Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 84

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 52

Saturday mornings usually began with the sound of impact wrenches and engines warming up. This one began with pancakes.

I stood in the apartment above Lawson Customs flipping another pancake onto a plate while Diesel watched every movement I made from his spot beside the refrigerator. His ears perked up each time I reached for the spatula and his hopeful expression suggested he firmly believed

breakfast belonged to both of us.

“Nice try.” I said as his tail thumped once against the floor.

“You’ve already eaten.” I said but another hopeful look.

“I admire the commitment.” I added.

After finishing breakfast, I showered, brushed my teeth, tied my hair into a ponytail and pulled on a pair of faded jeans with a black Lawson Customs polo shirt embroidered with the shop logo

across the chest.

Today wasn’t about repairs. It was about the town. Every summer this town hosted a community festival in the park beside the courthouse and this year Lawson Customs had been invited to sponsor the motorcycle display.

When Uncle Will owned the garage, he never missed it. Now it was my turn.

I locked the apartment, whistled for Diesel and headed downstairs where Ben and Mia were

already waiting.

Ben looked up from polishing one of the display motorcycles.

“I’ve never cleaned a bike this much in my life.” Ben said and I smiled.

“Congratulations.” I said.

“I can see my reflection.” He said.

“That means you’re finished.” I said.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” He said.

Mia walked out of the office carrying a clipboard.

“We’re officially checked in.” Mia said.

“I love it when you say things like that.” I said.

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“I know. It means everything is organized.” She said grinning.

“Ldon’t deserve you.” I said.

“I’ve been telling you that for months.” She smirked.

Clun

The rumble of motorcycles echoed into the parking lot before another word was spoken. The Iron Vipers arrived in a neat line, every motorcycle polished until the chrome reflected the morning sun.

Jace removed his helmet and smiled the moment he saw me.

“You ready?” He asked.

“I’ve got coffee.” I said.

“So that’s a yes.” He said.

Hunter climbed off his motorcycle carrying two folding chairs balanced awkwardly beneath one

arm.

“I volunteered.” Hunter said.

“No. You were volunteered.” Derek corrected and Hunter shrugged.

“Details.” Hunter said.

Within half an hour everyone was loading motorcycles onto trailers or riding them toward the town

square.

The festival was already alive when we arrived. Colorful tents lined both sides of the main street, local musicians tuned guitars on a temporary stage, children ran between face painting stalls carrying balloons almost as big as they were and the smell of barbecue drifted through the warm

summer air.

Diesel stayed close beside me as we unloaded the display motorcycles. He accepted pats from almost every child who asked politely and before long several parents commented on how calm

he was.

“I think he’s stealing our attention.” Ben whispered.

“I think you’re jealous.” I said.

“I absolutely am.” He said.

The Lawson Customs display quickly became one of the busiest areas at the festival. Several restored vintage motorcycles stood beside modern touring bikes, while framed photographs of Uncle Will’s early restoration projects sat along one end of the display.

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More than one older resident stopped to smile at the familiar faces.

C

“remember Will rebuilding that one. He worked half the night to finish it before the charity ride.”

An elderly man said, pointing toward one of the photographs and I smiled.

“That sounds exactly like him.” I said.

“It certainly does.” He said.

Nearby, the Iron Vipers volunteered wherever they were needed. Cole helped direct parking and Hunter somehow ended up running the children’s sack race despite insisting he had no idea what

he was doing.

Emma and the other wives worked at the community food stall serving hamburgers and

homemade slices.

Nobody wore club colors aggressively. Today wasn’t about territory. It was about the town they

called home.

Around midday the festival announcer stepped onto the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our annual engine building challenge begins in ten minutes.” The announcer said and Ben looked at me.

“You should do it.” Ben said but I laughed.

“I came here to relax.” I said.

“You own the best garage in town.” He said.

“That’s a terrible excuse.” I said.

“It’s still true.” He said and Jace folded his arms with an amused smile.

“I think Ben’s right.” Jace said and I looked around at the faces waiting for my answer.

“If I lose, I’m blaming all of you.” I said while Hunter pointed dramatically.

“We accept those terms.” Hunter said.

Shaking my head, I walked toward the competition area while laughter followed behind me. The crowd gathered around several workbenches where identical small motorcycle engines had been completely disassembled.

The goal was simple. Rebuild them correctly and the fastest accurate mechanic won.

I rolled my shoulders once before picking up the first socket.

“Alright. Let’s make Uncle Will proud.” I murmured to myself.

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