the city. I went to college and got a degree in early-childhood education.”
That is the truth, sort of.
Really I’d gotten pregnant and had my daughter, Cara, when I was twenty. Being a single mother, I struggled. Cara’s father didn’t want anything to do with her, and so I never asked him for anything. I worked and put myself through college, barely having enough money to eat most days but making sure my daughter had everything she needed. They were rough times, but I knew they’d pay off in the long run, and they did.
“You’re a teacher? That’s awesome!” Lana says, smiling widely.
“You’d make a good teacher, I think,” Anna inserts, laying a hand on my arm. “It’s really good to see you, Bailey.”
We stare into each other’s eyes.
“You too,” I say, suddenly feeling emotional. I knew this girl. We practically grew up together: I was fourteen when I came into her life. I thought that one day she’d be my sister-in-law, but I was wrong. So wrong. Embarrassingly so.
She’s about to say something when a man storms out of the club, coming to a halt when he sees us standing there, his eyes on Lana and Lana alone. He’s handsome. Okay, he’s more than handsome—he’s magnetic. Tall, with blond hair and a body worth sinning for. Is this Lana’s man?
Yeah, I need to start hanging out with these girls again.
“Christ, Lana. Pretty sure I told you to stay where you were,” the man growls. He looks at Anna, then at me, his eyes narrowing. “Who are you?”
Lana answers him, which I’m thankful for because I’m still surrendered speechless. “Tracker, this is Bailey, an old friend of ours. Bailey, this is Tracker.”
He smiles, exuding sex appeal. A man who knows exactly who he is and the effect he has on women. A confident man. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too,” I squeak, then glance at Lana with wide eyes.
Arrow? Tracker?
They’re weird nicknames, and it’s now obvious they’re bikers: the leather vest Tracker is wearing gives it away. Adam is letting his sister date a biker? I don’t know what to think, but if these two are with them, I’m sure they’re good men. Although I have to admit, Lana is the last girl I ever thought I’d see with a biker.
“We came out here to catch up,” Lana tells him.
“I can see that,” he murmurs. “Do you guys want to go into the VIP room? It’s much quieter and safer than standing out here where any man who drives past can see you. Rake’s in there, but you can just ignore him.”
Anna and Lana share a glance that I don’t miss. What are those two up to?
“Can you give us a second?” Lana asks Tracker, eyes pleading with his.
Tracker nods at Lana, his expression gentling. He says something to the bouncer, then heads back inside Rift.
“You’re dating a biker?” I ask, watching Tracker disappear.
“I am,” Lana replies slowly, as if unsure of what I’m thinking. “So is Anna.”
The two of them never did anything without each other, so I’m not surprised.
I grin at Anna. “No shit? What does your brother think of that?”
Anna mock-winces, her expression changing to amusement. “He didn’t like it at first, but now he’s okay with it.”
I want to ask more, but I don’t. I know there’s more to this story, but it isn’t really any of my business. Adam isn’t my business, hasn’t been for years, and will never be again. It’s a new chapter for me. I don’t need to be thinking of my first heartbreak.
“Let’s go check out this VIP room,” I say, trying to sound excited. I lead the way, guessing the direction, with Anna and Lana close behind.
“It’s this way,” Anna says, threading her arm through mine. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I tell her. We stop in front of the VIP area, and I turn to face her. “What is it?”
“Why did you never keep in contact with me when I left town? You said you would.”
I look into her familiar green eyes, and my chest suddenly hurts. “Didn’t Adam tell you what happened? I didn’t think you’d want to talk to me after that.”
She shakes her head. “He just said the two of you broke up. That was it. End of discussion.”
I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly feeling extremely exposed. “It’s a long story, Anna. And it’s in the past. I never stopped caring about you. I guess I left Adam behind, and you were a part of him.”