Page 52 of Outcast
I pointed at Holden. “Yes, that. Pizza imitating tacos, maybe, butnottacos.”
“No, they’re tacos because?—”
“You’re all wrong,” Axel said as he came in and bent to scoop up two pizza tacos. “They’re sandwiches.”
“What?” Bailey exclaimed, face twisting in horror. “Take that back!”
We all busted up laughing. Only Jose was quiet, being the smart one who’d left the bickering to us so he could stuff his face.
I unwrapped my pizza shaped like a taco—because it was pizza first and foremost, thank you very much—and took a big bite. “I don’t care what you all call it, it’s damn good.”
Axel perched his ass on the corner of Holden’s desk. “It’s the food putting that stupid grin on your face, huh?”
“What else would it be?” I asked between bites.
“Getting laid by the hot banker?” Axel suggested.
“What now?” Holden asked. “I thought Gray came home alone last night?”
“Well, sure, after he hoofed it over from the auto shop when his hookup left.” Axel gestured from his eyes to mine. “I see everything.”
Holden paused, giving his desk a wary look. “You didn’t…”
“No! Not in your office.”
“One of our customers’ cars?” Holden asked, frowning hard now.
“No.” I paused. “Well, not inside it?—”
“Ugh, Gray! I’ve been working on that sedan,” Bailey cried. “I’ve probably got your jizz germs all over me!”
The rumble of motorcycles outside saved me from the rest of Bailey’s dramatics. I shoved the last bite of pizza taco into my mouth, wiped my fingers on a napkin, and jogged into the garage bay.
Hot damn. Two bikers had just rolled up on a Suzuki V-Strom and a Harley Road Glide. Looked like I’d finally be free of tow-truck duty, and not a moment too soon.
They were both nice bikes. The V-Strom was a great adventure bike, but the Glide was a cruiser that could travel long distances in real comfort.
The Harley rider pulled off his helmet, and I recognized Rocky—a guy I’d talked to at the pool hall before Emory showed up.
“Hey, man, I came to see about getting my daughter’s bike serviced. She’s going on a cross-country ride with some friends before college starts, and I don’t want to deal with any roadside emergencies.”
“You worry too much.” The second rider tugged off her helmet, revealing curly red hair and a splash of freckles. “Just because you can’t handle a real ride anymore?—”
“Oh! You want to come at me, babydoll?” Rocky said with a playful scowl.
“Anytime, old man,” she said.
Rocky laughed. “I told Annalise she could go, but only if she gets her bike checked out first. Pretty sure she needs new brake pads.”
“Sure, sure. So a full tune-up? What about this bad boy?” I gestured toward the Harley, knowing better than to touch a man’s bike without his say-so. “He need some TLC?”
“Nah. Just took it to Omaha a couple of weeks ago. Didn’t realize you all were doing this.”
Damn. I was grateful for any bike jobs that came my way, but I’d love more than just one here and there.
“Yeah, it’s a recent development. We’re still trying to get the word out.”
“Well, you do right by Annalise, and I’ll tell everyone. I’dloveto not haul ass over to Omaha anytime we need something.”
