Page 141

“About ten minutes.”

“Perfect, see you soon.” I hang up and alert Smith and Ice that Jonah is coming over and he’ll be here soon. I finish mixing the dough with yeast, covering it so it can rise, clean my hands and the kitchen.

The bell rings just as I’m finishing. Smith goes to the door. Soon as Jonah walks in, I race into his arms. He holds me close. “I’m so happy you are okay,” he whispers.

“Me too,” I say, pulling from the hug.

“We need to talk.” I hear concern in his voice and take a step back. My heart is racing.

“Business and A J Lloyd.” He’s quick to say and my hand hits my chest with a sigh.

“We can use Bruce’s office, come on.” He follows me and we head to the office.

Soon as we are seated, he says. “Lexi, I’m going to need you to come out as A J Lloyd and take your seat on the board. Bruce already said it should go to you.”

“How soon do you need me there?”

“Next week, I’ll reconvene the board. You get your seat, though the youngest person on the board but you can do this Lexi.”

“Okay, next week works. I will most likely quit my job at Halligan. I doubt they will like that, but it was temporary anyway.” I say but I feel a pang of sadness, they are all nice and friendly

“Good, is everything okay with you here?”

“Yeah, everything is fine. Bruce saved me from Aspen and your mom.”

He nods.

“I will work with Bruce. I need not tell you that you will have permanent security once you come out as A J Lloyd,” I nod.

“Dad once told me not to the fear being A J Lloyd, but to someday embrace it. I guess the day has come.”

“I’ll be with you every step of the way, Sprinkles, and I know Bruce won’t leave you either.”

“I know, and I’m ready.”

“Good, I’ll head back home. Nick and I have a few things to take care of. I’ll call and keep Bruce informed once the meeting is arranged.”

“Sounds good. Will you be staying?”

“No, Sprinkles. I have to head back, but I’ll see you in a week,” he says, rising to his feet and hugging me tight.

“Love you, Sprinkles.”

“Love you too, big bro.” He smiles, kisses my forehead and we head out.

Ice and Smith are patiently waiting when we get to the living room. Jonah says goodbye and leaves. I return to the kitchen to start on my deep fry dough. Ice is throwing some in his mouth when Bruce walks in. He’s back, my heart skips at the sight of him. He comes over to hug me and a quick kiss on my lips.

“Can I leave boss?” Smith asks and I give him a mean scowl, which makes him laugh.

“No, Ice leaves and I’m ordering you to rest.” Ice grunts, grabs a full plate of puff-puff and leaves. My mouth drops open but Bruce signals to be quiet. I watch Ice grumpily leave. “I need him to rest,” he says once Ice is gone. I get the next batch out of the fryer. Smith grabs a few too.

“You can leave, Smith,” Bruce says to him and, like Ice, he grabs a full plate of the next batch and leaves. Bruce laughs as we watch Smith also leaving.

“Just a little left for you,” I whine.

“It’s okay, Sprinkles. A few is fine.”

I acquiesce, puff- puff can be addictive. “What did Jonah say?”