Double the Heat Brewed by The Asylum-Part Six

 

 

It's the weekend!

Doesn't change much for me, I'm still doing the words/cleaning/parenting repeat dance, but there's still tons to look forward to!

Like sharing another part of the Roadhouse Cafe adventure with you. <g>

Happy Reading!

 

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Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

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That fake smile made Matt feel sick, but he couldn’t let it show. The cafe was crowded. The other gang members were smirking, just waiting for a damn excuse to wreak havoc on everything he’d built. For them, it wasn’t personal, it was just entertainment. A show of power.

But the man standing in front of Matt? Yeah, it was personal to him. But he was smoother than the rest. So smooth even Matt had started wondering if he was overreacting when he’d first told Garet to stay away from him.

Still, Matt would give anything for it to be Jamie here right now. As overwhelming as shit had gotten, the cafe was buzzing. Gang aside—and lack of employees or growing extra fucking hands—the turnout was better than he’d ever hoped it could be.

Not that he’d want this every day, it would ruin the relaxing atmosphere he was going for.

He still had to add to the things he owed Jamie, though, damn it. Maybe ice cream and free coffee for a month. A fucking blowjob. At this point, his gratitude had no limits.

And thinking about Jamie was easier than focusing on the snake in front of him, who was perusing the menu like he’d actually come in for a nice cup of coffee. Tapping his chin with a finger, the gangster let out a thoughtful sound.

“You’re pulling in some good money, aren’t you? Those fancy drinks are pricey. I’ll have one of those.” The smile slanted, those green eyes showing the cruelty Matt had become all too familiar with after a few weeks of the man—who’d been an older teen at the time—drawing Garet into his world. His real name wasn’t well known, but everyone called him ‘Dayes’. And Dayes was looking at Matt expectantly. “You might want to hurry, pal. There’s one hell of a line.”

Nodding, Matt reached out for a clear plastic cup with his logo on it, sparing a glance to make sure Reed had moved Coal to the back, out of sight. “There’s the iced cinnamon dolce latte, it’s very popular. On the house.”

Dayes let out a soft laugh. “Smart man. You glowed up good, all connected and shit. I think we’ll get along much better now.” He jutted his chin at the gangster next to him. “Go wait for me outside, you know the lot of you ain’t got no fucking taste.” When he looked at Matt again, his concerned expression almost seemed...genuine. “How’s Garet doing? I heard what some of the guys did to him—that was fucking messed up.”

Fixing the drink, Matt grunted, not trusting himself to use civil words at the moment. If not for this man, Garet wouldn’t have been a target. He’d been tempted like a lot of the kids around here. It started with gifts, money they so desperately needed, and suddenly the gang owned them.

Back then, Matt hadn’t known what to look for, or how to protect himself from someone who a lot of people in the neighborhood liked, despite him being part of the gang that terrorized them. For a bit after Garet had first started hanging out with them, his behavior actually improved.

Then Matt came home one day and the window he’d boarded up with scrap pieces of wood  had been replaced.

Holding the books he’d finally found for Garet at the second-hand store under his arm, Matt gaped at the house, positive he was imagining things. He’d been feeling a bit more optimistic after seeing Garet’s last few homework assignments, all with passing grades. And his brother hadn’t missed curfew once this month—Matt’d done a few chores for Mrs. Perry next door in exchange for her checking in.

The window not eating into his already tight budget was almost too good to be true.

Coming out of the house, Garet grinned at him. “Surprise, bro! We did good, didn’t we?”

“Yeah, that’s...awesome, kid.” Matt blew out a breath, schooling his features as Dayes came out behind his brother. “I really appreciate this. How much do I owe you?”

Dayes looked a bit insulted by the question. “Owe me? Nothing, my dude. We were messing around, only right that we fix this.” Dayes trampled down the steps, taking the books from Matt and handing them over to Garet. “This is for your English class. Get it done or you ain’t coming to the party, ya hear me?”

“I’m on it!” Garet snatched the books and raced into the house.

It was only then Matt noticed the new sneakers on his brother’s feet, which must’ve cost more than the window.

A sick feeling built up in the pit of his stomach. He turned to face Dayes. “Look, I really appreciate all this, but Garet’s too behind on his schoolwork for any distractions. I can’t repay you for all you’ve given us right now, but give me some time and—”

“He’s my friend. I take care of my friends.” Dayes leaned in close, speaking low. “We’re good so long as that doesn’t change.” He straightened, flashing that big smile again. “I filled your fridge, too. Needed to keep my guys fed and you didn’t have much. Let me know if you need anything else.”

