“Why would I do that?” I asked. “Maya, I think it’s probably best you find someone else. I’m not about that fake-romance life. And I’m not a liar.”
“It could work, though,” Paityn mused. “Besides, you wouldn’t be lying. There are sparks between you and Preston.”
“Shut up,” I grumbled.
Maya shrugged. “If there are sparks, then this might be beneficial in other ways.”
“No.”
“Just…think about it.” Maya squeezed my shoulders. “In the meantime, go into this brunch tomorrow ready to wow them.”
Maya stayed and chatted with me and Paityn for a few minutes before she left.
Back in the house, Paityn gave Blake and Bliss the rundown.
“Actually, I think it’s a good idea,” Bliss said. “I’ve always liked Preston. He’s amazing.”
“And fine as hell,” Blake added.
“I don’t care,” I shouted. “I’m not going to pretend to date him.” After spending time with Preston, I was certain he was dealing with something bigger than this. Even if it was a good idea, I didn’t want to add a farce onto his already full plate. “Besides, he… Never mind. I’m not doing it. If it isn’t in the cards for me to become a full member of this organization, so be it.”
“Is this something you want?” Paityn asked.
I pinned her with a glare. “Are we starting this again?”
“No.” She raised her hands in surrender. “Just a question.”
“Even if I didn’t want it, I’ll be damned if Kimball Payne and his phony-ass wife keep me from doing anything.”
“Sissy, answer the damn question,” Bliss pressed. “We have an appointment.”
I sat on the arm of my couch and sipped my water. Sighing, I nodded. “I do want this, but…”
“But…?” Blake motioned for me to continue.
Admittedly, I was torn. Between what I wanted and what I needed. I didn’tneedthe hassle of a PR campaign just to prove I was worthy. And I wouldn’t lie to make myself look better. “Never mind.” I went to my room without another word. There was no sense in talking about this. I’d already accomplished so much, and I knew I’d get where I wanted to be eventually—even without the Color of Law Organization.
Chapter Six
Make it Rain
Preston
“Nephew!”
I bent to give my Aunt Dot a kiss to her brow. “Hey, Auntie.”
I’d reached out to Aunt Dot when my mother had failed to return home, just to check in and see if she’d heard from her. While the two sisters were estranged, Dot knew all the people in their old neighborhood and all my mother’s hangouts. So, she’d quickly tracked Mom down.
For the past week, I’d received several texts from my aunt, updating me on my mother’s whereabouts. A couple of days ago, Aunt Dot had called to let me know Mom had finally made her way back home.
Aunt Dot placed her palm over mine and smiled. “It’s so good to see you, son. You look handsome as ever.” My aunt was ten years older than Mom, and they couldn’t be more different. Aunt Dot was married to a pastor and was a pillar in her community. She’d raised money for charities, conducted an annual coat drive for young kids, and spearheaded the church missionary department. She’d traveled all over, visiting multiple countries to provide aid to disadvantaged adults and youth. And she didn’t drink, not even a wine cooler.
I flipped my palm over and held her hand. “And you look beautiful as always, Auntie.”
Growing up, Aunt Dot had offered me a safe place, somewhere to go when I’d needed a break from my mother. Aunt Dot had even opened up her home multiple times for me to live with her. Luckily, she’d lived on the next block so I’d had easy access to her house. When the situation called for it, she’d come get me and wait for my mother to go into treatment. My mother would inevitably do just that but would always fall off the wagon. Always. It was a vicious cycle, one that had taken a toll on me. As soon as I’d been old enough to have a say, though, I’d decided to stay in the house with Mom, because I felt someone had to be there. Even after I’d done that, my aunt made sure she helped me as much as possible, which I appreciated.
“How is she?” I asked after the waitress took our drink order.
