On Break

As the days passed, the wheels of justice finally caught up with my brother. A judge convicted him of his myriad crimes, ranging from sexual misconduct to financial corruption. It was a reckoning long overdue, and one could argue that it was simply karma catching up with him. The news of his most recent conviction sent shockwaves through the business world.

Meanwhile, Emily seemed to thrive amidst the chaos and scandal that surrounded our family. Far from being tainted by association, she managed to keep herself relevant in the headlines, leveraging her newfound celebrity to become the brand ambassador for several nationwide companies. Her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion and emerge unscathed was nothing short of remarkable.

I took the week off from revenge so I could rest mentally and worked at the thrift store. As I worked alongside Lollipop, folding clothes and arranging displays, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye. His easygoing demeanor and quick wit masked a shrewdness that hinted at a hidden agenda beneath the surface.

It wasn't until we were alone in the shop one afternoon that Lollipop decided to confide in me. He revealed that the thrift shop was merely a front for a bootlegging operation, a means to an end in his quest to open his own boutique. Until then, he was content to bide his time, using the shop as a cover for his illicit activities.

I was taken aback by the revelation, but I couldn't deny the allure of the clandestine operation. There was a certain thrill in being privy to Lollipop's secret enterprise, a sense of danger mingled with excitement that drew me in despite my better judgment.

No doubt with Travis's backing.

I found myself increasingly drawn into his world of intrigue and deception. It was a good source of revenue.

But for now, I was content to play my part in Lollipop's scheme, relishing the thrill of the unknown and the promise of a future filled with excitement and adventure. As we closed up shop for the day, I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

Walking back to Travis's house in silence, I found solace in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Despite the chaos that had unfolded in recent days, the world outside seemed to carry on with its usual rhythm. As I strolled along, I noticed that most people were engrossed in their phones, oblivious to the vibrant foliage and tranquil atmosphere around them.

For me, however, the colorful display of nature provided a welcome distraction from the tumultuous events that had transpired. Each rustle of leaves and chirp of birdsong seemed to offer a sense of peace and serenity amidst the chaos of life.

Lost in thought, I allowed myself to be enveloped by the peaceful ambiance, feeling a sense of calm wash over me with each step. The colorful hues of the foliage danced in the gentle breeze, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the path ahead. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to appreciate the beauty of the world around me.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, moments like these served as a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and appreciate the little things.

Entering the elevator, I ascended to Travis's apartment, anticipating a moment of solitude after the peaceful walk. However, as the doors slid open, I was met with an unexpected sight that left me utterly shocked. There, in the midst of the living room, stood Jasper, engrossed in fixing something, while Travis watched over him with a look of unabashed admiration.

The scene before me caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of mixed emotions. It was as if I had stumbled upon a private moment between the two of them, one that I wasn't meant to witness. And yet, there they were, oblivious to my presence, lost in their own world of shared intimacy.

For a brief moment, I hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. Should I announce my presence and join them? Or should I quietly retreat and give them their privacy? Caught between conflicting impulses, I found myself rooted to the spot, uncertain of what to do next.

I wanted to rush forward and hit them both with a blunt object until I felt better.

Jasper's sudden movement startled me, and I watched in bemusement as he leapt up from the floor, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before I could even process what was happening, the familiar strains of a lively tune filled the room, emanating from the radio in the corner.

In a matter of seconds, Jasper and Travis were both on their feet, their voices joining together in a spirited duet that was equal parts enthusiastic and off-key. Their rendition of "Summer Nights" from Grease was nothing short of terrible, but there was an undeniable sense of joy in their impromptu performance.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight before me, the absurdity of the moment washing away any lingering tension or worry. Despite their questionable vocal talents, Jasper and Travis sang with unabashed enthusiasm, their laughter filling the room as they belted out the lyrics with gusto.

Dare I say....it was the gayest thing I had ever seen.

I couldn't suppress a smirk as I approached the scene, watching as Jasper and Travis froze in their tracks as they noticed me, their expressions shifting from exuberance to embarrassment in an instant. They looked like two kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar, guilty yet sheepish.

"Uh... hey, Alex," Travis stammered, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he exchanged a sheepish glance with Jasper.

"Hey," I replied, trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably. It was hard not to laugh at the sight of them, two grown men caught in the act of singing and dancing like they were at a middle school dance. "Don't stop on my account. You guys are so in sync."

Jasper rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a flush creeping up his cheeks as he avoided meeting my gaze. "Sorry about that. We, uh, got a bit carried away."

"It's fine," I said, unable to hide the amusement in my voice. "I've seen worse."

Travis shot me a grateful look, clearly relieved that I wasn't making a big deal out of their impromptu performance. "Yeah, we just... needed a break, I guess."

I nodded, understanding completely. "Well, it certainly looked like you were having fun."

