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I was too irritated to stay and tolerate him, so I left after speaking my peace. I tried to call Judah after making it down the street. He didn’t answer, and instinctively, my next call was to Nyx.

“Hello?”

“What’s up, my lil’ leprechaun?”

“James, don’t start with me. How can I be of service to you today, sir?”

“You got a minute?”

“You’re in Luck, I have a lot of them. I’m off today.”

“Real cute, Love,” I snorted. “What’s on your agenda since you’re free?”

“My job is hosting part of the St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl, so I figured I’d let my hair down and enjoy being a customer for once instead of sitting around the house and worrying.”

I grinned. “That’s my girl. Can I steal a few minutes for a quick conversation before you head out?”

“Why don’t you just come with me? I mean, if you don’t have other plans.”

“Doing a bar crawl in winter is some white people shit, Nyx.”

“That’s why we’re not doing the entire thing. I plan on camping out in the pub. Don’t be a party pooper. Raelynn found out the last minute that she had to work, and I don’t want to go alone. Be a good friend and support my endeavors.”

The idea of willingly surrounding myself with a bunch of drunk-ass, loud-ass people who were celebrating for absolutely no reason wasn’t appealing, at all.

“I don’t know, Nyx,” I sighed, pushing through the green light. “That’s not usually my scene.”

“Then what is your scene?” she fired back quickly.

What was most shocking, was that I didn’t have an answer for her. Jude and I made it out a few nights a month, but for the most part, I was reserved and stayed to myself. Kinsley had often attempted to get me to step out to one of the many clubs or events she frequented, resulting in several arguments when I would refuse.

“You got me,” I admitted. “I have nothing.”

“So, it’s a work in progress. Cool. We can start figuring it out after you meet me at the Grail tonight. I’ll see you later. You can tell me all about whatever is bothering you then.”

“I didn’t say yes,” I pointed out.

“I know. But that’s not going to stop you from showing up,” she quipped, ending the call.

Stumped, I couldn’t help but laugh. I wasn’t sure what was funnier. Nyx’s demand, or the fact that I was almost willing to comply. Thankfully, Judah called back before I had enough time to sit with it.

“What’s up?” he asked when I answered.

“Why are you and your father always dragging me into y’all’s shit?”

“How am I catching strays, and I didn’t even do shit?” Judah tittered. “What happened?”

“Bruh, he’s been texting me on one all morning, just to talk shit when I got the house ‘cause somebody came by talking about you and the store. He mentioned me spending time with Ma, too, so you know he’s really in his feelings.”

“He’ll be alright. Ain’t nobody got time to hold the hand of a grown-ass man and walk him through coming to terms with his bullshit.”

“I told him you aren’t the only one that owns the store,” I revealed, feeling like there was finally a weight off my shoulders.

“Oh, I know he damn near passed the fuck out over hearing that the golden child is finally rebelling.”

“Nigga, shut the fuck up,” I chortled.

“What made you finally ‘fess up?”