Page 58 of Changing Lanes

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Marc hasn’t spoken to me outside of work since Paige took off, blaming me—rightfully so—for her taking off.

I thought it would feel better. I hoped it would settle the constant jumbled mess inside my head. She wakes things in me that have long been dormant.

Instead it exploded in my face. Not having her scent sneaking along my skin and into my veins was like coming down from a high and noticing you’re all out of your favorite drug. Panic swirled like a waterspout over a tense sea, making my insides prickle, and I woke up bloody every day Paige was missing. I thought it was my body’s reaction to her irresistible pull but the hole she left from her sudden withdrawal was more than physical longing. It was all fucking consuming, to the point that nobody at Pop The Hood dared approach me for fear of losing a limb. Or their life. Whatever.

Her toiletries sitting next to mine again placates a piece of me still rioting for her reappearance. Still demanding her return—to me.

Even though I regret letting them out, I meant the words I told her last night. Paige’s existence feels like a temporary fixture in my life and where I’d usually relish that knowledge, I now detest the notion. The idea of this girl leaving with a part of me that’s finally sprung to life scares me more than the fact that she’s responsible for resuscitating it to begin with.

Every time we get close though, one of us tramples all over the moment with our egos. I thought I had a biting tongue until I met Paige. Girl can draw blood with a single sentence. Hearing her talk about my mom hit hard. She nailed a target I doubt she was even aiming for and I did the foolish thing by firing right back. Shame settled like a weight in my stomach after our war with words. The truth is she’s in a league of her own but I tried to make her feel worthless. Again.

What the fuck is my problem?

Showered, I throw on one of my new tees I just got in. This one says Ride More, Work Less and I think it’s pretty spot on. It’s been a while since I rode for fun and Coty asked if we could ride together after work, so I take my Ninja to the shop. Even though Paige’s homecoming has me breathing easier, I could still use some open air. Work’s been great as far as my bank account is concerned but it’s been a fun-sponge for hobbies.

Although, teasing Paige could give any extracurricular activity a run for its money any day.

Angie corners me as soon as I step foot in the bay. Girl puts in more hours than the rest of us and isn’t even a full partner—yet. Coty’s working on something big for our old neighbor girl. Nailing down a girl like Angela takes time but luckily that’s exactly what Coty’s willing to put in. And lots of it. Dude would wait ‘til he’s gray and balding for her to be ready for the next step in their relationship.

He pushes her in other ways though—like the bedroom. Goddamn, I’m glad they got their own place. The sounds that came from that room when Coty still lived with us will be etched in my memories forever.

I can only hope the same can’t be said for what Angie, and now Paige, heard coming from mine.

“Morning,” I greet, giving her a quick once-over. She’s in her typical polo shirt half tucked into black pants and aviator glasses hanging off the few undone buttons at the neck. She somehow manages to bring a down to earth vibe to her otherwise professional look. Business casual with a hint of beach chick attitude. The patrons eat it up as does every other person that meets our boy’s girlfriend. She’s enchanting in a sea witch kind of way. Beautiful and charming until she swallows you whole for disrespecting her or her rules. Basically the perfect manager for our car wash. She attracts customers by the hordes but still maintains order with her no bullshit attitude.

“I’m so glad I hired you, neighbor girl.”

She rolls her eyes, sticking her hands in her pockets. “You didn’t. And why do you still call me that? I don’t even live next to you anymore.”

“So? You’ll always be neighbor girl to me. Now, what can I do for you?”

“Paige.”

My eyebrows skyrocket and I sputter like an Oldsmobile. “I said what, not who, Angie. Don’t tell me you and Coty turned into swingers since you two moved out.” I hang my head, shaking it. “You can take the freaks out of Creekwood, but…”

“You’re an idiot.”

I cover my heart, blinking my eyes at her and deadpanning, “You continue to wound me when I specifically asked you not to.”

She ignores me, shooting her gaze over to Marc. “A little birdy told me it’s Paige’s birthday this weekend.”

A frown erases all my humor. Like all of it. How the fuck did he know that information and I didn’t?

“Coty and I want to throw her a party.”

I’m already shaking my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I get the feeling she’s not close with her family.”

Angela’s doubtful expression has me questioning that now, too.

“Okay…well, we can keep it small then. A barbecue maybe. We’ll call it a housewarming party or some crap.” She waves her hand, still unfamiliar with domesticated life.

“What do you need from me?”

Simply, too simply, she says, “To get her there.”

I curb my scoff.