“Positive,” Bishop didn’t hesitate as he looked back at me. “It’s a family tradition and the first thing King has officially invited you too.”
“So it’s a big deal?”
“In theory but it’s nothing to be stressed out. They’re going to love you.”
“Yeah, I bet.”
I still hadn’t told Bishop about my family’s offer to bail me out of financial instability partially because I didn’t want to tell him about my finances to begin with.
I was also hoping I could keep my spot afloat for another year, just long enough for him to get married first so that this didn’t feel like I was tucking tail or cutting my losses when that wasn’t what this was.
Bishop whistled and I followed his gaze as two women and a man sauntered into the club, all three of them looking around and taking everything in as they slowly walked further inside.
“That’s her,” he said.
“Who?”
“My new sister-in-law.”
We stared unashamedly while Rook’s new wife and her plus two closed in on us.
“Where’s your husband?” Rook asked.
“I wouldn’t know.” The wife leaned across the bar and ordered a drink from Kate.
Bishop snickered and shook his head. “Well, this is Asante. He owns the club. Asante, this is my brother’s new wife, Winnie. This is her sister, Flora and…” He paused.
“That’s Sean, Flora’s husband.”
“What’s up?” Bishop half nodded in Sean’s direction.
“Nice to meet you.” I offered Winnie my hand and she shook it.
“Nice to meet you too.”
I turned around and waved Kate back over. “Don’t charge her or her group. It’s her party,” I announced.
Kate nodded and Winnie grinned.
“You’re going to let me and my family drink free?”
“For the rest of your life.” I winked at her and she smirked.
“Jesus, Asante. I’m married.” she joked.
Bishop and I both laughed.
“You’re right. Charge her double actually.” I called after Kate who rolled her eyes and giggled. I looked between Bishop and Winnie. “Alright. I’m going to get back to work. Let me know when y’all head out,” I said and Bishop nodded.
“Will do.”
“I’ll see you around, Winnie.” I tapped the bar in front of me, gave a long glance at Bishop, then headed toward a crowd that was gathering at the far end of the bar.
I helped out behind the bar until we got the line down. Then, I excused myself for a smoke break. I took it in front of the club instead of out back and was only halfway done when shouting sounded throughout the club so loud I heard it from where I was.
“Fuck.” I flicked my cigarette, stepped on it and headdd toward the entrance.
“It’s the Barrons,” one of the security guards said.
