24
Saint
I look around, making sure everyone is ready to go. The rally is a day’s ride from here and it’s going to be hot as hell. I grin. I can’t wait.
Jesus comes over, map in hand. “The route is locked. We’ll be meeting up with the Alabama chapter in about six hours. From there, we’ll let them lead.”
“You sure you’re good to ride?”
“Fuck yeah, I am. This bruise ain’t going to stop me.”
I feel that in my soul.
“Mama Bear’s in the truck. If you need to stop, let her know. There’s plenty of room to haul your bike, if needed.”
This isn’t anything out of the ordinary for a run this big. Things happen on the road. Bikes break. People get tired. The weather works against us. It’s best to be prepared. But, for me, this is heaven. I haven’t been on the road in a long time, not like this at least.
I go to my bike, giving it one last look over. Everything seems good, so I grab my helmet. Back in the day, I used to ride without one. Thought it was a waste of time and made me look like a tool. Over the years, I’ve seen too many brothers crack their skulls open on the pavement and got over how I looked while wearing one.
I’m about to put it on when soft laughter fills the air, like little bells. Looking over, I see Olivia standing next to Razor and Bash’s bikes. They are in the process of playing rock, paper, scissors, and she’s clearly tickled.
King taps my arm with his helmet. “Come on. Jesus is ready.”
“Yeah.”
Tearing my gaze from Olivia, I buckle my helmet and get on my bike. Jesus starts his bike, taking off. As Road Captain, he’s set the course for the journey, and I get to sit back and ride. King and I take off next, and the sound of the other bikes starting fills the air. We have a few traveling in RVs and a few trucks with campers. It’s mostly for the women and the old timers who can’t spend all day on a bike.
Jesus gets on the highway and we take off. Even with my helmet on, the sun warms my skin and the wind blows in my face. It’s fucking heaven. I rev my engine and King and I go faster. Fucking freedom, that’s what this is.
Olivia
I hold onto Razor’s waist as we get on the highway. There’s got to be at least a hundred bikes in front of us. Bash rides next to us. Every once in a while, he looks over, grinning. He lost the game he and Razor played to see who I’d ride with first, but he was a good sport about it. But, when we stop for the first break, I’m going to switch to his bike. He even put the sissy bar on for me, to make it easier on my back.
We ride in the fast lane, in groups of twos, passing vehicle after vehicle. At one point, we pass a minivan where two boys excitedly point and wave at us. Razor and I wave back as we pass and they bounce in their seats. The sun shines down and white clouds move in the blue sky. Today is simply perfect.
But, a few hours into the ride, my ass is asleep and my lower back is killing me. I’m about to tap Razor’s shoulder and tell him I can’t take anymore when the bikes ahead of us exit the highway. Thank freaking god.
We come to a stop at a gas station that looks like it’s seen better days. But, there’s a large gravel parking lot to the side that’s big enough for all the bikes to park. I’m guessing that’s why we’re stopping here. Bash parks next to us and gets off, rushing to help me. I’m going to refuse his hand at first, but the moment my leg touches the ground, I know I’m fucked.
“Oww,” I say, pulling my shorts out of my butt before stretching my legs. “Why in the hell does that hurt so much?”
“You’re not used to riding. And Razor didn’t make it comfortable for you.”
Razor flips off Bash as he gets off his bike and says, “Sorry, babe. I didn’t even think about adding the sissy bar.”
“You’ll be more comfortable on my bike, but if you’re in too much pain you can always ride in the truck.”
Most of the whores are in the truck, except for Jas, who’s riding with a Prospect. She certainly moved on fast. Or maybe it’s so she can get information.
Bash hands me a water bottle and says, “Better go to the bathroom here. The next stop isn’t for another hour. And drink all of that. I don’t want you to get dehydrated.”
“Are you her dad or her boyfriend?” Razor asks with a smirk.
Bash tosses him a water bottle, too. Razor shakes his head, but downs the entire bottle. I do the same, already feeling better.
“Are y’all going to the bathroom?”
Razor shakes his head. “This place only has two stalls. The guys will just take a piss out here and leave the bathroom to the ladies.”
“Well, I’m going to go in. Do you need any snacks? Sunscreen?”
Razor flashes me a smile. “Grab some condoms.”
King, who is passing by, calls out, “Extra small, I’m sure.”
I snort and go inside the gas station. There’s an older man working at the counter and he’s talking excitedly and animatedly to Saint.
“It really means a lot that the Devil’s Regents still stop by. No one in town believes me.”
Saint smiles, and it takes my breath away.
“Well, Toby, you’ve always done right by my boys and me. We thank you for allowing us to stop by.”
“Can I get you your usual?”
Saint nods and the man goes into a small room. When he comes back, he hands a sack to Saint.
“Made sure they were fresh and everything.”
“Thank you, Toby.”
He hands him some cash.
“This is too much-”
“I insist.” Saint smiles. “I hear you’ve got another grandbaby on the way.”
“Why, I certainly do. Thank you, Saint. Thank you so much.”
Saint moves from the counter and catches me watching.
“He seems nice.”
“He is. My father started doing business with him about fifty years ago. I’ll keep doing the same until he’s gone.”
“I have to know, what’s in the sack?”
He holds it open. “The best saltwater taffy you’ll ever have. Go on, try a piece.”
I grab one, popping it in my mouth. “Oh wow. This is so good.”
“Toby makes it on the side.”
“I approve.”
He smiles and then asks, “You doing okay out there? I know these rides can be hell for the passengers.”
“My back’s a little sore.”
“Take some ibuprofen. It’ll help.”
As ridiculous as it is, this is the most he’s talked to me in weeks. It’s nice and I don’t want it to end.
“Bash said there’s going to be more bikers joining our group in a few hours?”
“Yeah. Our Alabama chapter will meet up with us as we ride north. It’s always good to see them.”
“What happens at the rallies?” At his look, I say, “Bash and Razor both said they can’t explain it, that I’ll just have to see for myself.”
“They’re not wrong. This is the biggest regional rally in this area. There’s going to be thousands of bikers from different clubs across the country. Any and everything goes.”