An Old-Fashioned Family Christmas
MADDOX
“Welcome back, muthafucka.”
The greeting I received from my older brother, Broderick, wasn’t entirely unexpected. Especially since he couldn’t stand my ass. But it had been at least seven years since I’d seen him. Any bad feelings should have dissipated by now. Right?
I dropped my bag on a barstool. “Good to see you, too, brotha.”
“Fuck you.” Broderick finished his beer and walked out without another word.
Glancing at my younger brother, I raised a brow. “You didn’t tell him I was coming?”
With a shrug, Ryker shook his head. “Nah. I figured the element of surprise would be your best bet.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Whatever,” I grumbled. Broderick and I were never close. Partly because he was a liar and a drunk, but mostly because he was everything that I couldn’t stand—entitled, spoiled, and manipulative. And, honestly, I didn’t have time for his bullshit. Never had.Never will. “Is he still wasting his money on women and liquor?”
“What money? He just borrowed $500 from me last week.”
Shaking my head, I said, “I told you to stop giving it to him.”
Ryker waved a dismissive hand. “Easy for you to say. If he loses his place, he won’t end up inyourspare room.”
I snickered. “Damn right. Anyway,” I pulled my brother into a hug, “what’s up, man?” I spun around in the front room of The Cross Cigar Bar and Lounge. Dark wood, leather furniture, plenty of seating. It wasn’t hard to imagine the joint at full capacity—an after-work crowd, live music, thick cigar smoke. My type of spot. “I’ve seen the pictures, but they didn’t do it justice.” I stared at my younger brother, pride coursing through my veins at the man he’d become. Solid. Loyal. Business-minded. Consistent. “You did good, man. I remember taking you to smoke your first cigar. I’m proud of you.”
Ryker smirked. “None of it would’ve happened if it wasn’t for my silent partner.”
I waved him off. “I told you not to mention it. I’m just glad you asked me to be part of this.”
I still recalled the conversation we’d had a little over two years ago. Ryker wanted to bring Black business to Ann Arbor, Michigan and proposed opening a lounge. My brother was a Cigar Aficionado. He’d spent years learning about the industry, studying the art of the leaf and the science of growing tobacco. The idea of bringing that excitement to the community, introducing more black men and women to the pastime of smoking cigars, and eventually developing his own brand was something he’d been passionate about for a long time.
“I appreciate your help.” Ryker set a wood humidor on the bar top. “I’ve been saving these for your visit.”
For the first time since I’d arrived, I noticed the holiday-themed décor—a string of lights behind the bar and around the windows, a small Christmas tree near the bar, and… Scratching the back of my neck, I asked. “I’m not sure what I expected when I got here, but this…” I gestured toward the ceiling, where an overwhelming amount of mistletoe hung from the ceiling. “—is not it.”
Ryker laughed. “That’s Tay’s doing.”
I raised a brow. “You let our sister decorate the bar?”
He slung a clean towel over his shoulder. “Nah. She’s having an event here tonight. A Mistletoe Match?”
“Ah.” I leaned against the bar. “What the hell is a mistletoe match?”
“It’s a party for single women and men, ready to mingle.” My gaze flew toward the door, where Taylar stood, a sneaky grin on her face. “Brother.” She ran toward me, jumping into my arms.
Wrapping my arms around her, I squeezed her until she pinched my arm. “Hey, Sister.”
She tugged her coat off and smiled up at me. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”
“Too bad you’re not.” I mussed her hair, laughing when she shoved me.
After she fixed her hair, she hugged me again. “I missed you.”
Taylar and Ryker had been bright spots in a sometimes fucked-up, sometimes uncomfortable situation. Although I didn’t grow up in the same household with them, there was mutual respect, sincere friendship, and genuine love between us. “I missed you too,” I whispered.
“Did you see Broderick?” she asked.
I met Ryker’s gaze, then glanced back at Taylar. “For a second.”
