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“This again? Why are you always shading and erasing, it’s the most backward form of art.”
I needed to go pick up a new pack of erasers. Once the corner turned dull, it was nearly impossible to get straight lines.
My face was hovering just above the paper to ensure accuracy. This helped shut out the quiet. I could hear my favorite sound buzzing in my head, even without music playing, and it made me feel at peace.
“I’m going to have Simon chat with your teachers. If you’re not passing, I’m going to make sure he doesn’t let you ride with us this weekend. We’re going to the capital for a big rally, you wanna join us, then you’re going to need to ensure your grades are up.”
My fingers froze.
I never missed a ride and going to the capital meant we’d be riding with members from all over the state. Not to mention I’d never been to the capital before.
“Red, leave the boy alone.” Simon walked in, and out of habit, I looked up to give him a respectful nod.
I turned toward the two and let the eraser hang in my fingers.
“We’re goin’ on a ride up to Richland?”
Simon kept his focus on his phone. “Yeah.”
“You can’t come unless?—”
“Give it a rest, Red. Boy’s going to take over the club someday. Criminals don’t really give a fuck if you have your diploma or not.”
He moved around the space, and something in my chest seemed to expand at the idea of leading the club someday. It’s what I wanted from the time Simon took me in at ten, after my pops landed in prison for murder.
Red was glaring at our president now, and I knew if she were anyone else, she’d get in trouble, but Red got away with more than anyone else.
“You will encourage this boy to graduate, Simon Stone.”
My eyes pinged between them.
Simon finally met the woman’s gaze. She could be his mother for how big of an age difference they had. Prez always treated Red with respect though, like she was in charge instead of him. I wondered if it was because of her old man, Brooks, or simply because she’d earned his respect. “Fine, he’ll graduate, but he also needs to be on that ride. We’re meeting with the mayor.”
“The mayor?” Red spun with the prez as he moved around the office, tugging open drawers and sliding a cigarette between his lips.
He smirked, and it made me want to smile too. He was the only father figure I’d ever had, and being near him made me proud. He wasn’t afraid of anything, and when I led some day, I knew I’d be just like him. Nothing and no one would ever get in my way, or make me lead from a place of fear.
“Yes, the mayor. Nothing as dirty as crooked politicians who want you on their payroll.”
Red was glaring again, but this time, she muttered under her breath while leaving the room. I returned to my sketch, lightly perfecting another circle.
“You need to graduate. Don’t care how you do it, but you’re walking across that stage in five months.”
Keeping my eyes down, I laughed, nearly snorting. “And what, my cap and gown will be made of leather and denim?”
Simon looked up from a paper, his cigarette going limp as his mouth turned down. “If you have to. Don’t fucking care, and honestly, if you don’t walk, I don’t care, but it would be nice for Callie to see. She looks up to you.”
That really made me laugh. “She does not.”
His hands cupped his metal Zippo, until the bud of his cigarette was glowing.
“She does.”
“She has that preppy kid from next door to look up to now.”
Simon inhaled, his eyes landing on the circle I’d drawn on my paper. “Wes looks up to you too.”
I rolled my eyes, sliding the sheet out from in front of me.
