Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“Your ass is getting mushy. This has to be serious.”

“It is. She’s so funny, warm, and quirky in that Comic-con chick sort of way. She has green hair and the softest,, honey brown skin I’ve ever had the pleasure of feeling.”

“Wait. Is she black? That’s why you were asking me about your past … That’s a tough call, Charm.”

“I know. Eventually, I have to tell her. Maybe … just not yet.”

“I don’t think leaving it will make the telling any easier,” he says softly.

“I want her to get to know me before I show her the darkness I know is going to stain my soul for the rest of my life.”

“Jesus, give yourself a break. You were a stupid kid misguided by the one person who you should’ve been up to trust unconditionally.”

“You knew the difference though.”

“I fell for D’Rose. It changed my view of everything. She was my wake up call.”

The reverence in his voice gives me hope. If they could overcome my racist father’s interference, and the pain of miscommunications and years of separation, maybe I’ve got a snowball’s chance in hell of keeping Xia.

“How long has this thing been going on?”

“A few weeks. It took some convincing. She’s lead a sheltered life, man. The baby of a three child family with traditional values, she’s always been expected to live up to certain expectations.”

“Oh, they’re going to love you.”

“You’re supposed to be supportive.”

“I am. I’m also realistic.”

“Buzz kill.”

“Well, we can’t all be as charming as you, can we? Tell me more about this mystery woman.”

He opens the flood gates, and I say everything I’ve been holding close to my chest. Sharing makes it more real.

I end the conversation better for the telling and reconnection. I spent so many years at odds with him. We’re still making up for lost time.

***

“You nervous, Xi?” I ask as she climbs on the back of my bike.

“A little. Jas and Andy are more than best friends. They’re family.”

“I get that. You think we won’t get along?”

“No, I think you will. You’re a likable guy once you open your mouth.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.

“You’re intimidating. I mean, you’re six foot twelve, and you have an edgy, commanding vibe.”

I laugh. “Babe, I’m not that tall, and you’re five-ten.”

“Which is why if I’m saying you’re tall, you’re huge to most everyone else.”

I shake my head as she wraps her arms around my waist and I start the bike.

We’re doing a double date. It’s laughable how domesticated I’ve become since relocating. My own studio apartment, a-nine-to-five, and now double dating. The brothers would bust a gut laughing at me. I’m shocked at how well I’m assimilating. I’ve fallen into a rhythm that allows me time to think. It’s a double-edged sword. The things I’ve run from are front and center, and the questions I’ve avoided demand answers.