Page 19 of Switchin' Lanes
9
Tink
The next day,Diesel and I are hanging out in the main room of the clubhouse. Saint just left for New Orleans. Mouse and a couple of Nomads went with him to make sure the move goes smoothly. Everyone else is getting the clubhouse ready for our Sunday BBQ. Once the prospects get back from the store, I’ll be in the kitchen with Minx and some of the other ladies, prepping food.
Diesel and I are talking about dogs, of all things, when Hollywood and Buzz walk in the front door. I try not to pay attention to them because seeing Hollywood and not talking to him hurts. I notice the way Diesel watches him and I study his face. Then it hits me.
“You have feelings for him.”
His eyes come to mine. “What?”
“Hollywood, you have feelings for him.”
“Well, yeah. He’s my best friend, or was. I don’t even know anymore,” he says.
I shake my head. “No, I mean more than that. I can see it in the way you watch him from across the room.”
Diesel sighs. “Maybe you’re right, but that’s between us. I wouldn’t act on my feelings. I’m with you and you’re who I want to be with.”
“It’s okay if you want to be with him, too,” I tell him. I glance at Hollywood and back to Diesel. “As much as I want to be with you, I have feelings for him also. Ever since he started keeping his distance from us, I’ve felt like a part of me is missing.”
“I’ve felt like that, too,” he admits.
I search for Hollywood again, hoping I can try to talk to him, but he’s gone. Before I can say anything to Diesel, the prospects walk in with the groceries.
I groan. “That’s my cue. Can we talk more later?”
“Of course.” He gives me a quick kiss. “Have fun cookin’ with the girls.”
“Always.” I grin at him. I stand from the table and head to the kitchen.
“Tink!” Marley embraces me in a hug. “How was yourseconddate with Diesel last night?”
“Uh-mazing,” I gush. “We went to dinner, then he took me to watch the sunset and stargaze. He even brought my favorite snacks and drinks.”
“Who knew Diesel could be so romantic?” Minx teases.
“Before I got to know him, I never would have guessed it.” I laugh. “But he is. He’s great.”
“I’m happy for both of you. Y’all are perfect for each other,” Marley tells me.
The next few hours fly by as we make all types of side dishes and desserts. We make at least ten different sides and five different desserts. I enjoy helping out with the food, but by the time we’re done, I’m exhausted. It’s always worth it though. The guys are all extremely appreciative of everything.
We store what we need to in the fridge since there’s still another hour before the guys start grilling. Until then, we get something to drink and head outside to relax. It’s sunny and beautiful out today. The prospects set up some yard games and some lawn chairs.
“Hey, Mar, where’s Lo at?” We sit in some chairs in the direct sunlight.
“I think she picked up a shift at Rosie’s,” Marley tells me. “She’s been acting off lately.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed that, too. She’s been keeping herself extra busy recently.”
Some of the guys come outside and start a game of bags. I watch them as Marley, Minx, and Rivet talk about random things. I end up zoning them out as my thoughts drift to Diesel and Hollywood.
I’m struggling with the fact I feel so strongly for both of them. They’re both so different. Diesel being the soft, romantic one and Hollywood is rough and angry. I’m not sure what made Hollywood so angry and hardened. We’ve never been able to get him to open up about his past. He shuts down on us when we try. When I’m with them both, I feel complete. And like I told Diesel, ever since Hollywood started distancing himself from us, I haven’t felt whole. I’m happy with Diesel, but there’s an underlying sadness.
Raze and Sketch come over, breaking me of my daydreaming.
“You ladies enjoyin’ yourselves?” Raze kisses Minx on the top of her head.
