An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 12 - Into the Open Air

Jade almost choked from laughing so hard. Everyone but Jenna looked like they hadn't eaten in weeks. James was ravenous. Layla would've eaten the bones if Jade hadn't stopped her. Jason was flat out insatiable.

"This is the best thing I've eaten in my entire life." Jason said finishing up his third helping. "You're going to be saying that a lot, playboy. This is what happens when you use more seasonings outside of salt, black pepper and butter like a typical colonizer." Jenna shrugged finishing up her jerk chicken.

"My best friend is the best to ever do it. She paid for college from her meal service program ran straight out of our shack of an apartment. This is her God given gift. I wholeheartedly believe that." Jenna smiled at Jade proudly earning one back. 

"You know what time it is, husband." James and Jenna looked at them confusedly. "Jason bet he could beat me in Mario Kart." Jenna laughed loudly. "You poor, unfortunate soul. No one can beat this girl in any game. She literally beat Sekiro in two days." James looked at Jade with a smirk.

"I bet I could beat you in my favorite game. Super Smash Bros." Jade quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Care to make it interesting?" Jason shook his head vehemently and warned his brother not to take the bait. "I'm down. What are the stakes?"

"You tell me your wager first." Jason shook his head at his brother's stupidity. "If I win, you have to let Layla and I come over for lunch or dinner four times a week for at least three months."

Jenna let out a cackle. "Waste! She would've definitely let you do that regardless." Jade could see James' facial expression shift and spoke out. "No take backs! Now, when I win you dear brother of mine will be going on a d-a-t-e with you know who."

Jenna's eyes widened before meeting James'. They both looked away with a blush and Jade was so close to passing out from the cuteness. Jenna hadn't been shy a day in her life, but she was now and Jade knew it was because James was her meant to be. "Hubby, do the dishes. Everyone else to the game room." James looked frantic. "We're doing this right now?" Jason laughed loudly.

"I told your dumbass." Layla held out her hand. "Uncle said a bad word. Pay up!" Jenna and Jade looked at them. "She came up with this thing where we have to give her at least $5 for every bad word we say." James sighed.

"I honestly don't even know why we entertained it at first, but it's been over two years now and I'm sure she's got a nice little nest egg somewhere." Jason said giving Layla a five.

Jenna looked at Layla with so much love that it caught James off guard. He wasn't sure where it was coming from as they just met, but her gaze was filled with emotion. Jade knew Jenna would love the little girl but this newfound information definitely solidified her feelings.

"She's a scammer like me!" Jenna squealed loudly before squeezing Layla. "Jenna, what's a scammer?" Layla asked inquisitively. James shook his head in his hand. "A scammer is a term for a very smart individual that makes money off other people through genius ideas and innovations."

"That's not-" Jenna served James with a look that had him huffing. "Come on family!" Jade sang happily before heading upstairs. Jenna placed Layla on her hip as they made their way upstairs.

"She can walk you know." James sassed looking at the two. He didn't want to be an ass, but he liked the way they looked. He liked the way the three were seated together like a family. He liked it all way too much.

James didn't get to have feelings like that because the one time he opened himself to hope and the possibility of love he got burned. Badly. "She can walk when she wants to, but I'm going to carry her for however long she allows." Jenna said looking lovingly at the little girl.