Before I had left the house Axell had told me Ace was the one who had found Londynn. I needed to thank him. Ace appears out of a doorway from the back. “Well, the missing James has returned.”

“Yeah and apparently, I owe you some gratitude. Thank you for helping Londynn last night," I tell him and extend my hand towards him.

He smirks and takes my hand, “You know I may act like an ass most of the time, but I’d still help when needed. I just have rep to uphold.”

I laugh, “Of course you do.”

“So, what are you going to do about Ryce?” Ace asks me.

I shrug, “Who says I’m going to do anything?”

“Please! Even if you didn’t have a thing for Londynn, you wouldn’t let something like this slide. I figured that’s where you’re headed now.”

“No, I kind of have a lunch date with Londynn," I tell him.

I turn back around to face my younger brother and see him smirking at me. “Seriously? How’d you manage that? I assumed that Londynn would stay in hiding until the damage healed.”

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