Moving On (Rolling Thunder #7) - P.J. Fiala Page 0,5
then make a life."
"Yeah." She swallowed and wondered for the hundredth time, how she would find a job with a prison record. People weren't always willing to give an ex-con a second chance. "So, it goes without saying that you still work full time at Rolling Thunder and we both know I'm not welcome there. So, after you drop me off at Linda's, will I see you again?"
Chase looked over at her, a sad smile on his face.
"I hope so. I thought I'd give you a few days to settle in then maybe we can go for a ride."
"I'd love that. Thank you."
They drove in silence for some time and she couldn't help thinking that this felt different. He was reserved. In the past when they'd go places or do things he'd take her hand in his. Today, his right hand was on the steering wheel, his left hand on the top of the doorframe. His hair, which was still shoulder-length, blew around as the wind swept through the car. His sunglasses hid his eyes from her, but she saw his jaw clench a time or two. He was likely just being nice. They had about fifteen minutes to go on this ride, and he'd probably not want it to be uncomfortable, so she'd follow his lead.
4
Chase watched LuAnn walk into the house with Linda and sighed heavily. Today had been harder than he thought it would be. He felt awkward and uncomfortable when he'd first seen her walking toward him. Both excited and apprehensive at what happened next, he wasn't sure if he should hug her or give her space. She seemed to understand that Dog was married, a father, happy and not at all interested in her and she seemed to be over him. But she'd been good in the past about making him believe that; and then she'd do something completely embarrassing and immature to get Dog's attention. And his heart would break a little bit more.
Backing out of Linda's driveway, he looked at the clock. He could go back to work for a while, but he didn't feel like answering any questions or hearing any snide comments. Deciding instead to go home, get his bike, and take a ride brought a smile to his face. It always did.
Making the short drive to his place, he tapped the garage door button and slowly pulled inside between his pickup and his motorcycle. He'd purchased this house two and a half years ago. It was his first big purchase. He'd gone to Dog and Joci for advice and they both came and looked at it with him. JT also popped in while they were there with the realtor and all of them had given this house the Sheppard stamp of approval. Most of the Rolling Thunder gang had helped him move in one weekend while Joci, Molly, Emma, and Kayden had helped him decorate it. Then, he'd grilled burgers and brats for everyone and had a christening party. Such good times.
Stepping into the hallway from the garage, he opened the closet door and pulled out his lightweight jacket for riding and slid it on. Walking back out to the garage, he glanced over at his sweet rides, his bike, car and truck, then did a quick perusal of his garage. He sent up a thank you to God for all he had and the friends who had helped him get there.
Staying friends with LuAnn had been the right thing to do, but it was not going to be the easiest now that she was home. More importantly, he risked losing the people who had helped him achieve all that he had. Without them, it could very well have been someone else who'd picked him up from prison today.
Hopping on his bike, his pride and joy, the bike he and JT had built from scratch at Rolling Thunder two winters ago, the heavy feeling in his heart lifted along with his hopes. Starting her up, feeling the vibration under him and hearing the low growl of the pipes made him smile. This was his happy place; riding had always been where he found his peace.
Leaving the garage, he stopped long enough to hit the garage door button from the controller in his windshield bag, then took off down the driveway and down the street heading to nowhere. The weather was still mild, the sun still high in the sky with no wind so it would be perfect to lose himself