ChapterTwenty-Six
Riley
Istood outside of the hospital the next afternoon, smoking and avoiding going inside for twenty minutes before Logan walked out. Luna had been ignoring me all week, and since chasing her around wasn’t weakening her towards me, I figured it was time I visited Reid.
I should’ve visited him sooner, but Raven didn’t like me hanging around now that she knew about my involvement in the races, and I honestly didn’t know what to say to Reid. His car wasn’t going to miraculously be repaired despite all the money I could throw at it if I had to, and I wasn’t sure if he was blaming Turbo or not for allowing it to happen.
That was a stupid thought though because Reid knew what the risks were before he’d climbed behind the wheel.
“Hey,” Logan said with surprise when he saw me, walking in my direction. “We were wondering if you were ever going to stop by.”
Guilt ate at me, and I blew out a breath of smoke, keeping my hood over my head. “Sorry. I don’t have an excuse, other than not wanting to piss Raven off and I’ve been preoccupied with Luna. I should’ve visited by now.”
He watched me for a moment before replying, leaning against the wall to light his own cigarette. “Raven’s only just started speaking to me, so it’s probably not a bad thing that you’ve stayed away. She’s really touchy about the whole racing thing. Reid would prefer you spending time with your girl instead of staring at his useless body right now anyway.” He chuckled before a crease lined his brow when I sighed. “What? Trouble in paradise?”
“I’m surprised you haven’t heard the Ashburn Valley gossip,” I muttered. “She doesn’t want to be with me, and she’s been avoiding me for a week now.”
“Did something happen, or did she just decide she’s not into pussy?” he asked casually, and I relaxed. He was the first person to not just accuse me of fucking it up, even though I technically did.
“I took her to a race.”
“I haven’t heard of any races.” He scowled, taking offense. “Are we kicked out now or something? Why hasn’t Turbo kept us in the loop?” Surprise suddenly took over his face, his jaw dropping. “Hang on, you took her to a race?”
I squashed my cigarette under the toe of my shoe and leaned back against the wall to cross my arms.
“It’s not that you’re kicked out, but Reid’s not exactly in racing condition, and he doesn’t have a car. Some pricks from Kingslake wanted to race us, and since Luna was with me when Turbo tracked me down, she asked to come with me. I should’ve said no,” I grunted before shaking my head. “It scared the hell out of her, and she ended up forcing me to pull over and let her out.”
“She left you because the race was scary?”
“No. She left me because when she asked me to give it up for her, I didn’t put her first. It’s fair enough, but I can’t just drop out, you know? There’s a process.”
Logan snorted, calling me out on my bullshit with ease. “It’s not like you’d need the refund, it’s pennies for you, but Turbo would let you go without a problem. You two have formed a friendship, and he’s always respected you. If you wanted out, he’d allow it. You’re just terrified to let go of the races because they’re the only times you feel that rush you crave.”
“That’s not true,” I mumbled, but he rolled his eyes.
“If the only joy you have in your life is chasing the devil in a death machine, then you really should ask yourself if your feelings for Luna are real or not. Raven told me if Reid and I want to keep racing on the streets, then we can leave. It was an easy choice for us to give it up because as much as we need the fucking money, she’s more important. I’d live in a cardboard box if it meant keeping my family together. The moment Luna asked you to choose, you should’ve turned the car around and gone home with her.”
I frowned with confusion. “If you already told Raven that you’ll stop racing on the street, then why did you just have a tantrum about being kept out of the loop?”
“Because it just proves the point that Ander Lavaro doesn’t have friends unless they’re making him money. We haven’t heard from him since we ended up here.” He seemed bitter, his face twisting with frustration. “And don’t change the subject. This is about you.”
“You think he doesn’t give a shit?” I asked, tilting my head to assess him.
“Why would he?” he replied as if it didn’t bother him, but I could tell he was annoyed at the thought.
“You know he tried to visit regularly, right? Raven flipped out every time and he decided it wasn’t worth upsetting her. He feels like it’s his fault, and to be honest, I think he’s a little traumatized from it. He doesn’t think you guys will want to see him,” I said slowly as he sighed.
“I won’t lie, it’s going to be hard to see him without Raven assuming he’s luring us back into the races. I doubt he’d want to just hang out though.” He chuckled only to pause when I gave him the side eye.
“He’d love to just hang out. Me, you guys, Blake. He thinks we only want to spend time with him because of the money.”
“Oh,” he said with a frown. “Maybe we could start hanging out at the track or something. We could still race there. Or just meet at parties for drinks.”
“There’s no way Beckett will let him hang out at the track after he won against her and made her look stupid in front of everyone,” I grumbled. “But yeah, it all sounds like a good idea. How’s Reid?”
“Grumpy,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders. “He’ll appreciate your company though. Pretty sure he’s sick of mine.”
“Bullshit. Your company’s probably keeping him sane.” I scoffed. “Has Zavier been by to see him much?”