Page 5 of Everything After

Just you and your parents. I mean it.

This isn’t about us right now.

Mason:

I hear you…

When I set my phone on the nightstand, Sierra starts to stir. “Mmmm,” She groans, but wiggles as she moves closer to me. I can’t help but chuckle and wrap her in a hug so I can kiss the top of her head.

“Sleep okay?” I ask.

“Best pillow ever,” she mutters.

“Mason is going to meet me at the shop. Do you want to come?”

“Really?” she asks, sitting up to look at me. “Can I?”

“Of course,” I say. “Let’s get dressed, and we can go.”

“Okay!” she says happily.

She winces when she gets up too fast, but I don’t say anything. I’ll keep an eye on her, but I don’t want her to feel dependent on anyone.

She goes to her bag in the bathroom, and I go to the closet to throw on some jeans and a simple white T-shirt. When I come out, she is in jeans and a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt. “Is this okay?” she asks quietly.

“It looks good, Sia,” I say.

“I just wanted to plan for being on a bike. I knew I’d end up on one with you or Mason, so I…”

“It looks good,” I say again, but softer as I lean down and kiss her forehead. “We can get you a jacket from the shop.”

“I… don’t have shoes,” she says quietly.

“Bella has a pair of boots here,” I say. “I think you two wear the same size, unless that’s changed.”

She nods once as she picks at her nails. She’s nervous, and honestly, me too. I grab a pair of socks, and we go out to the living room. She sits on the couch, and I sit on the ottoman in front of her and pat my leg. She hesitates, but gives me her foot. I put the socks and boots on her before tying them. “Perfect,” I say.

“She won’t mind?”

“They’ve been here for months. She probably doesn’t remember they are here,” I say, offering her my hand. When she stands, I grab the helmet and gently place it on her head before I pick up mine, and we go outside. When I get on and start the bike, she climbs on behind me. When she wraps her arms around me, she lays her head on my back. I pat her arm to let her know we are going before we take off.

Usually, I’d be wearing my vest, but this isn’t business. This isn’t about territory or feuds. This is about Sierra. I won’t let our past get in the way because it doesn’t do Sierra any good.

Chapter Three

Sierra

When we pull up to Turner Customs, I see Mason’s bike next to what I assume is Dad’s bike. That means Mom is here, too. When I turn to set my helmet on the back of his bike, I see a building across the street with a sign that says “Shaw Customs.”

Of course my brother is that fucking petty…

I hesitate, but Beckett doesn’t rush me. We stand in silence while I prepare to see my family. I feel so bad for abandoning them. What if they are mad at me? What if they no longer want me? Eventually, I have to force myself to walk down the building toward the shop.

When we step into the bay, Mom, Dad, and Mason turn to look at me. I expect to be stronger than this, but when I see the look on their faces, I break. A pathetic sob cracks from my throat, and I nearly collapse as Mason grabs me into a tight hug.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” I sob.

“Shhh. It’s okay. You’re okay, Sia. You’re okay,” Mason says, his voice breaking with emotion.