153. PINE STREET. 8:45 PM.
Jack's Liquor was loud and dimly lit, packed with people swaying to the chaotic energy of the evening. It was rush hour in full effect-patrons coming and going like wind-blown leaves.
Outside, under the harsh glow of the neon sign, Stephen smoked a cigarette, staring into the distance as if he tried to see nothing and everything all at once.
Inside, Amanda slammed her hands onto the bar counter, laughter spilled freely as she clung to Nikki's shoulder for support. Behind the counter, Antonio moved with quiet precision, serving himself while the bar buzzed around him.
"You know… your friend's not so bad." Amanda slurred, swaying slightly. "He's just… a little lost."
"Define 'lost'? Mother." Nikki responded, her words clipped and majestic. "Aye! Aye! Matey!" Amanda exclaimed, laughter rolling off her. "Scott Hill Crest is history, Nikki. Save the royal tones for the palace!"
"As you wish, Mother." Nikki said, her voice smooth and deliberate.
Amanded wagged a finger "Don't act like I can't see you, Antonio-those drinks are NOT free.", Amanda exposed drunkenly. "Well… it is now." Antonio said with a sly grin. Amanda wasted no time— in one fluid motion, she drew her baseball bat from under the bar counter. "Repeat yourself—pretty boy?" Amanda said, she leaned in.
"Alright, alright, Amanda. I'll pay you when I return." Antonio replied.
She stopped Antonio in his tracks. "When you return?" she repeated "where do you think you're going?" Amanda asked.
"Stephen and I are off to 69 Mimic." Antonio confessed with a curious smile. "Looks like You've made your decision. Keep in mind what we discussed before he arrived.", Amanda responded.
"Yeah." Antonio said, he turned toward the exit.
Once outside, Antonio glanced left, then right. Stephen stood a few paces away, cigarette in one hand, bottle in the other, he looked like a man who'd made peace with his own destruction. Antonio froze, the weight of guilt and consequence pressed down on him. For a moment, he couldn't move— then, with a heavy breath, he forced himself foward.
"You stargazing with the buildings ranger?" Antonio teased.
"No-just accepting what was, what is… and what's to come." Stephen replied, his voice calm but edged with something unspoken.
"While you're busy accepting, how about we accept our journey… to 69?" Antonio asked mischievously. "Six-nine?" Stephen echoed.
Antonio nodded toward it. "That new club across the street." he said. "Oh-so Jack's isn't chaotic enough for you?" Stephen asked. "Come on… we'll be in and out." Antonio said while shrugging.
"Alright… but only for an hour. I need to get back before Katherine starts asking questions." Stephen stated.
"Don't worry about Katherine. Let's just have a great night-we'll laugh about all of this in the morning." Antonio responded with a grin.
"Okay, but this is the first and last time I'm doing something like this… although I do kinda miss this feeling." Stephen said, a hint of resolve in his voice. "Alright!… let's roll, Ranger!", Antonio said as he nudged Stephen forward.
Stephen and Antonio made their way toward 69 Mimic, the double-story club across the street. The building practically radiated a chaotic kind of peace, its flashing beams slicing into the night sky, almost beckoning everyone closer. Cars lined the street, and a swarm of people moved in rhythm with the thumping bass that spilled from inside.
Stephen and Antonio walked with a calm composure, yet there was a subtle urgency in their steps. As the club's music hit them like a wave, it felt less like sound and more like an invitation-an omen of either new beginnings or the closing of a chapter.
Crystal Avenue. 8:50 pm.
Back at Stephen's mansion, the exterior lights bathed the sprawling lawn in a soft glow, sprinklers hissed as they watered the grass. Inside, the house was mostly dark, except for the living room, where a warm pool of light surrounded Katherine and Jason. The TV played a gentle loop of baby shows, Mila and Akirá rocking peacefully in their seats.
Katherine sat at one end of the couch, a glass of wine balanced in her hand, she watched the screen flicker with lights. At the other end, Jason nursed a glass of scotch, his posture relaxed but his eyes distant. The quiet hum of the sprinklers outside and the soft chatter of animated characters on the TV filled the space between them, a fragile calm that hung in the air like a held breath.
"Still can't believe Stephen tried to hide me from my nephew and niece." Jason said, swirling the scotch in his glass. His gaze lingered on Mila and Akirá, they rocked gently in their chairs.
"Yeah… Stephen can be a little shy about his past." Katherine replied, she took a slow sip of her wine "but not inviting us to see his family—that's… kinda harsh."
"Yeah." Jason agreed.
"You and Stephen are almost identical-apart from the height." Katherine called out "You're pretty quiet, though… more reserved." She studied Jason for a moment.
"I'm a man of fewer words-more action." Jason said smoothly, as he tilted his glass and let the amber liquid catch the light. His gaze lingered on Katherine for a moment, a subtle smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Action, huh? Guess I'll have to find that for myself." Katherine teased as she giggled, she took another deliberate sip of her wine. Her eyes flicked toward him, curious and a little amused, as if she silently challenged him to prove it.
The soft hum of the TV and the gentle creak of the rocking chairs filled the pause between them, the quiet domesticity of the living room contrasted with the unspoken tension, simmered beneath their words.
Katherine leaned back slightly on the couch, her eyes never leaving Jason.
"You really are a man of action, aren't you?" Katherine murmured, a teasing edge in her voice. Jason tilted his head "Depends on who I'm taking action for." Jason said softly, his gaze lingered on her.
The room seemed smaller suddenly, the TV's soft glow painted their faces, the quiet hum of the sprinklers outside punctuated the tension. Katherine shifted closer, the couch suddenly feeling too wide, too empty.
"I suppose I'll just have to test that theory." Katherine whispered, her tone a bit too playful.
Jason's hand brushed slightly against hers as he reached for his glass, and for a moment, neither moved or spoke. The silence stretched, heavy with anticipation, as if the room itself was holding its breath.
Katherine's fingers grazed the edge of her wine glass, then laid just a little longer on the couch cushion, closer to Jason than necessary. She tilted her head and let her hair fall over one shoulder, and gave him a look that was equal parts challenge and invitation.
Jason leaned just slightly toward her, his arm brushed against hers, a deliberate closeness that made the air between them feel electric.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Jason teased.
Katherine smirked "Maybe I am." Katherine replied.
Their eyes locked, communicated more than words ever could. The TV's glow reflected in their eyes, the quiet of the house amplifying every small movement-the slight brush of hands, the shift of shoulders, the shared smiles that hovered on the edge of something more.
Jason leaned in just a fraction, close enough that Katherine could feel the warmth radiating from him.
"I think." Jason whispered, "we might be in trouble."
Katherine's laugh was soft, breathless, and she let her hand rest near his groin, she teased, and tested the line between daring and restraint.
"Maybe." Katherine said, her voice a whisper now, "but I think I like it."
Their knees brushed. Neither moved away. Katherine's hand reached out, her fingers grazed his. Jason didn't pull back, instead his hand turned and caught hers, he held it slowly. Jason leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. Katherine's eyes closed for a moment, and when she opened them, they were inches apart.
"You really are a man of action.", Katherine whispered in his ear, and this time, Jason didn't hesitate. He closed the space, their lips met in a slow, deliberate kiss… one that started soft but deepened with every passing second.
Her hand rested on his chest, she felt the steady beat of his heart, while his arm slid around her waist, and pulled her closer. The quiet hum of the sprinklers outside faded into nothing, the rest of the world falling away as the warmth between them took over.