“I bet that isn’t all that’s getting to you.” Sam said snidely, brushing up next to Razer, her sharp gaze looking pointedly at Beth’s swimsuit top. Beth blushed aware the girl saw her pointed nipples through her still damp suit.
“Ignore her. She’s a bitch, but I am sure you know that since you’ve lived around her longer than I have. Hi, I am Evie.”
“Hi.” Beth acknowledged the pretty brunette, again not taking her eyes off of Lily. Beth stood pulling on her shorts self-consciously, she was about to reach for her t-shirt, but Razer already had bent down to get it. Holding it in his hand, she reached to take it, but wouldn’t let it go at her sharp tug.
“Everything alright?” He was staring at a still frozen Lily.
“Yes, everything is fine.” Hastily pulling her shirt from his grasp, she put it on, bending to pick up the blanket.
“She okay?” Evie looked in concern toward her sister who was beginning to tremble. For the first time, Beth took her eyes off her sister to look at the men. Their expressions were hard to hide. It wasn’t what Beth thought she would find. They were all concerned. Beth’s worry about their appearance disappeared. Lily was wearing a tiny pink bikini that showed the maturity of her figure, for them to see the fear she was exhibiting and not salivating gave her peace of mind as to their intentions.
“Hey we can leave.” Razer offered.
“No… No it’s fine.” With the blanket in her hands, Beth walked slowly towards her sister. “Lily, I finished packing everything. Are you ready to leave?”
Lily backed away from her, back into the water. Her hands crossed to cover her breasts, which only pushed the firm flesh higher. Beth stopped. This had happened once before when an intoxicated parishioner had shown up at her parent’s house carrying a liquor bottle. It had taken Beth several hours to get Lily out of her daze. Beth didn’t have to guess the nightmares she was reliving. She knew, it was why Lily was determined to be a social worker; the dedication she had the only thing that could lure her away from the safety she had found in the mountains.
“Lily please, they won’t hurt you. They haven’t even started drinking yet.” Which Beth hoped was true. “You have nothing to be afraid of from them. Have I ever let any harm come to you?”
A small moan passed Lily’s trembling lips, taking a hesitant step toward Beth. “That’s it sweetheart," Beth praised.
“For heavens sake, leave bitches. No one wants you here anyway.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Beth noticed Razer motion for Evie to get Sam quiet.
“Why do I have to shut the fuck up; that skinny slut think she’s better than us…” Beth heard a sharp yelp as Evie’s hand smacked Sam’s mouth.
“I told you to shut up.” Finding herself surrounded by the other women, Sam shut up.
“Beth…” Lily’s broken voice tore at Beth’s heart.
“Come on sweetheart, a few more steps.” Beth waited patiently on shore, aware the bikers stood immobile. Finally, she walked within reach; Beth wrapped the blanket around her shivering form. Tugging her from the water required every ounce of strength she possessed. As they drew closer, the men in the group pulled back, giving Lily the space she needed. Finally, Beth was able to maneuver her into the car. Hastily she moved towards the driver’s door, Razer stopped to hand her the towel and basket she left behind.
“Thanks," she said.
“She going to be ok?”
“Yes, she will be fine when I get her home.” Beth tried to explain, trying to be tactful. “It’s not you guys, it’s the liquor.”
Razer smiled, showing that he knew she was lying. “I think probably a rowdy gang of bikers didn’t help the situation.” When Beth would have denied it, he forestalled her.“It’s cool. No offense taken, we scare everyone in this small town. Two lone women on an isolated spot; would be crazy to have no concerns when we invaded your space."
Beth smiled at him naturally for the first time, blushing as he grinned back. Not wanting to keep Lily waiting longer, Beth got inside the car, giving her sister a concerned look, she drove home. When they arrived, she made a hot bath for Lily and a light dinner of chicken salad. They sat quietly munching, not talking. Beth left her to her thoughts; Lily had demons in her past that events triggered. Beth had learned long ago it was best to let Lily battle it out herself, usually without Beth’s aid she realized it was an over reaction and strove harder next time to keep better control of her fears.
