Page 35 of Walk Thru The Fire

“Lincoln, stop being messy,” Nic fussed, causing Buck to roll his eyes.

“No, I’m not answering to him, but I will let him know and we’ll talk about it,” I countered.

“Ain’t no need. I ran it by him first. I’ain need him in my shit talking about I got his girl slaving and shit. He was cool. All I need is your consent and we can get this ball rolling.” I couldn’t believe he was sitting here and basically hand his baby over to him.

“I-I don’t know what to say.”

“You can start by answering me.”

“Asshole.” I laughed. “Yes, I’ll do it.”

“Bet. I’ll make sure you have everything you need for that location. I’ll be hands on to prepare for the grand opening, but I’m gone cool off after that. You good with that?” he asked.

“That works for me. Thank you, Buck.” I stood with Benny the same time Buck did. He pulled me into a hug once he rounded his desk.

“Ain’t shit. You were family before you started fuckin’ my lil brother behind my back.” I hit his ass. “It’s only right I look out for you.”

I thanked him once again before hugging Nic and telling her I would see her tonight at Jackson’s dinner.

I came in here thinking I was about to start back managing this bar and gained a new one in the process. I definitely appreciate the direction my life is going in.

***

After leaving Linc’s, I decided to stop by my parent’s house. It’s been a minute since I’ve been by, so it was time I showed my face. Pulling into the driveway, I parked beside my mama’s car and got out. When I made it to the door, I let myself in using my key. Once inside, I found my mama in the living room watching TV.

“Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise? I wasn’t expecting you.” She sat up and smiled when she saw me enter the living room.

“I know it’s been a minute. I’ve been busy with the move and settling me and Jace,” I admitted.

“And how is that going?”

“It’s going good. It’s not like we haven’t lived with Jackson before. This time just feels permanent.”

“That’s because it is,” she started. “Listen, I know you had your reservations about you and Jackson because of his age, but that man adores you and Jace. When you went missing, he was devastated. Yes, he was angry, but I saw the pain in his eyes, too. He was scared that he wouldn’t see you and Jace again.” I wiped the tears from my eyes because I never meant to hurt Jackson but to know that I did always does something to me.

“I know, and we talked and agreed to let that stay in the past. I explained to him my actions, and he understood. He knows I didn’t mean to hurt him in any capacity.”

“Good.” She patted my knee. “His birthday dinner is tonight, right?”

“Yes. I have a few errands to run before I get back to the house and start getting ready. I just wanted to stop by and check on you,” I admitted.

I stayed at my parents’ house talking to my mama for the next two hours. I still needed to go and get a few things for the house before I got back there. By the time I did, Jackson was back, and that was perfect. I walked in to him and Jace on that game as usual.

“Can y’all go get them bags out the truck for me?” Jackson let his eyes scan me before he pinched his brows together.

“That’s how you left the house?” he asked.

“Mhm. Now go get the bags.” I smirked. I wasn’t underdressed, but my jeans fit me like a glove with holes in the thigh area. I had on a crop top jersey shirt with a pair of Jordan 1s. He already knew how I served it up, so I knew he wasn’t mad, just mad that he couldn’t get to me like he wanted to.

“Jace, go get that shit. I’m coming.” Jace got up and followed Jackson’s orders. Instead of him following Jace like he said, he followed me into the kitchen, locking me in between him and the counter.

“You look good, baby.” He nuzzled his face into my neck before kissing it.

“Thank you,” I simpered.

“Come holla at me real quick.” He tried urging me from the kitchen, but I stopped him.

“Aren’t you supposed to be helping Jace get the bags?” I smirked because I knew he was about to get an attitude.

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