Jasper chuckled nervously, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, well, sometimes you just gotta let loose, right?"

I couldn't argue with that logic.

"Footloose, right? What are you doing here so late? Don't you have a warehouse to go dance angrily in?" I asked Jasper, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Don't give me such a cold look. I haven't been able to see you all week because I've been so busy with work and dodging your sister! How could you still not call me once when you know how much I'm interested in you?" Jasper whined, his tone tinged with playful exasperation.

"Fuck off," I replied, brushing off his usual flirting as I made my way to the kitchen to get some food for myself.

"I'll say the right thing to you someday, Alex!" Jasper declared loudly, his words trailing after me. It seemed like I would have to deal with his persistent advances for a while longer.

"Go away, don't speak nonsense," I retorted, rolling my eyes at his dramatic declaration.

"What nonsense?" Jasper protested, trailing after me into the kitchen.

"It's obvious that you aren't serious," I remarked, opening the fridge to assess the contents.

Jasper ran past me and opened a Tupperware container, pulling out some leftovers before handing it off to me. "I cooked some things using the fish mint. Are you mad?"

I ignored his question about my mood and examined the food he had prepared. "Did you make this yourself?"

"Yeah, I'm not as good a cook as you or Travis, but it's still edible," Jasper admitted with a sheepish grin.

I took the Tupperware and examined the food inside, noting the appetizing aroma wafting from it. It all looked good enough, so I threw it in the microwave to reheat. Once it was ready, I began to eat, Jasper watching me intently, clearly eager for my reaction.

"I won't let you not eat it! And don't say it's bad just because I made it!" Jasper insisted, his enthusiasm palpable.

I continued to say nothing, taking a mouthful of the flavorful meat dish garnished with fish mint. To my surprise, it tasted delicious, the flavors blending together perfectly to create a satisfying meal. I couldn't help but be impressed by Jasper's culinary skills. Each mouthful exploded with flavor, leaving me pleasantly surprised by Jasper's culinary prowess.

I wasn't going to tell him that.

Jasper watched me eagerly, a hint of nervousness evident in his expression as he waited for my verdict. I could tell that he was anxious for my approval, and it touched something within me to see him so earnestly seeking my validation.

"It's terrible," I said, my words coming out harsher than I had intended. Jasper's face dropped, and I immediately regretted my bluntness.

I feel like I kicked a puppy.

"I followed the recipe exactly though. Forget it, don't eat it if it tastes bad, I'll heat up the one Travis made," Jasper said, his disappointment evident in his voice as he reached for my plate.

I quickly moved it out of his reach and continued to eat. "I worked all day, and you're just going to take away my food?"

Jasper looked at me hopefully. "You said-"

"A little less pepper next time. The diced carrots are a bit undercooked, and the green onion is burnt," I critiqued, trying to soften my criticism.

"You're so brutal!" Jasper whined. "How about a kiss since I did a pretty good job?"

"Don't bother me, I'm eating," I rolled my eyes, feeling a pang of guilt at Jasper's crestfallen expression.

"Don't you like the food?" Jasper pressed, his tone tinged with insecurity.

"It's edible," I replied reluctantly, not wanting to admit that I was actually enjoying the meal despite my earlier comment.

"Ugh, work work work! That's the only energy you ever give off, Alex! You're going to work yourself into an early grave!" Jasper exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

"I'm in work mode all the time because I need to make money!" I huffed, feeling defensive.

"Well, I already made the plans, so if you're busy, you'll just have to postpone it until we're done!" Jasper insisted, determination in his tone.

"I don't have time to fool around with you," I retorted, my frustration mounting.

"We haven't seen each other for several days now. Ever since you said you'd give me a chance, we haven't been out together again. Have a heart!" Jasper pleaded, his voice pleading.

I sighed, feeling torn between my commitment to revenge and Jasper's earnest desire to spend time together. Maybe he had a point if I was seriously debating the two, and I needed to find a better balance between building my career and my personal life.

As much as I wanted to spend time with Jasper, I knew it was risky. His outgoing personality and tendency to draw attention could jeopardize my carefully laid plans for revenge. I couldn't afford to get distracted or let my guard down, not when I was so close to achieving my goals.

I didn't want to lose everything I had worked so hard for, but at the same time, I found myself craving the companionship and warmth that Jasper offered. It was a delicate balance between my desire for revenge and my longing for human connection.

Maybe I could schedule short outings or meetups during times when I knew I wouldn't be risking too much. But I also had to be careful not to let Jasper become too attached or too annoyingly persistent.

It was a tricky situation, but I was determined to find a way to make it work. After all, Jasper had shown me kindness and support, and I didn't want to push him away completely. I just had to figure out how to navigate this new dynamic without compromising my ultimate goals.

"The second batch of fish mint and potatoes will be ready to harvest tomorrow. If they're harvested late the plants will die. I'm busy." I explained.