Junior stroked his beard and sent daggers my way. “Thatniggais playing you. There ain’t no way he’ll trust you, especially after what you did to him. You’re silly if you think otherwise.”
I had been so wrapped in bliss I hadn’t thought about the possibility of Neptune runninggameon me. He had been a straight shooter since we crossed paths, and I didn’t believe he would create such an elaborate scheme to get revenge. To be honest, the dimpled-face man didn’t have to, because he had me eating out the palm of his hand from the day he sent me flowers.
“Are you ready to order?”
I shook my head at the server, which prompted Junior to ask for a few more minutes to look over the menu. Once alone, I could feel him staring, but I wouldn’t give my brother my eyes.
“Kannon, I know you don’t have a sour attitude because I called you outforsleepingwith the enemy?”
“That man’s not your enemy, Junior. You don’t even know him.”
“I know he’s got to be ruthless to be next up to run The Sinner’s Spot. You think being his bitch is gon’be peaches and cream?”
When I didn’t answer his question, Junior picked up a menu. Though I expected my brother to pry into my business, I hoped he would be open-minded about what he found. Now that he made his stance clear, I refused to defend my relationship with Neptune.
“Damn, they have popcorn balls. I haven’t had one of those in forever.” A whimsical look passed over his face. “You remember those?”
“No, I don’t. I always have to remind you we lived different lives growing up.”
“My bad. I know how sensitive you are about that.”
“If a man knockedyourmama up, left her to be with hisrealfamily, then only accepted you fourteen years later because no one else wanted you, I promise you would be sensitive too. Even now, me and the old man go weeks without speaking. Of course, my heart is tender.”
Junior freed a deep breath, as if exhausted by my trauma. “I’m not saying you’re wrong. I thought things were better. I thought you and Dad were getting close.”
“We’ve seen each other one time in months. Does that sound like we’re close?”
“Damn. All the bullshit happened like four months ago.”
Saved by the server, our heavy conversationgotinterrupted when she returned to the table. Since I was ready to go, I kept it simple and ordered truffle fries and a lemonade. Junior encouraged me to get a cocktail, but I declined since there was a possibility Ms. Mosby was right. My need for a distraction urged me to reach for my phone, yet the sound of high heels captured my attention.
“Kasey, what are you doing here?” I groaned as I eyed Junior. “Is this turning into an intervention?”
“No, girl!” My sister rolled her eyes and slidinthe booth next to me. “I called Junior when he was on his way to meet you. I don’t know why you’re frowning. We’re sisters, Kannon.”
“Then why did you break girl code and tell Junior about Neptune?” I cut my eyes across the table. “Talking about the streetsaretalking. Kasey told you, and I should be used to it. You two have always stuck together.”
“Yeah, but now I’m about to look out for you,” Junior suggested. “Even though you accused me of asking you here for malicious reasons, I really wanted to see if you were still interested in joining the team. I told you eventually you would get your shot, and I meant it. Before I put you on, I want you to prove...”
The wordsbeforeandproveclogged my ears. After Neptune showed interest in helping me get my foot into the underground, there was no way I would downplay my abilities for a role that sounded like an internship. Junior’s help came with stipulations, whereas Neptune’s came with support.
“So you want me to work as your assistant until I prove I can be consistent, even though what I’m trying to introduce to your operation is something I’ve been doing over ten years? Yeah, I have to think about that one.”
A hint of disgust contorted Junior’s expression. “Are you fucking serious? You’ve been begging to be a part of the team for years.”
“True, but y’all didn’t want me. The only reason you offered me a seat was because you’re afraid someone else mayhavegiven me a seat attheirtable.”
Kasey’s lifted brows announced her surprise. “Kannon, I hope you’re not tossing this opportunity away because of that man.”
“It’s all right, Kasey. I’m not stressed about it.” Junior grinned at me. “Since you’re so chummy with the Sinners, tell your boyfriend I’m back on his cousin’s ass about my bread.”
“What? I thought Daddy gave you the money back and told you to leave the situation alone?”
“He did, and I agreed to it because Pops thought letting the debt slide would be a good way to even the score. But it’s obvious Neptune ain’t worried about it. If his family could welcome you into the fold with open arms, they can cough up my bread or plan a funeral. I don’t give a fuck.”
“Wow. It sounds like I’m not the only sensitive one around here.” I snickered. “I’m also not a messenger. If this meet up was as innocent as you made it seem, let’s focus on that. Everything else can wait.”
The lunch from hell lasted another hour, and by the time I arrived home, Neptune’s truck was in front of my house. His tinted windowskeptme from seeing his face, but I waited on the porch until he acknowledged me.
