Chapter Eight
Linc
I t’s rare that Jax can get out on a Sunday. It’s usually his “Audrey day,” so when he sent Marcus and me a text to meet for lunch, I figured the wedding must be throwing their routine off. We agreed to meet at a sports bar not far from where we had our place in Cleveland Circle while we were in college.
“Why do twenty-one-year-olds look so young?” Jax looks around the bar over his menu.
I laugh. “You sound like an old man. We’re twenty-eight, not sixty.”
“It is sort of weird being in a place full of college students, though.” Marcus puts his menu down and picks up his beer.
“Do you guys ever miss college?” I ask the guys.
Almost in unison, I hear, “Hell no,” from Jax and, “Fuck no,” from Marcus.
“I thought it was fun, but I like life now. I wouldn’t go back.”
“I would never trade for a life without Audrey.” Jax shakes his head.
“Speaking of Audrey, do you need us to do anything for the wedding? You’re only three weeks away now.” Marcus leans back in his chair. He seems pretty chill today, a nice change.
“I think we’re good. Linc tackled the little stuff with Melonie. I booked the honeymoon this past week, and I have an appointment to pick up our wedding bands Thursday. All that’s left is keeping her calm and having a good time.”
“I’m excited for you, man.” Marcus squeezes his shoulder.
“I just can’t wait to call her my wife.” Jax smiles.
I place my elbows on the table, leaning toward him. “How did you know she was the one? Like what convinced you that she was worth giving up your freedom?”
Jax thinks for a moment. “I think what really sealed it for me was that I didn’t see committing to her as losing my freedom. I didn’t want to wake up without her; I wanted to be a better man because of how amazing she is. I can talk with her and rely on her like a best friend, but I can’t keep my hands off her. It’s like the best of both worlds.” He takes a sip of his beer, eyeing me with suspicion. “Why are you asking? That isn’t a normal Linc question.”
I shrug. “No reason, really. Just wanted to know.”
Marcus coughs into his fist. “Bullshit.”
I glare at him. “Real subtle, Marcus. There doesn’t have to be an underlying reason for a question. I just wanted to know.”
He points his beer bottle toward me. “When was the last time you got laid?”
“That’s a very personal question.”
“Out with it.”
I run a hand through my hair. “I don’t want to answer that.”
Jax studies me for a moment. It’s like I can see his mind working, then his eyes go wide. “You haven’t slept with anyone since Melonie?”
I scoff, a sorry attempt at pretending he’s wrong. “I never said that.”
An arrogant grin creeps across Marcus’ face. “You didn’t have to.”
“Okay, so what if she was the last one?”
“Linc, that was, like, ten months ago. Are you okay?” Jax looks like he’s genuinely concerned for my well-being.
I glare at him. “Yes, I’m okay. I’ve been out on dates.”
“So, why haven’t we heard about second dates with any of them? What’s keeping you from having sex?”
“I don’t know. Maybe they all seem boring? Maybe I want quality now and not quantity?”
“So, the last woman that wasn’t boring was Melonie. And maybe, after that night, you have an idea of what quality might be, so you don’t want to waste your time and energy on quantity?”
Fuck Marcus and his powers of deduction. “Don’t over analyze it.”
“You should go for it. Ask her out.” Jax smiles.
“I can’t ‘go for it’. She’s Audrey’s best friend, she thinks I’m a player, and I’m pretty sure, deep down, she still hates me. Would I be open to a woman like her coming into my life? Sure. But I left that night in the past, and I’m pretty sure she did, too.”
Jax shrugs. “You never know, Linc. She might come around.”
I play with the label on my beer bottle as Jax changes the subject, asking Marcus about work. Pretty sure Jax is wrong if he thinks Melonie would ever “come around.”
Meanwhile…
Jax: I have a new mission
Audrey: I’m listening…
Jax: Ok, but hear me out…
Jax: Linc and Melonie
Audrey: It’s like we share one mind, already on it. I love you so much.
Jax: I think you’ll have more work to do with Melonie. Pretty sure Linc is already interested in her. He hasn’t slept with anyone since their night together.
Jax: And I love you more
Audrey: Holy shit, really? Well, they just need more wedding tasks, don’t they?
Audrey: And not possible, sir
Jax: Why is it hot when you call me sir?