Sheltered

Chapter 41

"Oh, just the California Roll, please." Savanna smiles at the tall waitress before turning to Luke.

"That's all you want?" He asks.

"Yeah, thank you." Sav confirms awkwardly.

Lucas gives her a puzzled look.
"She'll take a side of miso soup."

The waitress scribbles on her note pad.
"And for you?"

"The spicy hamachi roll with edamame, please."

"It'll be right out."

As the limber waitress disappears through kitchen doors, Savanna gives Luke a questioning glance.

"You need to eat more." He laughs.

"Excuse me? I think I can take care of myself." Sav declares.

"I'm just watching out for you, love."
There's a still silence.
"Plus, the miso here is brilliant."

"I think I can handle taking my own order." Savanna mutters, hiding a smile by sipping her green tea.

"Miso soup and a side of edamame?"
A feminine voice calls.

"Yes, please." Luke thanks her.

Okay... this soup is really good.

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Savanna fiddles with the strap of Luke's motorcycle helmet, which is about two sizes too big for her.

Lucas chuckles.
He walks up to her and tightens the strap, and gives the top of the helmet a couple of taps.
"Ready to go, Mad Max?"

Sav can't help but softly run her finger along the seams of Luke's jacket. The genuine leather feels smooth to the touch, which is soothing compared to the brisk wind hitting her from what feels like every direction.

Coming up on a stop sign, Lucas brings the bike to a slow stop.
"Y'know, I've been thinking..."

Luke projects his voice to be heard over the roaring of the engine.

"How important is this to you? I mean-" he struggles for the right words "What if we didn't go to the border?"

"That's enough. We're going." Savanna states firmly.

"It's not that-" Lucas takes a deep breath. "Fine."

He pushes away the thoughts of Ian.

The thought that he's undoubtedly safe. Undoubtedly moved on from Savanna.

But he doesn't have the heart to tell her.

He'd rather risk his life on a trip to another country than break her heart with that information.

The engine sounds like an earthquake as they pass the graffitied stop sign, but Savanna barely notices the noise.

Why is Luke helping me in the first place?
Is he still coming with me?
What if we don't even make it to Mexico?
And is he even on my side?
What if this is all some kind of trap?

So many questions in her mind. But not enough courage- or maybe stupidity- to ask him for the answers.

Should I even trust you, Lucas Williams?