she was into it, you’re fine.”
“That’s just it. We didn’t do more than that, but it’s so much more than just kissing or touching between us. I don’t mean physically. I mean emotionally.” Quincy looked around to make sure no customers were in earshot and said, “I’ve never…She fucking blows me away.”
“That good, huh?”
“I’m not kidding, man. Kissing her is fucking unreal. If we’d been standing last night when we got into it, she would have taken me to my knees.”
Jed nudged him with his elbow and said, “I’m sure you would have made good use of that position.”
“No shit, but it’s not about that. We spent months texting, keeping it light, and in two nights I feel all of this? Have you ever experienced anything that powerful with a woman?”
“Yes, and I’m marrying her next month.”
“Right. Of all people, you know what I’m talking about.” He paced in the aisle and said, “You know I always own up to my shit, but I’m nervous about telling Roni about my past. I’m really into her, and I want more time with her.”
“And you’re afraid you might never get the chance once you tell her?”
“Exactly, but she deserves to know the truth before we get in any deeper. I’ve never cared what people thought about my past until she came into my life, and these last few months, it’s been weighing on me.”
“I know. I was right there by your side as you waited out your two-years-clean mark to prove that you could do it.” Jed put a hand on Quincy’s shoulder and said, “Listen, you won’t want to hear this, but you already know it, because I’ve heard you say it. If she can’t see you for the man you are today, then she’s not the right woman for you. End of story.”
Quincy raked a hand through his hair, swallowing that sharp-edged truth, and said, “You’re absolutely right. I just wish I had told her before last night. I’m already in deep, Jed.”
“I knew you were last night. Whatever happens, we’ll get through it. I’ve got your back, Quincy.”
“I know. Enough about my shit. What’re you doing here? Need a book for Hail?”
“No. I’m looking for a book about getting through to teenagers for the Young Knights program.” Earlier this year, Jed started the Young Knights, which was like the Big Brother mentoring program, but it was run through the Dark Knights. Now there were about a dozen kids taking part in the program. “We’ve got a new kid who’s a bit ornery. I want to make sure I’m doing things right.”
“Ornery teenagers should be right up your alley. Follow me, my friend.”
BY THE TIME Quincy climbed onto his motorcycle after work, he was wound tighter than a top. He and Roni had both worked until seven, and they had plans to see each other at eight thirty, but the guilt of not telling her about his past was eating away at him. He’d tried texting, but she hadn’t responded, so he rode straight to the studio, hoping to catch her early.
Angela was behind the desk when he strode through the door carrying his helmet. Her blond hair was pinned up in a high ponytail. She smiled, curiosity rising in her eyes. “Hi. Quincy, the world’s best first and second date, right?”
He loved knowing Roni had told her about their time together. “The one and only. And you’re Angela?”
“Sure am. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“You too. Thanks for winning me for Roni, by the way. Is she still around?”
“Yeah, she’s here. She’s in room three, down that hall on the right. But before you go see her, I just want you to know that she’s been through a lot. I know you two have been friends for a while now, and you don’t seem to be a jerk, but be kind to her, okay? She deserves the best things in life.”
“I only know one way to be these days, Angela, and that’s what you see is what you get.” He realized that wasn’t quite true, because his demons weren’t visible, but he was about to fix that.
“Okay, good. Would you tell Roni I’m heading out? I’ll lock the door behind me.”
“Sure.”
He followed the sounds of music down the hall, and there in the middle of the third room was Roni, wearing black leggings and a pink wrap top like she’d worn the other night, gliding elegantly across the floor. Her arms moved gracefully up and down, but when the