Page 36 of Walk Thru The Fire

“Man, he can get that shit by himself.”

“Jackson,” I asserted.

“Take all that out ya voice, man.” He pinned me with a commanding glare. “I’m going, but you need to go ahead and get whatever you need to do out the way because I ain’t finished with you.” He leaned down and kissed my lips with a handful of my ass in his hands before going to help Jace with the bags. Once they got them all inside, I put everything away and headed upstairs to get ready for tonight.

“What you wearing tonight?” Jackson asked from his spot on the bed. Instead of responding, I went inside the closet to get the outfit so that he could see. “Oh, you tryna match my fly huh?” He smirked. My jumpsuit was olive green to match the writing on his shirt and the tint of his jeans.

“Something like that.”

“Bet. Come on, let’s shower so we can get out of here,” he insisted.

“Why do we need to shower together, Jackson?” I knew exactly what he was doing.

“To save time and water. Now come on.” He smacked my ass and ushered me into the bathroom where we did more than shower and ended up being late.

***

“Damn, nigga. I’m glad you decided to show the fuck up,” Buck fussed as soon as we walked into the house.

“Lincoln!” his mama fussed.

“Nigga, is it my birthday or yours?” Jackson countered.

“Neither because yo’ shit ain’t today.” Buck walked toward us. “Bitch ass.”

“Mama!” Jackson yelled to get his mama’s attention, but she did what she did best and ignored their asses. I walked off from them and went to sit by Nic. Jace had already ventured off with Keenan. Those two were like two peas in a pod. I was glad he finally had someone his age to be around. They both were bad as hell, but at least they had each other.

“Where’s Benny?”

“Lying down. Me and Mrs. Shaunie had to threaten Lincoln to lay him down. My baby is rotten, and it’s all because of his damn daddy.” She playfully rolled her eyes.

“Stay out me and my boy’s business, Goldie. Sounds like you’re over here hating. That wouldn’t be an issue if you gave me a daughter.” He smirked before leaning down to kiss her. “I’ll be outside with this nigga if you need me.” He kissed her again while Jackson did the same.

“You good?” he questioned, eyes boring into mine.

“I’m fine Jackson.”

“Aight. I’ll be back.” He kissed my lips once again before going out back with his brother.

“You two can come join me in the kitchen. Those two are going to be out there for a while.” We agreed and followed Mrs. Shaunie into the kitchen.

“It smells good in here. What did you cook?” Nic asked.

“All of Jackson’s favorites. Fried pork chops, cabbage, macaroni, candied yams, rice and gravy, and homemade honey butter biscuits. I made him a cake and a peach cobbler.” She smiled proudly as she ran down the menu to us.

“I knew it smelled familiar in here. I have to cook that exact meal at least once a month.” I simpered.

“Sounds like me with the smothered ribs. I should have never let Lincoln know I could cook.” Nic joked.

“Yes, those two can definitely eat, especially Lincoln. Before you came along, Nic. He was here every day just for me to fix him something to eat. Sometimes it was one of three meals. Sometimes it was all three. I prayed for the day he found someone who he could trust enough to allow to do those things for him. Between him, Jackson and my husband, I was ready to run away,” she joked. “Jackson wasn’t as bad, but he was close,” she added.

“Oh, trust me. I know. You can definitely tell he’s the baby at times.”

“But you would think Lincoln was.” Nic rolled her eyes playfully.

“I heard that shit, Nic.” Buck appeared with Jackson and their father in tow. “That’s how you feel?” He swaggered toward her and dropped a kiss on her lips.

“You in here talking about me, too?” Jackson inquired.

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