The man was trying to fucking buy his little brother. Matt saw right through the ‘generosity’, but he wasn’t sure what to do about it—not without getting in way over his head with a gang that controlled everything on this side of the tracks.

You’re out of options. Just handle it before it’s too late.

He’d watched enough prison movies to know one thing. Show weakness and both he and Garet were fucked. His black belt might actually be useful for once.

Grabbing the front of Dayes’ shirt and tripping him backward with a smooth leg sweep, Matt caught him before he fell and shoved him against the brick wall of the house. “I don’t think you heard me. I was trying to be polite, but not anymore. My brother isn’t joining your gang. He’s not running drugs for you. Take back all your ‘gifts’, we don’t want them.”

A click had Matt’s blood running cold as something hard was pressed against his stomach.

Dayes’ expression never changed. “You’re a good big brother, Matt. Stupid, but it’s cool that you care. Easier to care if you’re still breathing, but I’m gonna watch out for my buddy either way. I’m gonna make sure he has what he needs, better than you ever could.”

An actual bullet would’ve hurt less than those words. Matt’s eyes burned as he blinked back tears, releasing the younger man who had power he’d never even touch if he lived to be a hundred. His pride folded like a cheap deck of cards. “Please...just leave him alone.”

“It’s too late. Accept it and everything will be just fine.” Dayes patted his cheek, then stepped past him. “If you ever wanna do a job that’s gonna make you more money than you can get from the shit you do, give me a shout. Garet has my number.”

Matt’s lips curled away from his teeth. “I’d rather die.”

Saluting him with the gun, Dayes chuckled as he sauntered off. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

A gentle nudge at his side tore Matt from his memories. He blindly threw a punch.

Which Jacks caught before it connected with his jaw. He spoke for Matt’s ears alone. “I haven’t seen this one around, but it’s not hard to put two and two together. Let me give him the drink. Towne is here. Get his order.”

Dayes watched them like this was an entertaining show, performed just for him. His eyes narrowed when Towne cut into line, tapping the counter.

“Hey, Matt. Sorry to barge in like this, but I’d like one of those pretty foamy drinks for my break. And to give you a heads up about fire code violations.” Towne nodded toward the door. “That area needs to stay clear and there’s too many people inside. Want me to run crowd control?”

Not glancing Dayes’ way as Jacks served him with his own camera-ready smile, Matt mouthed ‘Please.’

With a quick nod, Towne turned and brought his fingers to his lips. His sharp whistle got everyone quieting down. “Unless you’ve got your ass in a chair, keep moving. This isn’t a Def Leppard concert, single file, people!”

Def Leppard? Matt snorted, focusing on the design in the large mug, the pour more natural now that he’d practiced about a thousand times. He managed a pretty decent devil outline in the foam, which a dude who was into classic rock would probably love.

Still at the counter, Dayes glared at Towne. Looked like the cops around here weren’t all useless. The gangster wouldn’t pull anything with a uniform in sight.

Good to know.

Not that Matt wanted too many of them hanging around, but Towne was different. And he was on Vani’s payroll, so he was...a good dirty cop?

Hell if Matt knew, but he struggled not to spit out a laugh when Jacks snapped his fingers at Dayes.

“Was there anything else you needed, sir?” Jacks dangled something in front of Dayes’ face. “Napkin?”

“Fuck off, fairy.” Dayes shoved away from the counter, leaving his drink before storming out. His facade had fallen apart with the intimidation tactics he relied on failing.

Which didn’t mean this was over, but hopefully it bought Matt some time to figure out how to handle any threat from the gang.

A strangely welcome voice called out over the noise from the crowd trailing out. “Did I hear someone say concert? That’s an awesome idea.”

“Yeah...that’s not happening, Pop Star.” Matt tossed Dayes’ drink and handed over Towne’s. A smile tugged at his lips as Jamie finally popped into view. “I don’t have the staff or the security to deal with something like that.”

Sliding behind the bar, Jamie went to the sink to help Coal dry the cups Reed had taken over washing. None of them seemed to recall the cafe had a dishwasher, but that was okay. The thing probably couldn’t keep up.

Jamie grinned at Matt as he blindly reached out to put the cup on a shelf and knocked Coal in the side of the head. “You let me worry about that, I’ve got a few ideas.”

“Your ideas always end with one of us under the whip.”

“Not always.” Jamie let out an irritated huff, dumping some water from another mug on Reed’s sneaker, his full attention on Matt. “And never you. You’re already the perfect sub. You can’t be perfect at everything, it’s not humanly possible. Wren said so.”