It was later in the night when the screams woke her. Running into Lily’s room, she found her curled into a ball in the corner. Beth sat down next to the crying girl pulling her into her arms, offering what comfort she could, smoothing down her dark curls. Beth rocked her sister until she fell asleep. Gently disengaging herself, she went to the bed, removing the comforter and pillows. Placing the comforter on the floor, she maneuvered her sleeping sister until she lay prone on the thick material. Beth laid down next to her, raising her head and putting the pillow beneath her head. They slept curled together as they had many nights when they were children. Beth felt tears slide from her eyes at the pain Lily had endured as a child, only to survive with the brutal memories waiting for a chance to attack. Beth whispered into the darkened bedroom the same prayer she did every night since Lily had become her sister. That she find peace from her nightmare and someone strong enough to give it to her.
Chapter 3
Sunday morning turned out pretty; Beth woke a groggy Lily to get ready for church. They had never missed a morning service and even after their difficult night, it didn’t occur to either to miss.
The service was positive and left each girl in a lighter mood, unlike the ones her father used to give. After the service, they walked to the local diner, which was just across the street. Lily’s friends joined them and they ended up at a large table. Her friends were boisterous as kids their age usually were; but Lily didn’t mind joining in with her own wicked sense of humor. Beth sat at the opposite end of the table, contently sipping her coffee watching the shadows in her eyes disappear in her lovely violet depths. The restaurant was packed with people standing around waiting for a table to empty.
“Pastor Dean!” Lily waved at their Pastor when he walked into the restaurant. The good-looking pastor had received many invitations to lunch after the services, but Pastor Dean always declined. Eligible, young, and extremely handsome with mahogany hair, the women in the church were vying for his attention. He excused himself from the parishioner he was talking to, making his way to their table. Beth watched as he greeted Lily and her friends, the respect they had for the pastor was obvious. He was a very good pastor who made time for his parishioners; including the young ones when he had began earning their trust. He had taken over for her father two years ago and at first had meet resistance from within the church. He was more lenient, while her father had been hell and brimstone. Beth didn’t resent the change; in fact she was happy that the younger crowd wouldn’t be taught in such a stifling atmosphere.
“Would you like to join us?” Beth asked when she could get a word in.
Dean laughed. “I would.” Pulling a chair out next to Beth, he sat down. “Give me a break from the more stodgy parishioners.”
“Now pastor, we don’t want to deprive your flock of your company.” Beth laughed.
“Please deprive away.” Dean ordered his breakfast from a passing waitress. “Unless you need my advice on your everlasting soul.”
Beth shuddered. “No, I’m good.”
Dean laughed again, quickly drawn into a conversation with the others at the table. The youth group was planning a weekend trip to donate their services to rebuild a church that had been destroyed by a tornado. It was an enjoyable lunch with at times serious topics; the lunch crowd in the restaurant began to thin out. It was then Beth noticed the table in the corner against the back wall. Razer and two of his buddies sat watching their table.
“Beth!”
Lily drew her attention. “We are going to go to the movies the
n go to Charles’ for dinner. We need to finish a power point for class tomorrow.”
“Ok, take the car.” Beth reached into her purse and pulled out her keys.
“We’ll drop you off first.” Lily protested.
Beth glanced at her watch. “No, it’s in the opposite direction, you’ll miss the start of the movie. I can walk, it’s not far.” In fact, when their parents were alive they used to walk it every Sunday, weather permitting.
“I would offer you a ride, but mine is in the shop.” Dean said rising. “Ladies, thanks for allowing me to join you. Beth, I will be by one day to pick up the boxes for the charity drive. Call and let me know when it is convenient.” When he picked up the ticket for the table, Beth protested. “Allow me.” With a wink he ignored her and said his goodbyes. All the time, Beth was conscious of Razer’s sharp gaze on her.
