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Chapter Eighteen

Kasha

I was going back to Linc’s today to talk to Buck about coming back to work.

I mentioned it to him a while ago, and he told me to come to the bar so we could talk.

I needed to hurry up before his ass got gone.

He never stayed long these days, and I didn’t want to wait because apparently we couldn’t talk about this at home.

Jackson had already left with Jace, so I was by myself today.

Once I got myself together, I grabbed my keys and headed out.

The bar was steady, which wasn’t unusual. When I walked in, I spoke to everyone before going back to Buck’s office. When I got there, I knocked and waited for him to grant my entry.

“Come in!” he yelled from the other side of the door.

Walking in, I saw him seated behind his desk with Nic and Benny sitting on the couch he had in there.

“Hey. I didn’t know you were gone be here.” I hugged Nic and reached for Benny’s cute self. “Hey, Titi’s baby,” I cooed, kissing his fat cheeks. Instead of giving him back to his mama, I took him to the seat in front of his daddy’s desk.

“Damn, you speak to everybody in this muthafucka except me? That’s fucked up, Kash.” he feigned hurt.

“Buck, please.” I laughed.

“Please, my ass,” he snorted. “Anyway. I got shit to do before we go to your punk ass boyfriend’s birthday dinner.

” He smirked. “Aight, check it. You know I was opening up a location out in The Cove?” I nodded.

“Well, we’re about to start production with that, and I want you to run that location.

You’ll be in charge of everything. Muthafuckas will answer to you.

I’ll play the background and pop out as needed, but ultimately, everything will go through you.

” I heard what he said, but I couldn’t believe it.

“So, you’re saying that I would run that entire location by myself? Like it was mine?” I asked for clarity.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. I know you’re ready to get back to work and shit, and since I promoted Jazz, I’ll feel like shit taking it back from her.

Well, not really. Goldie told me she’d hold out on me if I did so I had to think quick on me feet.

I saw no better option than you…that’s if you want it.

My brother might be on some copycat shit and turn you into a housewife like I did, Goldie. ”

“Jackson knows I love my independence. No offense, Nic.” I didn’t want her to think I was looking down on her, but I loved going out and getting my own money.

“Girl, none taken. I love spending my man’s money.” She smirked at Buck.

“What the fuck ever. So, wassup? You gone do the shit or not?” Typical Buck to not know how to keep things professional.

“Of course I’ll do it. I just need to talk to Jackson and fill him in.”

“You answering to that nigga now?” he frowned.

“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.

“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.

“Not at all,” I lied.

“You full of shit.” he laughed.

We all washed up and came back to the table so we could have dinner.

“Nic, Mel had to work?” their mama asked.

“Yes, ma’am. I know she’s gone hate she missed all this food.”

“I’ll put some up for her,” she said just as the doorbell rang.

“Who the fuck is that?” Buck announced.

“Lincoln, watch your damn mouth,” Mrs. Shaunie chastised.

“He’s right, Shaunie. None of us were expecting anyone.” His father got up from the table and trekked to the front door.

“I’ll be damned,” we heard him say, and the brother duo got up from the table to see what was going on.

“The fuck?”

“You gotta be shittin’ me?” Jackson and Buck said in unison.

“Damn, that’s how you niggas gone greet me?” Me and Nic looked at each other and Mrs. Shaunie almost broke her neck getting from the table. We followed her and saw their brother Kilo standing there with Mel.

“Franklin?” she cried.

“Hey, mama.” He pulled his mama into a hug, and she cried, causing the ladies to do the same.

“Your square ass head knew my brother was coming home and you ain’t said shit.” Buck mushed the side of Mel’s head.

“Keep your hands off me, boy. He wanted to surprise y’all,” she clarified.

“Well, I appreciate the surprise. Look at you. All grown up.” Mrs. Shaunie simpered.

“Nigga, did they worry you to death or some shit? The fuck your hair at?” Buck’s ignorant ass said.

“Man, get the fuck on. Where my nephew at?” he asked before turning to Jackson, pulling him into a hug. “Happy Birthday lil’ bro.”

“’Preciate that. I thought you had to a couple more months to do?”

“Shit was getting crowded, so they let a few of us out earlier. I didn’t want y’all to get your hopes up if the shit didn’t play out that way,” he revealed.

“Well, I’m glad yo’ ass on the outside. Maybe you can teach this one some damn manners.” Buck pointed at Mel.

“Chill out, man.”

After the initial shock wore off, everybody settled back into the kitchen to finish eating.

Kilo met the kids and Jace was excited to have another uncle.

You couldn’t tell him that Buck wasn’t his uncle so to meet Kilo sent my baby over the moon.

Keenan wasn’t too thrilled until he found out that he didn’t act like Buck.

Those two argued like they were the same age.

I could only imagine how he’d be with Benny when he got older.

Everyone was getting ready to call it a night, but not before the brothers made plans for the next day.

Leave it to Buck to say some dumb shit about him and Mel.

Those two were worse than him and the kids.

When we got home, Jace went off to his room, and we went to ours.

Jackson was happy to have his brother home and help with Buck, as he said.

The smile on his face was enough for me, but it wouldn’t be complete without him serving up dick, that I gladly accepted.