“Honey, that car has given you a lot of years and a lot of miles. You knew it was coming.” I’ve yet to tell her about the conundrum, and she’s already figured it out.
“I know, but have you seen the prices for new vehicles? Even used, it’s like they’re out to rob you, and the last thing I need or want is an eight-hundred-dollar-a-month car payment. No thanks. I also know you and Jace would help, by either selling me your old car or even helping me with a down payment. Which I don’t need, by the way. And then there’s Locke. Mom, he told me to keep his truck for however long, and he won’t let me pay for anything on it besides the gas.” Her eyes get glassy. She gets it. If she didn’t before, she does now. Locke has always been an amazing person, friend, and extended family.
We never, not ever, explored anything like this when we were younger. Sure, I lusted after the man. He’s hot, and I’m not blind, but never did I think I had a chance until one night at the bar.
“Oh, my darling girl, it’s even more imperative you tell your brother. That look in your eyes means you’re in love, and with a man I could have only dreamed of for you.” Twenty years into the future, I’m hopeful I’ll have her youthful skin, her energy, and her determination. Whereas Jace is equal parts our dead-beat father and gorgeous mother, I got all of her looks—the dark hair, green eyes, olive skin color—and we even have the same freckle between our thumb and pointer finger.
“I’ve never known what it feels like to love or be loved by a man, and if this is it, then I can say without certainty that it’s exactly what it is.” Mom nods. I glance at the clock, and my eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets. “Shit, I should have left ten minutes ago.”
“Go. I’ll see myself out. Please, talk to your brother. The sooner the better. If he knows that I know, he’ll think everyone is out to get him, and I don’t want him to believe that for a second.” Mom stands up, I do the same, and she wraps me up in her arms, giving me a hug that you only get from a parent. It’s tender, it’s caring, and it’s one where you can let it all out.
Too bad I still have to change my clothes and haul ass out of here.
“I love you, Mom. I’ll call you later, promise.” We pull away, and I move into the bedroom area, tug off my tank top, and put on my work shirt. Ronnie and her dad are lenient when it comes to being a few minutes late to sling drinks at The Social. Luckily, today is an inventory day, which means the bar is closed and we order everything for a restock, as well as deep clean every surface available. It’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it, and while I’m not getting tips, I am getting an hourly rate that’snothing to sneeze at. Plus, I’ll be home well before dark, even though tonight is one of those when I have no reason to come home early.
“I love you!” She blows a kiss in the air, closing the door behind her on the way out. I tug my shirt in place, grab my bag and keys, and take a quick look in the mirror to make sure I’m not wearing two different shoes before I’m heading toward Locke’s truck.
9
Locke
“Yo,” I answer the phone without glancing at the screen. It’s Tuesday. I haven’t seen Jade since yesterday, and I’m jonesing to get off work, grab a shower, and get to my woman.
“Yo right back. What you up to tonight?” Jace asks on the other end of the line. I stop in my tracks, bring my fingers to the bridge of my nose, and silently sayfuck. All of my plans are being shot to shit in a matter of moments.
“Just got off work. Gonna shower, grab a bite to eat, and call it a night.” I’ve got my housekeys in the palm of my hand, and I’m two steps away from making it up the front porch steps.
“Nah, man. I’m finally off. Slept all day. Meet me for dinner. I’m buying.” This is Jace’s idea of persuading me to go out on a fucking work night. Jesus, I’m getting too old for this, especially since his sister is at work, and keeping my eyes off her is going to be damn near impossible.
“You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?” I slide the key into the lock, turning the handle while my phone is pressed between my ear and shoulder.
“Nope. Get your shit done and meet me at Twisted Oak. We’ll eat then hit up The Social and go from there.” Yeah, we’re stopping at that last part.
“Brother, appreciate that you’re off the clock, but some of us get called out in the middle of the night or early in the morning. I’ll meet you at Twisted Oak, and I’ll even have a drink with you, but other than that, my ass will be back home and in bed before the clock strikes midnight.” Jace won’t push once I stand my ground; it’d be like me pulling this stunt on him when he gets off work from pulling a double.
“Fuck, you’re right. See ya in an hour.”
“Later.” I walk through the door and end the call.
“Son of a bitch.” Not only am I going to have to wait longer to have Jade in my arms, but I’m also going to have to pretend that we’re nothing but friends. This shit fucking blows big hairy ball sacs.
I don’t drop my phone where my keys usually sit. I’ve got a woman to text, and she better brace. The way Jace sounds tonight, he’s out on the prowl, and if he ties one on, it’ll be either me or her who pours his sorry ass into bed. I walk through the house, noticing Jade’s scent lingers in the air: bergamot with its sharp and zesty fragrance and oranges that soften it with a warm sunbaked sweetness. It’s bold, confident, alive, and untamed, exactly who Jade is.
The house is picked up, the floors are clean, and it looks like shit is practically sparkling. All news to me because when I left this morning, it didn’t look this put together, and the only person who has a key to my place besides me is Jade.
“What did you do, sugar?” I walk deeper, heading to the fridge to grab a bottle of water when I’d much rather have a beer, but since I’m driving, I’ll wait to have one with dinner.
“Fucking Christ.” I pull on the handle to the fridge and see the damn thing is completely packed—fruits, vegetables, coffee creamer, milk, and cheeses. I grab the bottle of water, then check the freezer beneath and see that’s packed, too. I’m not even going in the garage to look at the deep freeze. Though, itshouldn’t need much considering I keep a half cow stocked year-round in there.
Me: Sugar, we got two things to discuss. One: you feeling the need to clean the house when we can both tag-team it. Two: the groceries. The palm of my hand is itching to spank that ass of yours.
I fire off the text, toss my phone on the counter in front of me, and lean my ass on the one behind me, then take a long and heavy pull, not stopping until the damn thing is empty. My phone lights up, alerting me to an incoming message.
Sugar: I help make the mess. Besides, you worked last night and had to do the same early this morning. As for the groceries, it’s only fair. You cook because we both know that’s not my strong suit, so it’s the least I can do. Plus, you in the kitchen, me watching you work, it’s really hot, honey.
Me: Still don’t mean you gotta do it all. Givin’ you a heads-up, meeting Jace for dinner, and then he wants to hit up the bar. Your bar.
Sugar: I like helping take care of you. I can’t say that I’m surprised. He never responded to my messages.
