2
Kristen
Istare at my reflection in the mirror. I barely recognize myself.
I wasn’t sure what one wore on a motorcycle date, so I took a stab in the dark.
“Mom?” Kira, my daughter, startles me from behind.
“I raided your closet.” I bite my lip, gazing at her through the mirror.
“I see that.” She inspects my outfit. “But why?”
“I have a date.”
“With who? Jax Teller?”
“Kind of. Are the leather pants too much? He’s taking me on a motorcycle.”
Kira makes an astonished sound. “Who are you, and what have you done with my mother?”
“I have no idea. It’s totally crazy.” I haven’t had a chance to talk to Kira much this week. With her being in school and my crazy work schedule, I’ve barely been able to send ahow are you doingtext.Kira is a grown-up now and fiercely independent. She can definitely take care of herself, and sometimes me as well. I couldn’t be prouder of the person she is. I couldn’t be more blessed to have her as a daughter and a best friend. We’ve been through the ringer, and somehow, we both came out okay. Kira better than okay.
“He’s a mechanic. And a biker, I think. He’s got all these tattoos, and a salt-and-pepper five o’clock shadow, and he’s totally hot,” I describe Gerard to her.
Kira just stares at me in disbelief.
“Honey, can you say something?”
“I’m completely speechless. A biker? Tattoos? Totally hot?”
“I’m crazy. You’re right. I should cancel. I have no idea what a man like him would even see in a woman like me.” I pace my room.
“Mom.” Kira grabs my arms. “Um, he probably sees a gorgeous, strong, successful woman. Like everyone else.”
I stare into Kira’s big brown eyes. They’re so sincere. She’s so beautiful. I sometimes can’t believe she’s mine.
“You think that’s what he sees?” I haven’t been out with a man since my violent divorce. And that was five years ago. The last thing I needed was another complicated relationship, or anyone else holding me down. I had a company to run, and I ran it, straight to the top. No one was going to stand in my way. But with that commitment and drive, certain things were sacrificed.
Like intimacy. I couldn't tell you the last time I was with a man. I can’t even tally up how many years it’s been. I’m pretty sure my vagina is drier than the Sahara Desert. And that’s a depressing thought.
A loud rumble outside my window gains our attention. Kira rushes to spy.
“Oh my god, Mom,” she exclaims. I peek over her shoulder to see Gerard seated on a big black bike with high handles, dressed in a tight black shirt and blue jeans. A dark pair of sunglasses sitting on his face. “You’re right; he ishot.And the two of you match. How cute,” she mocks.
I roll my eyes. I’m wearing a black shirt too, along with a pair of her moto boots. I definitely embraced biker chic.
“I’ll get the door. You make a grand entrance.” She bounces out of my room.
“Kira.”
She’s way too excited.
I hear Kira introducing herself to Gerard as I walk down the steps.Grand entrance, here I come.
His face lights up as he watches me. I take it as a good sign. And goddamn, does he look gorgeous. His dark hair is styled back, his beard is trimmed, and his clothes look tailored to his body, which is broad and toned.
God, I hope I’m ready for this.
