“Can I help you ladies?”
Diamond faced the man. “We have reservations for nine tent spots.”
“Name.”
“Royal Harlots, Quebec City.” She saw the man roll his eyes. The ol’ coot had no idea who they were. But she was sure he’d heard a lot of club names since the rally had started.
“Here you are.” He pointed on the map where their spots were. “If you have any problems, let us know. Bathhouses are clearly marked on the map.”
Diamond took the map, her fingers brushing against the old paper, feeling the weight of the moment settling deeper into her. She wasn’t sure whether the clerk’s dismissive tone was because of their club name or just a reflection of how many bikers had passed through. Either way, she wasn’t about to let it phase her.
“Thanks,” she said curtly, folding the map carefully and slipping it into her pocket.
Nova, standing just behind her, flashed a smile at the man, but it was one of those smiles that didn’t quite reach her eyes.Diamond knew better than to let anyone think they were just another group of bikers passing through. They had a job to do, and their reputation meant keeping their heads down, especially in a crowded place like this.
Diamond turned, motioning to Nova to lead the way. “Let’s go check the spots and get settled. We can blow off some steam while we look for the Northern Ontario Chapter.”
Walking out of the building she saw the ladies standing by the bikes waiting to load up. Twirling her finger in the air she signaled for them to load up. Sliding into the saddle she fired up her bike and pulled back on the road leading through the campground.
The place was bigger than Diamond had expected. Rows of tents and RVs were spread out, each space marked with a faded sign, most of them already occupied. At the back of the campground, she saw the sign for their spots. Pulling off the road, she rolled into the area they’d call home for the next twenty-four hours.
The sound of the other bikes pulling up behind her, she shut hers off. She heard Nova giving orders to get the camp set up. Climbing off her bike, Diamond started unpacking. They’d all brought their gear on the bikes. No cage this time. Cages brought more attention.
Working as a team, they set up the tents. When Diamond broke out a small air compressor and lugged it to the power pole, the razing started. One by one they all had to eat crow as they started pulling out their blowup mattresses.
“Tent camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable,” Nova said laughing as she unrolled her own mattress.
“No, it doesn’t.” Diamond smirked, giving a teasing glance toward the group. “But I bet none of you thought to pack an air compressor.” She inflated her mattress with ease, watching the others struggle with their own air pumps.
Nova rolled her eyes, still chuckling. “You’re always the prepared one. I should’ve known.”
“I like comfort.” Diamond shrugged, setting her mattress down in the tent. “Nothing wrong with being a little extra.”
The others laughed, some pretending to be annoyed, while others were clearly relieved to have their own mattresses inflated without too much effort.
As the camp began to take shape, tents set up, bikes lined up, the smell of campfire smoke starting to fill the air. The group settled into a more relaxed vibe. The long road ride was behind them, and now it was time to unwind.
“Who’s cooking tonight?” one of the girls asked, looking over at Nova, who was already unpacking a cooler full of food.
Nova grinned, tossing a bag of hot dogs at her. “We’re keeping it simple tonight.”
Diamond nodded in agreement, sitting back on her mattress and letting out a contented sigh. “Hotdogs? Did anyone bring a can of chili?”
The laughter relaxed everyone. They all settled around the fire, letting the night take over, the bikes quiet now, and the only sound was the crackling of the flames. A perfect end to the day.
Chapter Fifteen
Diamond rolledover when her phone pinged. Opening it she saw a text from Sayer had come through.
Sayer: I’d love to kiss those lips of yours again.
Shaking her head, she texted back.
Diamond: I wouldn’t mind being kissed.
Sayer: Come out of that tent and I’ll kiss you.
Looking over at Nova, Diamond saw the girl was sound asleep with her earbuds in. Sayer’s text had caught her off guard, but now, with the chance to see him again, she felt that pull. She was a little nervous, but excitement quickly followed. As quietly as she could, Diamond climbed off the mattress and snuck out of the tent.
