I hate wise Legend.
I prefer when he is threatening people.
Wildcat hands me the route and a small bag. “Cash. Charger. Protein bars. Basic tools. Extra burner. And before you insult the protein bars, I packed jerky too.”
“Thank you.”
He looks startled.
I am too.
Oaks comes down the porch steps and tosses me a small plastic dinosaur.
I catch it.
“What the hell is this?”
“Brittany bought it for August’s fort. Figured you might need proof of legal authority when you get to dinosaur court.”
My throat tightens.
I shove the toy into my saddlebag. “You all done being sentimental pricks?”
Oaks grins. “Not even close.”
Holler walks up last.
He looks uncomfortable, which I enjoy.
“If you see Lottie before I do,” he says, “tell her I’m mad as hell.”
“I’m not delivering a lie.”
He laughs. “Then tell her I said to pack snacks next time.”
I stare at him.
He shrugs. “She’ll know I mean I love her.”
“Your marriage is weird.”
“Says the man riding cross-country after a woman who told him not to follow.”
Fair.
I swing onto Widowmaker.
The engine comes alive under me, loud and mean and mine. The little dinosaur keychain taps against the ignition, ridiculous and perfect and painful.
Legend steps back.
“Derby.”
I look at him.
“If she says come home, bring her home. If she says stay away, you come back alone.”
My fingers tighten on the bars.