The first time I went to one of the street races, it amazed me. I was used to people being competitive over lacrosse, golf tournaments, and tennis. But the adrenaline that rushed through the body just standing on the sidelines watching the cars was a brand-new experience for me. The scene was fast paced and aggressive. It was also electrifying not knowing if the cops might raid it or if a fight would break out.
“The end of the month. We already got a big pot in the works; so it’s gon’ be a show.” His grin grew mischievous.
For as long as I’d known him, Dylan had been involved in street racing. From what I knew, his older brother introduced him to it, and instead of standing on the sidelines, he became a part of the action.
“You ready to get behind the wheel?”
I scoffed. “You got jokes I see.”
He laughed. “As long as you know how to control the wheel you’re good.”
I shook my head. “I’ll stick to being on the sidelines.”
The conversation eventually shifted and before long I realized I had been here for over an hour.
“Let’s run a table,” Dylan suggested, standing and nodding toward the pool tables. He leaned down and picked up a black carrying case, which I knew was his cue.
Nodding, I stood and followed him.
“Hundred dollars a ball?” he asked once I grabbed a pool cue off the wall while he set the table.
I chuckled. “If you’re down for money, just say that. I don’t mind loaning some out,” I joked.
He tossed his head back and laughed. “If I was gonna take a loan from you, damn sure would be more than eight hundred dollars.”
“Good to know. I’m going first,” I let him know, grabbing the cue ball and heading to the top of the table.
It wasn’t too often I was able to just be and not have to worry about shit. The past year I had been on constant go, expanding Steel Freight, adding more trucks and businesses to the routes. It’s been stressful and needed a lot of leg work. I planned on treating my current stay in West Pier as a mini-vacation. While there were times I might have to handle business, I planned to relax more than anything.
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Stepping into the house I wasn’t expecting a delectable aroma to hit my nose instantly. Removing my jacket then my boots I headed deeper into the house until I got to the kitchen. Bella greeted me at the entrance, nudging her nose against my leg with her tail wagging wildly.
“Hey, girl.” I reached down to pet her.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Nakyra called out with her back to me. She was stirring something on the stove top. She seemed lost in her own world. Her braids were pulled up in a high ponytail. Moving past Bella I walked further into the kitchen until I was behind Nakyra. She came to my shoulders, making it easy to glance over her shoulder to look into the pot.
“Whatchu in here cooking up?” I asked.
“Rasta pasta. I hope you haven’t eaten yet?” She glanced over at me. The moment we made eye contact her eyes widenedfor a second then quickly diverted back to the stove. Being this close to her, I inhaled a sweet, vanilla, sugary smell. Whatever she wore was soft enough to not be overbearing, but still strong enough to grab my attention.
My stomach rumbled, gaining both of our attention.
“I guess that means you’re hungry then.” A smile played on her face.
Chuckling, I stepped back and moved toward the sink to wash my hands. “Don’t pay that any mind. I’m used to snacking during the day and waiting until late in the day to eat.”
She glanced over at me with a frown. “That’s not healthy.” Her medium-sized nose twitched.
“I’m too busy during the day to remember to eat.” I shrugged and grabbed the dry towel near the sink.
“Still… you should take better care of yourself.”
I leaned against the counter and crossed my arms over my chest, focusing on her. She wore a pair of black leggings and a sweater that hugged her top half.
“So I’ve been told.” I shifted my eyes to the stove. “You know what you’re doing over there?” One of my brows rose.
“Of course! I love to cook.” Her smile broadened and her face lit up. “Your brother often works late, so I eat alone a lot of the time. It’ll be nice to eat with someone again.”
