“Off track,” Diesel said.
“Whatever,” Axel replied, then looked at Christopher. “This isn’t about you two ancient motherfuckers, Dad. It’s about Rebel.”
“I agree, kid,” Bash said.
“By the way…” Axel held out his hand to Bash. “Man to man, I apologize for abusing you at Turn Creek.”
It surprised Christopher that Bash humored Axel and shook his hand.
“I respect a man so straightforward.”
Axel beamed, then threw Christopher the thumbs up sign. He was never as lively as his son, although he’d been Axel’s age when he met Big Joe. It was probably why Christopher didn’t think much of Axel’s behavior most of the time. No one had ever curtailed any of Christopher’s tendencies.
“Uncle Bash—”
Mattie and Harley’s arrival interrupted Axel. Rebel started to smile until Jana stood and rushed over.
“Hey, Jana.” Mattie hesitated, then glanced between Jana and Rebel before holding up her phone. “Uh, Harley and I were looking at some cute outfits and we wanted to see if Rebel got the links we sent since she hasn’t responded. Do you want to shop with us?”
Jana looked at Diesel, silently asking his permission. Forever a motherfucker, he ignored her.
Jana turned Rebel. “Can I?” she asked.
Christopher’s jaw almost fell to the fucking floor in shock.
What the fuck was wrong with Jana?
“I can’t tell you where you can and can’t go,” Rebel bit out, coming out of whatever stupor she’d been in. “This isn’t my house.”
“Bro,” Mattiesaid, elbowing Rebel and nodding to Jana, who looked on the verge of tears. “Be her, uh, sister.”
That wasn’t Rebel’s fucking job. It was up to Diesel to protect her, but that motherfucker didn’t give one fuck about her, so he didn’t care who she fucked or how she came across.
“Overlook whatever reason you’re angry with her,” Harley said.
Rebel glowered. “Maturity is too fucking much trouble.”
“It isn’t,” Mattie insisted. “It’s part of being a grown-up.”
“Being grown is even worse, Matt,” Grant said.
“Tell me about it,” Digger grumbled.
Mortician glared at his brother. “Fool, you not grown yet.”
“You a cold motherfucker, Mort,” Digger complained.
“You don’t have to be grown to be mature, Grant.” Rebel glared at Jana again. “Or loyal.”
“Adulting sucks,” Grant confirmed.
Knox sipped his glass of red wine and smiled at Grant. “Once you settle on the course of your life, you’ll be fine, son.”
“I know what course my life is taking, Dad,” Grant said.
“That’s good, little bruh,“ Digger said. “I didn’t find out until I was twice your age.”
CJ squinted. “But you aren’t forty-six yet.”
