Page 62 of Crossing Lines

Falcon slaps my shoulder. “Congrats, kid. Save half the lot for me.”

“You hush,” Mama G waves him off playfully.

Iree comes around for a tight hug and a kiss on my cheek. “Congratulations, Kross. You deserve it.”

“Thanks, sis.” I catch a slight twitch of her eye before she moves away. That’s odd. I ignore it as Cairo and Preston come in for bro hugs.

“When will the house be ready?” Preston asks. “Cause you know the parties will be lit by the water.”

“That’s all you want,” Cairo chuckles. “For real, though. Should we buy a boat?”

Preston clicks his tongue and wags his finger. “We should. Those rich people will hate to see us coming.”

“Y’all chill,” I laugh. “Should finish by September.”

“Can’t believe you’re building a house,” Iree marvels. “So exciting. You’ll have something to pass to your kids.”

“Yeah, that’s the dream,” I grin from ear to ear.

“You and Davia’s kids,” Falcon throws in, back to eating. “I don’t care what y’all say. Can’t fool me.”

Mama G and Iree suck their teeth and glare at him. The guys look at me in wonder.

As wild as it is, I’ve fantasized about that many times. The more my feelings grow, the stronger the vision becomes.

Following dinner, I walk out to the shed with the guys. It’s still a good spot from our high school days, even before that, forFalcon and Cairo’s dad. They left old-school records, books, and photos—sentimental pieces that make Cairo feel close to his dad.

He plays a record, I pass out blunts after pouring liquor, and we relax in the vintage armchairs.

Preston puffs and gestures to the house. “Yo, didn’t you have cookies?”

“The rest are for Davia. Bake your own.”

“Damn,” he grumbles, slumping in the chair.

“You baked her cookies as a friend or her sneaky link?” Cairo jokes before a long puff.

I chug my drink and admit, “I’m not trying to be her link. I want more.”

“For real?” he coughs.

“My man,” Preston laughs and fist-bumps me. “Told you, bro. You can’t fight the spark when it hits.”

“Hold on, what about her man?” Cairo questions. “You heard Ree. He’s still in the picture.”

“Davia isn’t happy with him.”

“Or you’re telling yourself that so you won’t feel guilty for moving on her.”

“Let’s listen and not judge,” Preston encourages.

Cairo huffs. “Man, you would say that ‘cause of all the shit you’ve done.”

“Ayo, I was wilding then. I’ve changed. Anyway, it’s a different situation. Bro is seriously feeling Davia. He didn’t even go on a date like you suggested.”

“Why are you so locked onher?” Cairo wonders.

I consider it while smoking and tell him, “Hard to explain. I tried to respect boundaries but can’t shake these emotions.”

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