Sitting back down, I say nothing further. I’ve messed things up. Know your place, Doll. Damn it, I know how bikers are. Some people may find it degrading, but it’s not like that. To stake a claim that I’m taken means I’m his. He will take care of me, protect me, and be there for me.

Our waitress comes over, smiling at Rex as she takes our orders. Sitting here, I watch as Sass is fidgeting nervously. What’s going on with her? Is she upset about what transpired between Tripp and me? I don’t know what I think of what’s going on between us much less understand what it looks like to everyone around us. I’m sure she’s homesick because I feel it too. I don’t have to wonder long as she looks over at Tripp and asks.

“Have you heard from Tank by chance?” That is what’s on her mind, what she’s left behind. The longing on her face as she asks shows she is desperate for even a crumb of acknowledgement from Tank.

There is a flash of sadness that blinks across Tripp’s face as he shares a knowing glance with Rex. He stiffens beside me as he responds.

“No, Sass. I haven’t talked to Tank.” She seems to sense they are hiding something.

“Look guys, I’ll be honest. I’ve been texting and calling Tank on the burner phones. Usually I can reach him at least once a day. It’s a simple reassurance he’s okay and for him to know we’re okay. I haven’t been able to speak to him or get a response from a text back in more than a week. Do you know something?” Her concern is genuine.

“Sorry, Sass, I don’t know anything.” The somberness of his tone has me on alert. There is definitely more to this. Tripp won’t lie, he’s said that many times over. What is he leaving out?

The saddened expression on my best friend’s face hurts my heart. She has deep feelings for Tank, on what level I don’t know. His safety is important to her. His friendship has always been one she’s kept close. Regardless of their hookup and subsequent fighting, she still needs that connection with him.

The rest of our meal passes in strained but casual conversation. Tripp doesn’t touch me once. The weight of what’s gone wrong weighs heavily on my heart. Getting back on the bikes, we leave to find our place for the evening while here in Arkansas.

Tension rolls off me in waves. The situation with Doll today reminds me soon enough this will be done. Only a fool would get comfortable and make something out of this. She wants to fuck around, fine, moving on. She didn’t go to him though. Wait and see how things play out between us has been my recent thoughts, but this has been a good reality check to remember there’s no real future between us.