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It wasn't. "You're wrong, mom. Meeting Rush and spending time with him has been the best thing I've ever done."
"But a filthy garage of all places! Do you know how many germs must linger there?"
I sighed. "Mom. I. Don't. Care," I snapped, enunciating each word. Then took a deep breath. "Rush will be here soon, and I need to finish packing."
"Please, Lux," she put out her hands, pleading. "Don't do this."
"I have to," I said.
The doorbell rang, and my stomach dropped while my body sang with nervous excitement.
She nodded, her head falling to her chest. "I'll get the door."
I watched her go as a knot of worry danced in my chest. But I pushed that away. I couldn't think of later or what might happen on the road. All I could do was take this new experience in my life one step at a time.
TWENTY-FIVE
Road Trip
RUSH
The frosty receptionfrom her mom made me sweat like a teenage dirtbag. Had Lux told her about us having sex? I knew they used to talk about everything. I even knew her name was Olivia. But maybe I didn't want to know how much Lux had shared with the woman.
"Good to see you again, ma'am," I said, shoving my hands in my pockets.
The woman glared at me for one second before refocusing on her daughter.
"Luxheart, please," Olivia had begged. "Rethink this."
Lux gave a resolute shake of her head that made me burst with pride. I didn't know what was going on between those two but seeing Lux stand up for herself made me swell.
"Mom, I'll keep in touch. Please don't worry." She picked up her bag, shouldering it with a determined tilt to her chin. "Do something fun while I'm gone. Hell, why not swipe right or whatever with one of those dating apps."
The look on Olivia's face didn't make that seem an option. I gave her a meek smile. "I promise we'll be safe."
I meant the drive, but it came across as meaning something sexual, and I rubbed the back of my neck, looking down at my boots a moment. Lux burst out laughing while her mom reddened like a ripe tomato.
"Come on, let's go," Lux said as she grabbed hold of my hand and towed me to the door. Whatever the look meant that she gave her mom, I sure as hell didn't understand it. Part regret and defiance—a combustible combination if ever there was one.
Out at the bike, with her mom shutting the door on us, looking like she had tears streaking down her cheeks, I took Lux's bag and slipped it into the panniers I'd clipped on. "Here. I had to work with your sizing because we didn't have time to get you fitted properly."
I thrust her a set of leathers.
"It's going to be baking hot in these," she said, studying them like they were torture devices.
"They are for safety. No leathers, no trip." I wasn't budging. It was one thing to cruise around town at a leisurely pace. Something else entirely to be flying down the freeway at seventy miles an hour on two wheels.
"You didn't make me wear leathers when you took me for lunch the first time we met."
"That's because we were going under thirty. We'll be going much faster on the freeway. And I need to keep you safe," I said, thrusting them at her again. "Two blocks is much different than hundreds of miles." I pecked a kiss on the tip of her nose. "I'm not trying to be a dick, but this is something I won't change my mind about." I begged her with my eyes to do as I asked. It wasn't because I was trying to be bossy but because I loved her.
Lux growled like a kitten and pulled them out of my hand, holding up the pants and assessing the size. "Fine." She struggled to put them on but had no idea how. "Are you sure these aren't from one of the many women who call the garage to speak to you?" Her eyes flashed with irritation. And jealousy. I hadn't realized she'd felt like that. For some reason, it made my heart grow.
"Do I take any of their calls?" I winked, teasing her.
She muttered under her breath. I didn't catch what she said, but she was obviously upset.
"Let me help," I said.
