Chapter 69 Hold Me Close

84 1 0
                                    

Today was another big day for Kendra. This wasn't Kendra's usual Saturday, filled with shopping, eating at restaurants, or the movies. She was going mud riding with Jason and Josh.

Following Jason's advice, she ditched the dresses and sandals for black jeans, a black shirt, and a pair of black Nikes. It seemed like a safe choice. When she informed her mom and grandmother about her plans, they looked at her as if she had grown two heads. Nevertheless, they were glad to see her stepping out of her comfort zone. She seemed happy, which made them happy. They were relieved when she mentioned that meeting Jason's family had gone well. Kendra did like his parents, although she couldn't help but feel that Jason's mother was being overly nice to hide her surprise. Kendra's intuition was correct all along. She knew that it would be a shock for his family, regardless of their attempts to conceal it. However, she didn't dwell on it too much because, overall, things went smoothly. With one milestone accomplished, there was still another one to conquer - mud riding.

At 2:45, Jason sent her a text saying he was on the way. Shortly after, he arrived and Kendra joined him outside, walking to his car with him. Josh was already in the back seat, wearing headphones, and he said 'Hello' to her as she got inside.

                                                                                     ~~~~

The air hung heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth as they  pulled off the paved road, the gravel crunching beneath their tires. Kendra was nervous. She'd never ridden a four-wheeler before, let alone in the mud. She was also acutely aware of being the only black girl in the entire campground. A few curious glances followed them as they exited the car.

They paid for the four wheeler rentals and their helmets and googles. Jason noticed two figures in the distance as they were getting ready to put on their helmets. To his surprise, it was none other than Evan and Colton, approaching them.

"What the fuck?" Jason whispered and turned to glare at Josh. "What are they doing here?"

"Oh I forgot to tell you I invited them" Josh shrugged.

"What ? Why would you do that, Josh?" Jason's brows furrowed deeper, his irritation intensifying. Kendra watched the two brothers closely, perplexed as to why Jason was so bothered by the presence of the two guys.

"They're our cousins" 

"I dont care. You know me and Colton aren't cool. You should've told me." Jason muttered angrily, letting out a sigh. 

"Well, yall can't stay mad forever"

"Hey guys!" Colton greeted them with a confident smile. "And lady" he added, acknowledging Kendra with a nod.

"Hi" she replied.

 "What's up guys?" Evan spoke, slapping hands with Josh. "What's up Jayce?"

"Hey". As silence fell between them and lingered, a palpable tension filled the air. Jason knew he had to make introductions, even if he wasn't thrilled about it. "...This is Kendra, my girlfriend," he said, while gently encircling his arm around her waist.

"Hey Kendra, I'm Evan. Nice to meet you" he smiled.

"Hi, nice to meet you too" she returned a smile.

Colton confidently took a step forward and reached out his hand with a  grin "And I'm Colton," he said as they shook hands. "Heard plenty about you, darlin'." After releasing her hand, Colton took a step back, casting a quick glance at Jason. Jason met his gaze head-on, warning him to tread lightly for his own sake.

Jason knew that this day would prove to be a challenge, but he told himself to keep his cool in front of Kendra and not ruin a potentially fun experience. 

Love and Football (BWWM Interracial Love Story)Where stories live. Discover now