Page 46 of Rematch
“Thanks…I guess…”
An awkward silence fell over us as my compliment lingered in the air, both of us unsure where it fit in our relationship. I knew he didn’t really see me as a trainer - or a brother. He was just here for the paycheck. Clearly, neither of us knew how to feel if we acknowledged this partnership as anything more than that. But, I was willing to take the first step. See if maybe there was something between us worth salvaging.
“Do you need a ride home?” I asked. “It’s late, and I know you’re probably aching.”
Jayden started to shake his head, but as his eyes glanced between the clock and the darkness outside the glass windows, it turned into a slow nod.
We briefly separated to grab our things - mine from the office and his from the locker room - before reuniting in the middle of the gym.
I spotted Tony watching us walk together toward the door. I started to wave goodbye when he gave me a wide smile and a thumbs up. My open hand quickly closed, and I gave him my middle finger instead.
After we climbed into the car, Jayden gave me the address to his house. He lived closer to my old neighborhood than I thought. It was crazy to think my brother only lived ten minutes away, yet I never once stepped foot into his world. Sure, we crossed paths here and there, but we never spoke. Never even acknowledged each other. Just exchanged glances from across streets and stores and kept it pushing.
Looking at him now as he sat quietly in my passenger seat, staring out the window, I wondered if anything would’ve been different if I’d spoken to him.
As I pulled down his street, I noticed a small crowd mingling in the courtyard of the apartment complex. Not big enoughfor the police to be concerned about, but big enough for the community to feel their presence. All of them were sporting the same distorted skull tattoo, but in different locations. Some had it on their forearms, others on their neck, and a few on their hands. A clear sign of their association with Elias Blackwell.
Their gazes followed my car as I rolled down the block, seemingly seeing through the tint.
“Do they bother you?” I asked Jayden as I pulled up in front of his building.
“Sometimes,” he said with a shrug. “Where did you think I learned how to fight?”
I almost laughed. The kid was more like me than I thought. Outside of the gym, I’d learned the same way. Boys who swore they were tough because of the crew they ran with loved picking at me because of who my father was. They thought the easiest way to impress was to beat the heir of the city’s best. Each time, they got embarrassed instead.
“Next time they say something, you let me know,” I told him.
“I’m not a little kid,” Jayden replied, his voice hardening. “I can take care of myself.” He opened the door and climbed out. “Thanks for the ride,” he said before slamming it shut.
I rolled the passenger window down. “Slam my door again, and I’ll put you through this concrete,” I yelled after him.
Jayden held his middle finger over his head.
Little asshole.
Still, despite my annoyance, I waited to make sure he got in alright.
I noticed three men from the courtyard drift from their posts towards him. One of their voices carried through the wind, catching Jayden’s attention. He glanced at the men, but continued walking.
The men sped up their stride and blocked his way.
“Shit,” I murmured, opening the door. I hurried over to them, catching the last bit of their conversation.
“Are you avoiding us now?” One of the men asked in a taunting voice. “You already know the boss isn’t tolerating that.”
“The fuck is going on here?” I snapped, grabbing Jayden’s arm and flinging him behind me.
“Stop,” Jayden said. “I said I can-”
“Shut up and be quiet,” I told him, keeping my eyes locked on the men in front of me.
“Ah, Maximilliano Guerra,” a man with a cigarette hanging from his mouth and a snapback on his head. He stood a few inches in front of the other two men, asserting his status above them. “It’s a surprise seeing you around these parts. I’m a big fan of your dad.” He feigned a smile as he held out his hand. “Name’s Clyde.”
I ignored his hand. “The fuck do you want?”
He jutted his chin toward Jayden. “Boss wanted us to check on his boy. He hasn’t been where he’s supposed to be.”
“He’s still getting his money. That’s all he should be worried about.”
