Keeper Of The Flame

I am so sick of Shawn complaining about Jessie I decided to go to her house. Rage rode with me. We knocked on Jessie's door. I was still looking at the truck parked in the driveway.

The door was opened by Jessie.

"What do you want Ace?"

" And what the hell is he doing here?"

" I need to talk to you."

I turned and walked into the kitchen where Diamond sat drinking her coffee. I poured a second cup and sat down looking from Ace to Rage.

I did not invite either of them to sit down. I saw Rage lean against the wall with his arms crossed.

"What the hell do you want Ace?"

" You need to answer Shawn's phone calls. And mine as well."

" No, I don't" I said looking at him.

"Shawn should have stayed out of my business. She doesn't know what is best for me. Only I know that. And it is none of her business if I take my medication or not."

I watched my brother rub his face.

"Jessie just what the hell are you doing anyway?"

" Working. I do work for a living Ace. I do not sit around on my ass doing anything but take care of a kid. I do not need a man to support me. I can and do that for myself."

" Hell, in case you have not heard. I don't have to work at all. I own several tattoo shops and private agencies. I have the money."

" I am not saying that you need a man to take care of you."

"No, then what the hell is he doing here? And why is everyone trying to get me to start dating him?"

" Men are abusive, cheating, no-good sons of bitches. If I want to get fucked I will do a one night stand."

" One I can kick out of my bed the next day. If I want a kid. I can adopt one or be artificially inseminated. What I do want is for everyone to mind their business and leave me alone."

I heard Diamond laughing.

"Shut-up, Diamond."

" Fuck but Jessie. You are so funny. One night stands, artificial insemination. You don't want a kid. Everyone that really knows you, knows that."

" Not after what happened to you. One less person to grieve for when they die" I said looking at her.

"And, Diamond. You may be one of my best friends. But, right now I could kill you."

" Whatever you say, Jessie."

"Jessie, we are having a family BBQ Saturday. I want you there."

" No."

" And why not?"

" I am going out of town for the weekend. I have a business trip. That's why not."

" Sure you do."

"' I do have a business meeting that is scheduled in Atlanta Georgia for your information. I am thinking about buying another company. This one is actually a factory."

" So you see, I do not need your advice. And I cannot cancel this meeting."

"Fine, but I want you to open your calendar right now. I want to see it."

I opened my calendar and leaned back into my chair.

"That weekend. Two weeks from today. Mark that Saturday. I expect you at the family BBQ."

" Fine I will be there but do not expect me to stay all fucking day. I have other things to do."

" I put the BBQ down and looked at Ace in anger."

" What I now want is for you to stop trying to manipulate me, Ace."

"Do not do it again. If I don't want to go to your club that is my business."