It had been about a week since I returned home. Most of my time was spent helping my Nana around the house, especially since my Pap was always working. In between, I had been job hunting and searching for a place of my own. I wasn't in a rush to move out—I knew my grandparents needed the help, and I was still trying to get back on my feet.

Today was Friday, and Nana had been teaching me how to bake a variety of desserts. She even handed me her cherished recipe book, saying she hoped I would one day pass it down to my own children.

"Mmm, it's smelling good in here, girls," Pap commented as he walked into the kitchen, pressing a gentle kiss to Nana's cheek.

I giggled and sliced a piece of my cinnamon apple pie for him.

Before he could take a bite, a knock sounded at the front door.

"Oh, I'll get it," Nana said, removing her apron as she exited the kitchen.

I continued preparing another batch of cake batter, but when I stepped into the hallway, I froze.

He was standing in the doorway, talking to Nana.

The bowl in my hands slipped, shattering against the hardwood floor.

"Oh dear, are you okay!?" Nana rushed to my side.

"Oh—oh my God, Nana, I'm so sorry," I stammered, bending down to clean up the mess.

"I'll take care of it. I don't want you to cut yourself. Go talk to him, dear," she reassured me with a knowing smile.

I hesitated before nodding, stealing a glance at Everest.

Taking a deep breath, I shook off the nerves and stepped outside, closing the door behind me.

"Hey," I greeted, studying him. He was bigger now—broad shoulders, thick muscles, and towering over me.

He didn't respond. His eyes, once familiar and warm, were now cold, unreadable.

"You grew a beard," I commented, more of a question than an observation.

"You grew your hair," he countered, his voice deep and unfamiliar.

The sound of it nearly made my knees buckle.

"Oh—uh, yeah," I murmured, running a hand through my waist-length, almost white-blonde hair. Back when I lived here, I had always kept it short, no longer than my shoulders. People used to assume I bleached it, but it had always been my natural color.

"So—" I started, but he cut me off.

"What are you doing here, Avery?" His tone was sharp, accusing.

I averted my gaze, focusing on anything but his face.

"I finished school, and there was just nothing there for me anymore," I answered.

"Just like you left here," he bit out. "Because there was nothing here for you anymore?"

His words, laced with bitterness, sent a shiver down my spine. He stepped closer, his sheer presence making me feel small.

"Ev—" I tried again, but he closed the distance even more.

"It's Sin. Learn it," he snapped before turning on his heel and straddling his motorcycle. Without another word, he roared away into the night.

I stood there for a moment, letting the silence settle over me before heading back inside.

After a quick shower, I changed into a beige crop top and white floral shorts.

I found Nana and Pap in the living room.

"Hey, um, Nana, I'm going out to meet Brooke. I might fill out a few job applications while I'm out."

They nodded in approval, but before I could leave, Pap pulled out his wallet.

"Oh no, Pap, I have money. I'm good, really."

He ignored me and slipped a fifty-dollar bill into my palm.

"Be safe, honey, and please call if anything changes," Nana said, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

I smiled and nodded before heading out.

––

I arrived at Joe's Café and texted Brooke to let her know I was there. Her reply was almost instant: Inside.

Walking in, I ordered an iced sweet tea and made my way to her table.

"So, have you settled in?" she asked, biting into a muffin.

"Yeah, it's actually going really well. I've just been helping my grandparents and job hunting," I replied.

"It's tough finding a job around here with all these college students," she noted.

"How's college? And how are you and Austin?" I asked, watching as she nearly choked on her muffin.

Back when I lived here, Austin had always teased Brooke, and she hated him—until one day, she kissed him just to shut him up. After that, they spent more time together. Though he never officially asked her out, they were practically a couple.

"Don't even get me started on that fucking asshole," she snapped.

My eyes widened. "Brooklyn Anastasia Jones!" I pinched her arm, making her yelp.

Brooke had been raised in a strict household. I always teased her about being a child of God. Hearing her curse so effortlessly now was a shock.

"Three months after you left, there was a party," she started. "I was talking to some guy—nothing serious, you know me. He was trying to get in my pants, but I was shutting him down. When I finally got him to leave me alone, I went to find Sarah and—" she sighed, rolling her eyes. "I found her and Austin in a bedroom together."

My stomach dropped.

"Sarah? My cousin Sarah?" I felt my blood boil. I loved my cousin, but she had always been self-centered.

Brooke nodded. "Look, it's over. And it's not like Austin and I were officially together anyway."

"Sarah is a nasty bitch," I muttered. "She always has been."

Brooke sighed. "Avery, I needed to get into that sorority. After you left, Sarah was the closest thing I had to a friend."

I felt a pang of guilt. Maybe I had abandoned her.

"Are they still...?" I trailed off, sipping my tea.

"I don't know. Sometimes she brags about hooking up with him, but really, he's just sleeping around—being the biker he was born to be."

Her words hit harder than I wanted to admit.

"Well," I cleared my throat. "Everest came to my grandparents' house today. Turns out, he checks on them regularly."

Brooke shifted uncomfortably.

"Well, I do too, Avery," she admitted, avoiding eye contact.

I raised a brow. "Do you still talk to Ev?"

She hesitated. "I mean... whenever I bump into him, we talk. He used to ask if I'd heard from you, but that's about it."

I nodded, unsure of what to say.

––

After catching up, we headed to her sorority house, where I was instantly swarmed by eager girls.

"Avery! Thank God you're here!" Sarah shrieked, grabbing my hand and dragging me into the living room.

I barely had time to process before another girl spoke up. "So, we really need your help getting into the clubhouse tonight."

I blinked. "What?"

Sarah beamed. "There's a biker party—it's one of their birthdays. We have to get in."

I turned to Brooke, whose expression confirmed that this was exactly what she had been about to warn me about.

"So, let me get this straight. You all want me to get you into a clubhouse full of outlaw bikers so you can get drunk and hook up with them?"

Their smiles stretched ear to ear as they nodded in unison.

I sighed, glancing at Brooke.

"I mean, I can try, but if anything happens or we don't get in, don't say I didn't warn you."

They clearly weren't listening. Instead, they squealed and rushed upstairs to get dressed—or rather, undressed.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

Self-Care

Betrayal makes the heart fragile

Handle yourself with care.