Finding Ace (Book 3)

Chapter 3. Chemistry

Aria

A couple of months passed by without any incidents. Angel would turn twelve years old in a couple of weeks. Angel reached that age where he just wanted money. Angel had plans with a few of his friends to go out for his birthday.

I contemplated for quite some time about telling Angel. Angel wasn't supposed to know until he turned sixteen. Sixteen was how old he was supposed to be to start his training. However, Angel was relatively mature for his age. I think it had a lot to do with his dad being gone.

Austin and I had been debating it. Austin wasn't against the idea of Angel learning early. We currently had all the kids that were old enough taking Karate lessons just to start. Angel has been a black belt for over a year now. Angel was the future of the Latin Kings. Perhaps if he knew and started sooner, it would make him stronger than his father or me.

Austin strolled into the study, and he took in my expression. "What is going on in that little head of yours?"

"I'm going to tell Angel," I said.

Austin stared at me, surprised, but he didn't speak.

"Tell me what?" Angel asked.

Austin spun around, and we both looked at Angel.

"Hi, baby." I smiled at Angel.

"Uh, hi? What is wrong?" Angel asked.

"Well, nothing, exactly. Come have a seat." I gestured to the couch.

Angel sighed and plopped down on the couch in front of me. I stood up and moved around my desk. I sat in my chair as Austin poured a glass of bourbon for him and me. Austin slammed his drink and poured another glass.

"Damn, you're taking this harder than I am," I said and chuckled

"Are you sure about this? It might not hurt to way a couple of more years." Austin raised his eyebrows and sipped the whiskey in his glass. "This is the first time anyone has found out at this young of an age."

"I'm sure. Angel can handle this. He's mature enough. I trust him," I said.

"You guys are talking about me like I'm not here," Angel said and huffed in irritation. "What is it?"

This time Austin and I slammed our glasses of bourbon.

Angel leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest in agitation, which reminded me of his father. A considerable part of the reason I knew Angel could handle this was because of how similar he was to Ace and me. Angel got it pretty evenly divided. He was like Ace in some ways and similar to me in other ways.

"Okay, Angel," I said. "Now what I'm about to tell you is huge. You're young, yet so it's going to be difficult to explain. I need you to understand this is not something you can tell anyone. Not your sisters, your friends, or teachers. Do you understand?" My voice came out stern.

Angel nodded in understanding. "Okay, Mom spit it out already."

Austin approached me with wide eyes. He looked as if he might grab me and make a run for it. I put one finger up to stop Austin. Austin grunted and leaned away. He rubbed his forehead.

"You know that I run businesses such as furniture stores, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and other stuff. You also know Grandpa ran this before me. You know that when you're old enough, you will take over," I explained.

Angel nodded. "Yeah, Mom, you've told me all of that."

"There is a little more to it than that." I intertwined my hands and placed them on top of the desk.