“Because it’s a woman?”
“Yeah. The shit doesn’t feel right.”
Dix nodded and chuckled. “Love done fucked up and gave your ass a conscience.”
Vega narrowed his eyes at Dix and smirked. “I’ve always had a conscience. Fuck you mean? I have never ended a woman before.”
“That part might be true, but you had limited capabilities where a conscience was concerned. Real shit though, let me know what the move is and either way I got you.”
Vega nodded, pulling out his phone, frowning at his brother’s name flashing across the screen. His first thought was to ignore the call, not wanting to be bothered, but he answered anyway.
“Yeah?”
Ace let go of a cocky laugh at the annoyed tone Vega delivered. “We need to have a family meeting. Can you come by?”
“Nah, I’m busy.”
“Vega…” Ace released an exasperated breath. “…it’s important. One hour. That’s all I need.”
“Just tell me now. I’m sure it’s not going to take an hour because I can guarantee it’s nothing I give a fuck about. Especially if it’s involving family that’s not you or Paris.”
“So, it’s fuck family now?” Ace gritted, not feeling his brother’s newfound independence.
“Nah, it’s Vega doing what’s necessary for Vega. Isn’t that what you wanted? How many times have you been on my ass about me getting my shit together? That’s what I’m doing and spending time sitting around wasting words with you andhimisn’t helping my money grow. If you want me to come by for dinner or some shit like that, then I’m cool. But as far as business or Pop trying to clear his conscience, I’m cool on that. Let me do things my way.”
“Vega…” The voice that called his name this time didn’t belong to Ace. It was his father, which further annoyed him. “It’s not your brother asking. I am. I knew if the invitation came solely from me, you wouldn’t accept, but I see now, more damage has been done than I was aware of. I need to speak to you, both of you. I’m also well aware that I don’t deserve your consideration but I’m begging. One hour. That’s all I need, then you don’t have to see or hear from me again.”
It took Vega a minute to decide, and against his better judgment, he agreed and ended the call.
“Y’all good?”
Laughing sarcastically, Vega shook his head before responding verbally as well. “But we will be real soon. I’m about to head out though. Hit my line if you need anything.”
Dix tilted his head and lifted his beer to his lips, turning it up, and Vega left to deal with his family bullshit. He had a few more things to take care of before he could shut down for the day, but his night was reserved for Nyelle.
When Vega walked into his brother’s house, he was met by Paris in the foyer. As always she had a smile on her face and washappy to see him. She assumed when Vega was released things would go back to normal, but they hadn’t. He wasn’t around much and she had barely seen him. She was also well aware that there was a divide happening between her husband and his baby brother. Although she wasn’t sure why, she could easily guess it had to do with business.
“I’m starting to think you don’t love me anymore.” Paris slightly pouted as Vega closed her into a hug and kissed her cheek.
“Come on, sis, don’t do that.”
“What else am I supposed to do? You’re never around Vega. I’m sure it has something to do with Nyelle, but I know that’s not all of it. I’m glad that you’re happy but don’t forget about your family.”
“I’m never gonna forget about you, sis. I’ve just been busy.” It was the truth. Paris would always hold a special place in Vega’s heart and he planned on doing better about being around her once he had a handle on his life. But lately, with all of his new business ventures and Nyelle, there was very little time for anything else.
“Not just me.” She gave Vega a stern but loving look. “I know you two are in a weird space, but he loves you, Vega. He’s been extremely stressed lately behind the discord going on and your absence. You were gone, and now that you’re home, you’re still gone.”
Vega understood Paris loved her husband but there were things she would never understand about the two of them. Instead of pressing the point, he nodded and kissed her cheek. “I know. We’re gonna be good though. I give you my word. Stop worrying so much.” Vega winked at her then started down the hall toward his brother’s office.
“You better be, or you’ll have me to deal with,” Paris expressed from behind him, causing Vega to chuckle. He lovedher dearly. In a sense, after his mother passed, she was all he had. Paris had filled that void as best she could and he appreciated her because of it.
All eyes were on Vega when he stepped into his brother’s office, closing the door behind him. The solemn expression his brother wore was a lot different than Vega was used to, but he kept his face neutral.
“Thank you for coming, son.” Vernon was the first to speak. Vega only nodded, acknowledging him before he stood a few feet from where his brother and father were seated.
“Aight, I’m here. What was so important?”
Ace motioned to the sofa and Vega’s eyes followed but he didn’t move. “I’m good.”
