I woke up to my phone ringing.

I groaned and reached blindly for it on the nightstand. My palms washed over the surface before it bumped into the vibrating electronic.

I grasped it and accepted the call without reading the caller I.D. I just wanted to go back to sleep. Fuck.

"Drakos Armander," I said irritably.

"This is Falcon Armander calling directly from No Fuck's Are Given Avenue and I'd like to file a complaint on a blasphemous book that you've published--"

"Falcon, what the fuck?" I frowned, rising up on my elbow.

It's three o clock in the damn afternoon and he's fucking around and prank calling? He can't be serious. After all, wasn't he still upset with me, or was this 'No Fuck's Are Given Avenue' literal? I felt annoyed that he woke me up out of my sleep for fuckry.

"Is that how you greet your brother?" He made a disapproving sound. "I feel insulted."

I ran a hand down my face, "What is it that you want me to say? You called my phone you know? You must want something."

"Of course I do. Let's go and have drinks and a brother to brother talk. It's long overdue." He said, his voice tinny over the phone.

Something must not be right. Falcon wants to actually speak to me in person? After our heated argument, he stormed out like a raging bull. I never thought he'd call me so soon, let alone at all. Regardless of our disagreements and differences, we are family and family stick together.

I couldn't wait until Felicia returned from her trip. I missed her dearly.

"I guess we could. Where do you want to go?" I asked, sitting up in bed, raking a hand through my bed hair.

"The usual spot, The Drunkard's Den. We have a history there." He said with a chuckle.

I smiled, remembering Falcon so intoxicated, he danced naked on top of a pool table. He stripped off all of his clothes and danced the night away. Thankfully I got him under control and dragged him into the restroom where I dressed him. The stubborn man drank seven glasses of cognac, refusing to let up.

I won't have that happening again. He can get arrested for indecent exposure. Thankfully the bar owner was understanding. That's why I preferred local bars sometimes and not the upscale ones.

"Okay, but I won't have you drinking your life away, Falcon. You're married now and I can't explain to your husband that you got drunk and stripped, showing your naked glory. I like my face, Falcon. I don't need it to be bruised."

"You'll heal within minutes."

"That's beside the point. I don't want to get hit on. Control your intake, Falcon, please. I just woke up so I'll be ready in a few. I'll meet you there."

"Don't take too long." He warned. "Or I'm coming looking for you."

"I won't." I denied, getting out of bed.

"Good. See you there."

The call ended and I sighed, placing it on the nightstand. What has gotten into Falcon? Instead of anger that I thought he'd approach me with, he seemed rather cheerful. My face contorted in confusion. Anyway, let me take a shower.

I slipped out of my boxer-briefs and tossed it in the clothes basket in the corner of the bathroom. I quickly but thoroughly took a shower and got dressed in casual wear, snatching my car keys from my dresser, and heading out the door. I was anxious to see him again. He sounded as if he was willing to forgive me and make amends.

I truly hoped so.

***

Stephon and I rode together in awkward silence. I can actually hear myself breathe.

How did I get myself in this situation again?

Let's stop, rewind, and play.

Rewind back to about two hours ago, Falcon called back and told me they were okay with whatever I wanted to do. I told them my ideas and Falcon agreed with a portion of it but shut down my other ideas.

Stephon gave his input and we came to a mutual conclusion. Kirk got delayed in traffic. There was a fatal accident on the highway, causing heavy traffic. There's no telling when he'll arrive so I'll have to go without him.

We stopped at a party store and bought a dozen balloons. Specifically, ones that said 'I love you' and had hearts plastered all over it. I reluctantly got them upon Stephon's request. We left the store and was on our way to a gift card store when the silence settled in, becoming unbearable.

Now let me press play here and see where it goes. I bit my lip as I stared ahead. So, how do I go about telling my ex-best friend that I am not angry at him anymore? At least I'm not as angry as I was. I'm disappointed in him but that's water under the bridge.

I'm living for the here and now and this awkward fucking silence was getting on my last nerve.

Fuck it I can't take this.

"So how are you feeling? Any morning sickness or any discomfort?" I asked, trying to spark up a conversation but I was actually interested in his wellbeing. Damn me for being softhearted.

"I'm feeling fatigued a lot lately and I'm having a lot of cravings. No morning sickness as of yet. Thanks for asking. What about you? How was your vacation? Did you enjoy it?" He asked, facing me with interest written all over his ebony features.

I smiled, the memories of Paris flashing before my eyes. Then I remembered Tye and my smile dropped. "It was interesting and romantic," I replied, recalling the Wall Of Love. "Drakos made me feel so special. He bought me a stunning pendant. I left it at home though, I didn't want to go walking around with a necklace that screamed 'snatch me'.

Stephon's eyes widened and he held back a grin. "That's nice. I'm happy for you. He's showing you how much he cares." Stephon said, gazing at me fondly.

"What is it?" I asked when he didn't say anything else and simply stared.

He fidgeted in the seat and said, "I really missed you, Asche. To the point that it hurt physically and mentally. You wouldn't understand because you think I'm lying. Because you think I don't give a damn."

"So I guess we're going down this road now? Again?" I sighed.

"We don't have to." He glanced out the window, placing his chin in his hand that sat propped on the handle of the door. "I was just stating my feelings."

"Yes, we can go there." I remarked, "For the sake of our friendship."

***