Page 4 of Jack

He never asked about his schoolwork, nevercame to a game. And conversely because of it, Jason did his best toexcel. He was an A student and was very good in sports—all ofit, because he was trying to impress someone who did not give a damn.

He had tried to find his mother this pastyear and when he did, he had called her. She had not even known whohe was and as soon as he told her, she had told him that she hadsigned an agreement never to be in touch. Or the agreed uponsettlement would be revoked.

It had horrified him that his own motherhad sold him without a qualm. It was then he had decided that he didnot care either. To hell with them. He would do as he damn wellplease.

But alone in his sumptuous gold and bluebedroom, he felt the loneliness and tears crowding him. He wanted hisfather to love him. Would do anything for that to happen. He wantedto be strong like him. And respected and feared. Was longing to hearhis father give him a hug.

He sniffed at the damn tears and rose. Thefood had been sent up and not touched. He wasn't hungry. He waspissed and mad at the world. He wanted to run away, but it wouldbreak his grandmother's heart, and he had a sinking feeling that itwould not matter to the old man anyway.

So, he was stuck in this frigging palace.And grounded. Prowling the length of the room, his feet sinking tothe ankles in the expensive and lush Aubusson carpet, he plotted andschemed. He was going to find a way to make his old man sit up andnotice him, he vowed.

Chapter2

It often marveled her how she had made thisplace her home. The apartment upstairs consisted of three bedrooms,two baths, a small living room and a tiny parlor, she had taken asher own. Both hers and Zach's bedrooms boasted balconies, overlookingthe towering buildings gracing uptown and at nights, when she wasthrough with the bar, she would sit with a glass of wine admiring thestunning lights, vying with that of the stars.

The vibrant cityscape had become herrefuge. The city had a way of making her feel both insignificant andinfinite, a comforting paradox that she had grown to cherish. She hadfound solace in the rhythm of the streets below, the distant hum ofnightlife, and the occasional breeze that swept through her haven.

Despite the chaos that often surroundedher, she had carved out a sanctuary of peace and reflection. Theparlor was adorned with eclectic pieces collected from her travels,each item holding a story, a memory, a fragment of her identity. Itwas her escape within an escape, a place where she could lose herselfin thought and find herself in the process.

Stepping out, she lifted her face to thegentle breeze and closed her eyes as it pulled her in. It was alovely evening. The taste and scent of spring was in the air. Thewinter had clung tenaciously but had lost the battle and spring wasmaking its presence felt. It had rained earlier and the scent of itwas still lingering.

Snapping out of her reverie, she went backinside and closed the glass door with a snap, making sure to fastenthe locks. They were on the third floor, but she had promised herbrother she would not take chances.

A smile touched her lips as she anticipatedthe night's activities. The place was already filling up, she couldhear the strains of music seeping through the floorboards. Steppingto her large closet, she contemplated her wardrobe. Something sexyand appealing and loose. With that in mind, she pulled out anoversized baby blue shirt with gold buttons and black leather pants.Perfect, she thought with a careless toss of her head.

*****

"I was just about to holler at you."

Zuri trailed her fingers on the banisterand gave her brother who was bounding up the steps an arch look.

"Why?" She asked sweetly. "WasI taking too long to get ready?"

He gave her an exasperated look and did notbother to respond. "Gary is manning the bar and Lila and Yvonneare on kitchen duty. The tournament has already started. You were theone who planned the damn thing, you need to get down there." Hehesitated and turned to look at her. "Sean is here."

She felt the quick flash of resentment,before forcing composing herself.

"History."

"Is it?"

"Yes, dammit. He's married and it wasmore than a year ago. He can stop by, it's a bar and as long as hismoney is green, he's welcome."

Zach's face hardened. "If he triesanything-"

"I am perfectly capable of kicking himin the nuts all by myself. Go and take your shower. I'll be fine."

Still he stood there, staring at her. Shehad decided to leave her hair loose and the dark brown curls with theblonde tips tumbled artlessly around her shoulders. Her makeup wasflawless. The shirt was sliding off one shoulder, showing inches ofher superb skin.

"Mind you don't break your fool neckin those skyscrapers." He muttered, referring to her strappysandals.

"I've had years of practice." Shesmiled at him and tossing her head, made her way down the stairs."Don't dawdle."

Her parting shot had him shaking his headas he climbed the rest of the stairs and went to his suite. Goingstraight to the bathroom, he undressed, dropping the article ofclothing on the floor and stepping into the shower. And reassuredhimself that his sister knew how to take care of herself.

The sounds of laughter and conversationgrew louder as she descended the stairs. She felt a sense ofexhilaration mixed with anticipation. Tonight was meant to be acelebration, a release from the mundane. She pushed thoughts of Seanto the back of her mind; she wouldn't let his presence spoil theevening.

The bar was bustling with energy, and shecould see Gary deftly handling orders while Lila and Yvonne navigatedthe kitchen with impressive efficiency. The tournament was in fullswing, and the room was filled with competitive banter.

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