Page 109 of Her Sloth

“I’m back,” I say as I get up to hug her. “Cass, Lorie. Lorie, Cass,” I say for introductions.

“The famous Cass,” Lorie says.

“Am I?”

“Damn right you are,” says Lorie. She has this wonderful directness and is also one of the best humans I know with a heart in the right place.

Cass laughs it away. It’s when I understand that she might have a big mouth and many opinions, but in her heart, she’s as insecure as a fifteen-year-old teenager. A little kitten, growling like a lioness for protection. I know a bit about that.

“You can talk to Lorie like you talk to me,” I tell Cass. “She needs to be handled with a strong hand.”

“Gotta be kept in check,” Lorie says, and asks, “Camera is out for three. Are we waiting for the others?”

“Yeah,” I say.

“Whom are we waiting for?” asks Cass, whispering to me.

“Everyone.”

And as if they have timed their arrival perfectly, the sound of a motorcycle trails up the hills. Followed by the V8 gurgling from Jordan’s Chevelle and the distinct sound of the Nissan GTR that usually parks at my house.

“Bells,” I say as she joins us, removing her helmet, and I introduce her to Cass. “You two will like each other. Bells has, aside from her supercharged Kawa Z, a Hellcat, too.”

“You do?” asks Cass while Luke and Tommy arrive.

“Uh-huh,” says Bells. “Currently imprisoned in an impound lot, but yeah.”

“What happened?”

“I might have sped it at 200 over a highway,” she says casually. “The fourth time.”

“Soooo…where exactly is it waiting?” asks Cass, stealing me a quick look.

“San Fernando,” Bells says. “Why?”

“I’d say we’ll get her back tonight,” says Cass, grinning.

“This woman here has a special love for law-breaking stunts,” I say, putting my arm around Cass's shoulders. “She’s your girl for impound lot rescue missions.”

I didn’t plan on doing it.

It just happened.

I risk a glance at her.

Our eyes meet.

A stolen look.

A tugged-up corner of her mouth.

A brush over my hand with her thumb.

“Huh,” says Bells, whose eyes wander from my hand on Cass’s shoulder to my eyes. “So, you two?” she asks.

Cass and I look at each other briefly.

“Yeah,” says Cass. I wouldn’t have dared say it, but apparently we’ll be fucked up together now.