Page 108 of Signature Of You

“I mean it, Liq.”

“I said alright.” His emotions were warring. I wouldn’t push any more than I already had but I would continue to remind him that I was here until he was no longer at odds with the decisions he’d made in the past. Family over everything. That was the only way we would survive this shit.

I stood and extended a hand to him. He frowned up at me but I didn’t budge. “Get your ass up.”

He huffed a sigh but stood and I pulled him into me, hugging my brother tight. For the first time in years, I felt him release. Even if it was just for this moment.

“I love you, Liq. No matter what, always know that.”

“I love you too. I’mma make you proud… y’all proud. That’s my word.”

Not just me.

Our mother.

He was promising to make us proud.

“I already am.”

He jerked away and plopped back down in his chair. I could tell he was uncomfortable but I didn’t give a damn. He was my baby brother and I was gonna show his ass love whenever the fuck I wanted to.

But the vibration of my phone gave him a pass for now.

“Dom, what’s good, fam?”

“I didn’t catch you at a bad time, did I?”

“Nah, just chilling with Liq, what’s up?”

“Are you in town?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I need a favor. A big one and it’s kind of last minute.”

“You know I got you if I can make it happen. What do you need?”

“Can you perform at the club tonight?”

“Tonight? Shit. This is short notice.” I raked my fingers through my hair, angling my face to the floor.

“I know and I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t backed into a corner.”

“Yes the fuck you would.” I grinned and he laughed through the phone.

“You’re right. I would, but shit, closed mouths don’t get fed…”

“And paying customers don’t get a performance.”

“Which means I lose money. I don’t fucking like losing money.”

“Sounds like you just piqued my motivation. How much you offering?”

Dom laughed again. “Not a got damn thing.”

“Not only are you hitting my line with your hand out; you’re not even offering to pay for my time.”

“I would but your pockets are a lot deeper than mine. Consider it a favor for a friend.”

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