8

“Didn’t think so.” Jason kissed the end of my nose. “Hey, Hugh, get my girl a drink,” he called over to the bartender.

“Sure thing. Your regular, Fee?”

I nodded. “So, what have you guys been talking about in my absence?”

“Oh, you know, trying to deflate this one’s head since he got promoted to captain.” Asher pinched Jase’s cheek, and he batted him away. “How does it feel to wear the crown?” “Asher,” Mya sighed.

“He knows I’m proud. I’m like the proud brother he never had. But that shit’s got to weigh a ton.”

“I was born ready,” Jason said, but I saw the tightness in his eyes. He was having doubts about his ability to lead.

We all knew he had nothing to worry about though because he was born ready.

“That’s the spirit, bro.” Asher clapped him on the shoulder. “Now Fee is here, we should toast.” “We don’t need to—”

“To Jason,” he thrust his beer in the air, “may your leadership be firm and your game strong.

Congratulations, man.”

JASON

I tried to heed Asher and Gio’s words. Every day we