“I’m glad we’re on the same page.”
“Jess wasn’t game?” I ask fishing for more information.
“I don’t know, I didn’t ask her. It wouldn’t make sense when you’re the one I want to spend time with.”
“I like spending time with you too, B.”
“I wanted to talk about a few things too, figured this would be a good way to multi-task.”
“When?”
“Sunset Cliffs Park in an hour?”
“Works for me. See you soon, B.”
“What the hell am I going to wear for a hike?” I ask myself. I shake my head and laugh. This woman has me doing all kinds of new things. It’s more refreshing than I expected. My world’s been small. I got involved with the Kings, and they became my life. My vision was narrowed to learning from Warped and taking care of what others couldn’t. I honed my craft and my persona. It left little time to discover thing most men in their twenties do.
She makes me view things in a different light. I’m not worried about appearing soft when I’m having fun with her. Things are easy and light. It’s a vibe I desperately needed in my life. It makes me feel balanced. I went from one extreme to another until now when things have settled into a place I never thought I’d arrive at. A semi-peaceful spot where I’m figuring out who I am beyond my position or my cut.
The club is my life. I’ll always put them first when I need to. But this is about the man I am and want to be. I like trying new fancy foods at quirky spots, having a woman to talk to and text about normal things. I settle on a pair of cargo pants with pockets, a white t-shirt, and my cut, which I’ll leave in my saddle bag. I don’t want to end up against the wrong person in the wrong place with no backup. Satisfied, I head out my dorm. It’s mid-afternoon on a Saturday, so the place is tame as I walk through the main room. Small clusters of brothers are playing pool, drinking at the bar, and shooting the shit in front of the massive flat screen tv.
“What’s going on with you, Freeze?”
I pause in mid-step and turn to glance at Stone. “I do something wrong, Prez?”
“No, but you’re getting ready to run off again, right? Can’t remember the last time you were here for downtime or took one of the girls to the back. I notice that and I start to get worried.”
“I got a woman in town.”
Stone’s eyes widen.
“Yeah, went out for a drink, and came home with a number. We ended up hitting it off and we been figuring things out since.”
“You thinking of bringing her around.”
“Maybe. Trying to feel her out before it gets that serious.”
“That’s the last thing I thought you’d tell me, brother.”
I shrug. “Can’t live off easy lays forever.”
His eyes take on a faraway expression. “Yeah, you’re right about that. Carry on, but know pretty soon you’re going to have to make a choice on how you want to define her.”
I nod my head. “I know.” I’m lucky I flew under the radar for as long as I had. Stone is a hawk when it comes to his people. I put off serious conversations, but the time is fast approaching.
***
I can’t help but appreciate the beauty of nature as I pull into the sandy parking area overlooking a dark blue ocean with foaming waves. Gulls fly above, and the smell of salt permeates the air. As much as I’ve been here off and on, I never took the time to explore like this. I kill the engine and climb off admiring the scenery. After all, I’ve witnessed in this life, the idealistic scenery soothes the beast inside me. As a kid doing my best to blend in with the crowd, and please my foster parent of the month enough to keep a roof over my head, I never would’ve imagined my life here.
I had money, a place to stay, and brothers who’d die for me. I made a family of my own. I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and turn. The black Yoga pants and black tank top, highlight B’s shape. I admire the gentle sway of her hips as she walks toward me and the make-up free face. Her eyes are shaded by sunglasses, but her warm smile makes up for my inability to see her gaze.
“Hey, thanks for coming.”
“Have I ever told you no, B?”
She smiles up at me and gives a small shake of her head. “No, but there’s always a first time. Come on, let’s hit the trails while it’s still empty.”
We make our way down the mapped off the trail, side by side. I drink in the greenery and the pops of pink and yellow from the flower blooming amongst the brush. Minutes pass, and we make our way along. It feels good moving my body and soaking up the sun and scenery.