It’s been a long-as-fuck time since Jace and I grabbed a bite to eat, but then again, that’s probably due to the fact that he’s struggled to accept Jade and me at the beginning. There’s also the fact that he’s pulling doubles at the steel mill in town and it’s taking a toll on him. I’ve also had more appointments than known possible—physical therapy three times a week in office and once a week with the orthopedic. I’m able to go down to seeing the guy in the white coat every other week now. I’m also back to working part-time, another reason why we’ve yet to meet up for dinner.
Our schedules are fucking hectic, and I don’t see any of us slowing down anytime soon. Much to Jade’s chagrin; she stomps around the house, cursing this person and that person. A lot of it has to do with worrying. She still hasn’t settled down from the accident. No amount of assurance has helped, either. It’s like she’s always on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“This time, I’m serious. Especially after what happened the last time.” He’d been surpassed on a promotion. It’d be much of the same he’s doing now but more on a salary basis, no more overtime, and a hell of a lot more money. He’s often bitched about the taxes eating him up. That shit fucks me over every year, so it’s not like it matters much to me. It’s the downfall of owning a successful business.
“You putting your hat in the pot again, or what’s going on?” I finish my beer, nod at the bartender for another, and take the menu from the condiment holder. A steak sounds good tonight, along with a loaded baked potato and asparagus. There was nosense cooking since Jade had to be at the bar from five to close. She ate leftovers from the night before, and I told her I’d be joining her brother, minus the whole wingman bullshit.
“Gotta see what happens. Thinkin’ they’ll ask me to step up. Only problem is, there’s a new partner Andy brought in, and if he shakes shit up or not,” he grumbles.
“So, you aren’t leaving, but you’re bitching until you can’t stand it anymore, and they give you a pay raise to keep you there. It’s a circle jerk.” We place our orders with the bartender. Jace went after the ribs, fries, and salad. Ordered another drink for himself, too. My second beer will be my limit. Even with food soaking up the alcohol, no way am I going to do a damn thing to jeopardize myself or someone on the road.
“Oh, there’s a hell of a lot more to the story.” I turn in my barstool, abandoning the hockey game. It’s a close one; this is the clencher, and if they win this, it’s off to the play-offs. Something tells me that whatever Jace has to share is a hell of a lot more important.
“What’s that?” The bartender already brought us our drinks. When she brings our plates, even I’m surprised.
“Thanks,” I tell him.
“Enjoy,” he replies.
“Appreciate it,” Jace follows up.
“You going to see Jade at The Social after this?” He avoids my question.
“Don’t I always?” Even before Jace knew Jade was mine, I always stopped by. Sometimes, depending on who was in there, I’d stay in my truck; other times, when the bar was slow, I’d go in, find the darkest corner, wait for Jade to have a break, and say good night to her in a way that left her aching and breathless. Now that everyone and their brother knows our business, I’ve got no problem stopping by every chance I get.
“Yeah.” He nods, starting to dig into his fries.
“You gonna tell me what’s there more of, or you gonna eat?” I bring up the subject one last time before I turn my attention back to the game.
“The new guy they just brought in. My new boss.” Jace sits back and crosses his arms over his chest.
“Okay.” I’m about to take a bite of my food.
“He comes with someone, and the someone I want is my boss’ fucking daughter.” He finishes his drink in one gulp.
“Fucking sucks wanting something you can’t have, huh?” I laugh. This is solid gold, a little bit of karma, and going to be fun as hell to watch.
“Like nobody’s business. May not have to hand in my resignation. May get fired instead.” He tucks into his food, letting me know he’s done with the conversation, and I’m more than okay with it. Jace will talk when he’s ready. One thing is for sure: I’ll be telling Jade all about this when she gets home tonight.
“Dropping a bomb in your lap while I’ve got you here, letting you know I’m gonna ask Jade to marry me. Don’t know when, don’t know how, just giving you the heads-up in advance.” Jace’s fork drops, and I’m figuring this is going to cause another dispute.
“Been waiting on this since everything came out. Been an ass and can admit when I am. Also came to realize there’s nobody better for my sister than you. Happy to walk her down the aisle if she’ll let me.” We don’t say anything else and instead go back to eating, shooting the shit, and watching the game.
Epilogue
JADE
Two Months Later
“Are you sure you wanna move in with this slug?” Jace asks, carrying a box of my belongings into Locke’s house. There wasn’t a lot left in my apartment since I’d been bringing more and more to Locke’s, mainly shoes and clothes. I still had books, a few collectibles, my décor that will mesh perfectly with Locke’s, and with his home having two spare bedrooms, whatever doesn’t work, we’ll store it in there.
“Jace.” I roll my eyes at his comment; he likes to tease me, and today isn’t any different.
“What, you think me leaving dirty socks in the living room is atrocious? Locke isn’t much better.”
“I’m well aware of where he puts his socks.” I’m dressed for work at The Social. I’m picking up a couple of extra shifts this week. Rory, Ronnie and Jude’s niece, is heading to college earlier than anticipated. The girl is wicked smart, and when offered the opportunity to head to Boston University during the summer schedule, she jumped at it. I don’t think Jude is handling it all that well, and Ronnie is definitely feeling it.
The days I’m not working at The Social, I’ve been helping Locke’s parents, Vanessa and Kyle, with the administration side. I have the spare time, and then I can always be backup when they go on vacation and Locke won’t have to do double duty.