“We better be going.’ Lily and her friends got up, but Lily walked to her sister giving her a hug. “I will be home by ten.”
“Finish your project. Don’t worry about the time, but remember you have school in the morning.” Beth smiled at her, mischievously glancing at Charles.
“I will.” Lily just stared at her. She was wearing a pale lilac dress with lace at the borders. It was soft and flowed to her knees. She looked like a model. Beth got a lump in her throat, reaching out to give her hand a quick squeeze. Beth would often touch her, noticing others close to her made excuses to do the same. Beth didn’t take offense knowing they did it for the same reason; to reassure themselves she was still within their reach. Women who had less beauty and had made fortunes with their looks could not compare to Lily. It wasn’t only her physical beauty that drew everyone in the room’s eyes, but her gentle spirit that shone in her face. Charles walked up taking Lily’s hand hurrying her towards the door.
Beth watched them go. Lily and Charles had grown up together. In fact, he lived just a couple of houses down from them. He was just as protective of Lily as she was, if not more so. He had loved Lily since he had first seen her introduced in her parent’s church. Beth saw him place an arm around her shoulders as they went out the door; Lily casually moved away. Lily didn’t return his feelings, she never would.
Beth left the restaurant feeling the bikers gaze on her back. The walk home would help exercise off the chili cheese fries she had for lunch. She hadn’t gotten far when a shiny black monster of a truck pulled up next to her.
“Want a ride home?” Razer asked. The look on his face plainly saying he expected her to refuse.
“Yes.” The voice in her head asking what the hell she was doing was squashed firmly. She was done being intimidated by them. Yesterday, their behavior had been kind and Beth was not going to repay them with snobbery. Beth moved to the other side of the truck; the man with the tattoos wearing sunglasses was expressionless as he jumped out; helping her into the front seat before waiting until she slid over to the middle of the seat before getting in next to her, firmly shutting the door. Razer waited for her to buckle her seatbelt before moving back into the light traffic.
Beth self-consciously pulled down the cream skirt of her light dress covering her thighs that had become exposed when she had slid into the truck.
“I live down Pine. It’s just…”
“I know where it is.” Beth nodded. “That’s Shade, and Train in the back.”
“Hello.” She turned to look back at each man as they were introduced, receiving a nod from each. Beth guessed the one wearing the sunglasses was Shade, every time she had seen him he had been wearing them on the only part of his body she was beginning to think wasn’t tattooed. Beth wondered nervously who decided on their nickname.
“What’s so funny?” Razer asked, seeing her smile. Deciding to be honest, Beth confessed. “I was just wondering how you decided what your name was, if you decided it or someone else.”
“Depends.” Razer answered.
“On what?”
Razer shrugged. “A lot of things, usually because we are good at something.”
“So because Shade wears sunglasses, he was given that name.”
“You think I am called Shade because I wear sunglasses." Beth felt his body shake in laughter next to her. Beth was confused by their laughter.
“Then why do you think they call me Razer?”
“Because you like to shave?” Beth answered, noticing his cleanly shaven face, unlike his friends who it seemed liked the shadowed look. This time loud laughter could be heard from the backseat.
Beth could see Razer fighting his own laughter. “Yeah, that it.”
Before Beth could figure out their laughter, the truck pulled into her driveway. Shade sat still; this time Razer jumped out.
“I’ll help you down.” He patiently held out his hand. Unbuckling her seatbelt, feeling foolish trying to keep her skirt from flying up and holding her purse in her other hand, she slid toward his opened door. Razer held her hand until she regained her balance, shutting the door of the truck.
“Thanks for the ride.”
“You’re welcome.” Razer followed as she walked to her door. Unlocking it, she turned to say goodbye, but before she could, he stopped her with a hand on her arm.
“I am going for a ride on my bike for an hour or two, would you like to go?”
