I roll my eyes. “No way. Never—”
“You came with him, right?”
“Yes, but—”
“From what you told me, the other guys you were with…”
“I know, but that’s not going to happen here, not with me and Rob or me and all of them. Man. You can have all of those cocks, but for me…”
“Believe me,” Erika says seriously, “I never would have ever thought that my bullies would turn into my lovers, but that’s what happened. Honestly, after everything that has happened to me, I won’t rule anything out. Sometimes, guys need to mature, and I won’t make excuses for them, not mine or yours—”
“They aren’t mine!”
“All I’m saying is that people can change. Not my father and most likely not yours, but other people can.”
“They can change for the worst,” I interject.
“Naturally, but some can change for the better. Don’t lose faith.”
“Easier said than done.”
“If I can keep the faith after everything, so can you. Let me help you.”
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“Anything. I’ll always be here for you. After all, that’s what best friends do.”
CHAPTER14
As much asI hate it, the time out in California flies by, and before I know it, I have to say goodbye and embark on the long-ass ride back to college.
Not all that far away from campus, my car starts to sputter and then just plain stops. I’m barely able to get the car off to the side of the road. What in the world? The gas tank isn’t on empty, but then I watch the arrow dip lower and lower and lower to land on “E.” What the hell? Is there something wrong with the dial? Or am I really out of gas?
I climb out of my car and head to the hood. Right as I lift it, a bike heads on by. The rider, wearing a black helmet, turns his head toward me, but I ignore him and focus on checking the engine, just to make sure nothing else is going on. Everything seems to be just fine here, so I head over to the gas tank and check the gas level manually. Shit. I really am out of gas.
Muttering curses under my breath, I straighten. Where’s the nearest gas station?
The biker must’ve swung around. As far as I know, it’s the same guy because that helmet is pretty distinct. What the hell does he want? I am not in the mood to deal with any shit.
Sure enough, the guy pulls over behind me. He climbs off the bike and removes his helmet.
Rob.
The thought that the biker could be Rob never occurred to me because he never wore a helmet before as far as I knew. At least he hadn’t the first few times I saw him.
“Katie, need a lift?”
“No.”
“No? What’s going on?” He tilts his head to the side, appraising me.
I grimace. I feel gross from being in the car for so long, and I wore super comfy clothes. Not that I want to dress to impress Rob or any other guy for that matter.
I shake my head. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Are you out of gas?”
“Does it matter?”