Defined by Ally Fleming & AlTonya Washington

Author:Ally Fleming & AlTonya Washington
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Suspense, Genetics, BWWM, Interracial
Publisher: AlTonya Washington
Published: 2018-09-04T00:00:00+00:00

~15~

“Thanks for making time,” Pope shook hands with Rutger when he approached. “I know how hard it is for you to do that now.”

“Too early in the day for your bad jokes, Po.”

Laughter was soft between the old friends, but their subtlety did nothing to mute Rutger’s and Pope’s presence among the female patrons of the hotel bar. Patrons...and a great many of the staff. A nearby group of women had actually ceased their brash laughter and conversation. They stared open mouthed at the scene stealing duo a few tables over.

“I really am sorry about the interruption, but I promised Gerrick I’d talk to you right away.”

Pope’s words had Rutger bristling. Brows drew close over a gaze that was growing a darker shade of whiskey. “I’m not gonna like this, am I?”

“He wants to see you.”

“What the fuck for?” Rutger’s voice was like ice, making its rough edge sound downright morbid.

Pope didn’t look too eager to continue. “Gerrick thinks he’d like to follow in the footsteps of his dead friend.”

Rutger nodded to accept the menu he was handed. “I’m not hurting for a handout,” he said once the waitress left with drink and appetizer orders.

Pope grinned. “I’m sure the bastard knows that, but there’s more goin’ on here, Rut. You know that better than anybody. You know what it could mean if he leaves you everything.”

“I really hate you sometimes.”

“But only a small part of the time, right?” Pope’s grin broadened before he chugged the water already placed on the table. “So we doin’ this, or what?”

“What the hell does Jake have to say?”

“Trouble in paradise on that score,” Pope sighed while studying his menu. “Gerrick says he’s off on some weird kick.”

“About Brody?” Rutger guessed.

Pope flipped through the menu. “Probably. Whatever it is, the old man’s ready to move full ahead with givin’ you the keys to his kingdom.”

The waitress returned with appetizers and had her superior customer service efforts rewarded when Rutger and Pope asked her to choose their meals. Flustered, she told them she’d hate to choose wrong.

“We trust you,” Rutger rested his cheek on his palm and waited.

“Absolutely,” Pope reclined in his chair and smiled.

The woman blushed prettily. “Do you um-do you have any favorites?”

“We’re easy to please.”

“And we have big appetites, so whatever you bring, bring a lot,” Rutger added and passed the woman a sizable tip.

“So where’s this passing of the torch supposed to take place?” Rutger asked once he and Pope had enjoyed their drinks for a while in comfortable silence. “And please don’t say Memphis. Can’t stomach another visit there-not even for you.”

“That’s what I told Gerrick.”

“And?”

“Grodins is fine with you choosing the place.”

“What the F? Why?” Stunned, Rutger slouched in his chair. “Why’s he need to see me for this? Why can’t it be...easier?”

Pope chuckled then. “Are the most important things in life ever easy?”

“Fuck...” Rutger laughed shortly then. “No, no they aren’t.”

“So? On to things you really care about. How’s Lu? How’s she holdin’ up?”

“It’s hard for her,” Rutger smoothed a hand over his jaw.

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