Beth looked toward the truck with the men inside.
“Just us, I’ll go get my bike and you can get changed into some jeans.”
“I can’t…”
“Yes, you can. Your sister is gone for the day.” At her surprised look, Razer looked unapologetic at his obvious eavesdropping in the restaurant. “I bet you don’t have anything important that has to be done today. Come for a ride with me in the mountains.”
“All right.” Beth found herself swayed by his smile. She was just as weak as the other women.
“Good. I will be back in an hour. Be ready,” he ordered.
Beth just smiled at his order, going inside the house. Once the door closed, her calm exterior faded and the recriminations began in earnest. All the time she was getting changed into more comfortable clothes, she was determined to tell him she couldn’t go when he returned. As she put on her tennis shoes, then fixed her hair back into a tight ponytail, she still believed what she was telling herself.
When the knock came in less than the hour he had said, Beth was surprised he was back so soon.
“That wasn’t an hour," Beth accused when she opened the door.
“I was afraid you would change your mind.”
“As a matter of fact…"
“Oh no, you don’t. I didn’t bust my balls to drive back here breaking the speed limit for you to turn me away. Where are your keys?”
“Wait just a minute. I…”
“Nope.” Seeing her keys sitting on the small table by the door, Razer grabbed them sliding them in his blue jeans pocket. Beth swallowed apprehensively when her eyes were drawn towards him at his action.
“Let’s go.” Taking her hand, he pulled her out and locked the door.
Resigned this was indeed going to happen; Beth followed him meekly to his motorcycle.
“I have never ridden before," she told him nervously when he handed her a helmet before placing one on himself.
“It’s not hard, get on.” Beth clumsily straddled the huge bike, holding on tight to the seat when Razer got on. “Grab on to my waist.”
Beth nodded her understanding before reaching out, clutching him around his waist.
“No Beth, like this.” Reaching for her hands, he pulled them forward, scooting her whole body forward until the front of her body was plastered to his; her arms held tightly to his waist. Without another word, he turned on the motor.
Beth’s first motorcycle ride was an experience she would never forget. The beauty of the mountains was in their full glory, the bike made her feel as if she could truly appreciate the natural beauty of nature. She understood finally the freedom someone could feel; the excitement women were drawn to at the skill and strength to ma
neuver the beast of a machine around the turns and other cars on the road.
They rode for over an hour before they headed back to Beth’s home. At her door, he pulled out her keys, unlocking the door before pulling it open.
“Would you like to come in for something to eat before you go home?”
“That’s one of the things I never refuse.”
“Oh, what else is on your list?” Beth teased, walking towards her kitchen. Razer shrugged. “Not a lot, but home cooked food is definitely on the top.”
“Well, let’s see what I can do.” Beth opened her freezer, grabbing some Stromboli’s that she had made the previous weekend, and then froze so that Lily could heat them when she arrived home from school. Beth’s freezer was full of pre-made meals that Lily could heat up for herself if one of her clients kept her late. Schedules were important to Lily and it kept it normal for her to have home cooked food in the oven instead of take-out.
The Stromboli’s were definitely filling the house now with their delicious aroma as she made a salad and filled glasses of iced tea.
Sitting them on the table, she motioned for Razer to take a seat. "Sorry I don’t have any beer.”
“I didn’t expect you to after your sister’s reaction yesterday. Care to explain why she freaked out so bad?”
Beth hesitated. The whole town was aware Lily was adopted; her father had made a big production of it, but he had also never told where he had found Lily. Beth didn’t know how privy Razer was to the town gossip.
Beth answered hesitantly, wanting to respect her sister’s privacy. “Lily has led a very sheltered life.”
Opening the oven, she took out the Stromboli, serving one to Razer, then one for herself.
“You haven’t?” He waited until she took her seat before asking the question.
“I went away for college, spent four years in Lexington. I went through the partying stage. Lily hasn’t. She goes to school in the fall.”