Chapter 30: The truth

Jaxon's POV:

The whole world felt different tonight. Like a wonky picture on an otherwise naked wall. I plopped on the couch in a private room in Paul's bar, sipping on the glass of whatever booze he had poured for me.

It was strong and tasted bitter like the blunt end of a cigarette stick. But that was just the way I wanted it at the moment. It was just the way I loved it. I chugged down on another mouthful, draining the color from my face.

“Are you going to drink yourself to death, now.” Paul laughed from the side.

I smiled weakly at him. “Whatever, what have you got down there?” I said, pointing at a box tucked away in the corner.

“That reminds me man.” He put away his phone and his face rose to meet mind. He was smiling like a young boy, who had just got his Christmas wish granted.

“Reminds you of what?” I was impatient.

He chuckled softly, as if amused by the idea of whatever he was about to say.

“Kyra and I, are getting engaged?” He suddenly declared.

My glass stopped just halfway to my mouth, which fell open suddenly. As my eyes flickered with surprise. “What? Tell me you're kidding right?”

“No, kidding man.”

What the fuck!

I flung myself at him. “Damn dude, you're so unbelievable. Congratulations.”

“Oui..you can get off me first— I can barely breathe like this.” He groaned in a muffled voice.

I rolled over and fell back on the couch, grinning.

“So tell me,” I began eagerly. “Who finally convinced you to settle down huh?”

I knew Paul, damn well— because we grew up together and he was a mother fucking man whore. Who always had the ladies coming. I never expected he didn't suddenly settle down. With Kyra, the lady he just started dating some three months back. This was big news.

I drained my glass in one large gulp— the alcohol immediately stung my throat without warning, leaving my mouth bitter and tasty.

“Well, I have been thinking about it a lot these pass few weeks. I love her damn too much man. I just had to tie it down with her.”

“Ugh uh.” I said chugging down a bottle of water, then crushed the empty bottle on the bottle with my palm. “That's some real Cinderella bullshit man. Congratulations man— I never thought you were going to tie it down before I did.”

He laughed, at the same time pouring himself a glass.

“Considering how reckless, you were. I'm honestly speechless right now.”

“Hell, I bet you are.” Paul chuckled, taking a sip from his glass. “In a month or two you'd be my best man. And if you're lucky enough— you could pick some flowers while you're at it.”

“Fuck you man.” I roared, and we both burst into another fit of laughter.

The thought of Paul getting married lighted my entire evening up like fireworks. I grinned helplessly while we chatted at the top of our voices, drinking and ranting about memories and nostalgias.

After a second toast to Paul's engagement, he suddenly asked. “Oh, that reminds me Jax, How about that singer girl— The fiery one..”

The bubbling liquor I had consumed that night suddenly lurched in my stomach.

I groaned. “Why do you have to always try to bring her up every time dude?”

He chuckled, seeing my uneasiness. “I could bet a thousand pounds, you guys had another fall out. yeah?”

Not that I could help it. “Yes, we did.” I said non-committally and quiy drained my glass and slouched back on the couch.

Paul also fell back on the couch and released a sigh. “You both need to get a grip, already. Huh?”

“I can't stand her.”

Paul laughed. “Of course. And that's what makes you both a good pair.”

How did that make sense?

I quirked an eyebrow at him.

“Whaddiyu mean?”

“You both can't stand each other and that makes you guys a good pair.” He continued, spanning his logic.

I closed my eyes and muttered under my breath. “That's crap Paul. There's no way I and Fiery lady makes a pair.”

“Ugh uh.” He coughed, more like he was masking his laughter.

“Come on man.” I suddenly shot up. “There's no shit going on between us. She's just one of my investments and we're just in a business. Business Paul.”

“I bet.”

Oh, fuck you!

“If she fucking irritates me— I can fire her. Terminate her contract or whatever and get her ass off the line.” I barked

“I bet you could do that.” Paul nodded, draining his glass. Then he looked at me. Square in the eye.

“But are you going to do that, Jax?”

I shrugged. “Of course, I could.”

“But you wouldn't.”

Ugh, “Who told you I wouldn't?” I snapped at him.

He smiled gently and dropped the glass back on the table, then dragged his gaze to meet mine.

“I know you wouldn't, Jax. You can lie to everyone— including me, that this is just a business transaction and you could get rid of her at any time. But you know that's a lie,” He paused. I caught my breath.

“This is not just a business transaction and you know that. You could lie to every damn person— but you can't lie to yourself Jax.”