“Right, and bird wonder is all knowing.” Matt smiled at the next customer, then rolled his eyes at Jamie. “No, I’m not perfect, but I’ve spent months preparing for this. I know what I’m doing.”

Jamie’s brow rose. “That’s why you have no staff?”

“I didn’t think I’d need it. I appreciate your help, and the crowd you brought in is incredible.” Matt exhaled roughly, too worn out to continue the back and forth with Jamie that almost seemed inevitable. “Look, I don’t mind listening to your ideas, but...don’t do anything without clearing it with me first, okay? I don’t like when shit catches me off guard.”

The protest that appeared to be on the tip of Jamie’s tongue vanished, replaced by understanding. Jamie nodded quickly, shaking a plate like he’d forgotten about the dish towel in his hand and had decided to go with air drying. “I can do that. And I have people. I can cover the cost to have my publicist come in. You’ll like him, he’s all professional and likes things all neat and orderly too. He’s kinda perfect, like you.”

That uncomfortable feeling came back. It was so easy for Jamie, offering to pay for things, like it didn’t mean anything. But Matt knew there were always strings attached.

He’d never forget the first time he’d bailed Garet out of jail. Dayes showing up at his house with a bag of money. Having to accept it because the fear in Garet’s eyes when Matt had gone to see him at the police station? It tore his heart to shreds.

It had taken a long time before Matt was making enough money to cover bail himself. And by then, he was so exhausted by the hours he’d put in, he didn’t have the strength to hope things would get better.

He just got pissed off because Garet didn’t even pretend to try anymore. All he cared about was impressing the gang. Proving he could be one of them.

But it was my job to stop that from happening. And I failed.

“Here, let me take over for a bit.” Shea gently maneuvered Matt away from the cash, then raised his voice. “If what you want doesn’t take a goddamn science degree, get over here. Danny, clear those tables so some of these people can wait for the special stuff. Write down their orders and bring them over. Just like at the bar.”

Matt didn’t want things to be just like the bar, but he needed a second to clear his head. Slipping into the back, where there was a decent office and a large storage room, he dragged out a chair and plunked down on it. Lowered his face to his hands.

The door opened and closed softly. Jamie crouched down in front of him. “Did I do something wrong? I’m not being dramatic, for real. I need to know.”

Raking his fingers through his hair, Matt shook his head. “Naw, you’ve been pretty cool. I just...don’t want to owe anyone else. I appreciate everything everyone’s doing to help out, I needed that. And I’ll probably need it for a bit.” He let out a muffled groan. “Not sure why you’re helping after how shitty I was to you about the gift.”

“Meh, you were just stressed.”

“No. I was upset. Because you used something special. Private.” Matt lifted his head, searching Jamie’s brilliant green eyes. “Do you seriously not get it?”

Toying with his tongue ring between his teeth, Jamie lowered his gaze and hunched into himself. “I...don’t think I do. No part of my life was private for as long as I can remember. A lot of stuff is now, but it’s not what I’m used to. Sometimes…I forget not everyone lives that way.” He rubbed his hands on his thighs, his expensive jeans splattered with soap and water. Lifting his gaze, he seemed desperate for Matt to believe him. “But I’m learning. If you’ll let me, I’ll learn from you too.”

It was hard for Matt to trust Jamie, and keeping him in the ‘fucker I can’t stand’ box was easier, but...dealing with the gang again made it obvious he needed all the allies he could get. And like him or not, Jamie had been an awesome one in the past.

Maybe it was time to give him another chance.

“Okay.” Matt huffed out a laugh when Jamie did a little crouched dance and threw his fist in the air like he’d just won a Grammy. “But you seriously have to listen to me. And I meant it about clearing stuff with me first.”

“Got it. So, about the concert… Wait, just hear me out. I’m not talking something huge. Just like that mellow setup you see in some of those coffeehouses in Manhattan, a limited amount of people who can come in to hear me and Danny perform. Everyone will be talking about it, so those we can’t reach on socials will hear it by word of mouth, you know?” Jamie was getting all excited again, but this time it was more reserved. Like he’d accept a ‘No’ if Matt wasn’t into it. “We get some of the Doms to run security. They’ll do it for free because all their subs will be here.”

All right, that wasn’t a horrible idea. Except… “I didn’t want this place to be too connected to The Asylum. A bunch of dudes in leather won’t have people wanting to bring their kids in here.”

“No leather.” Jamie's lips curved in a mischievous smile. “We get the Doms to dress casual. And disguise the subs. That way Pike and Wren can come too. I know they’d love to help.”

Matt’s brow furrowed. “How do we convince anyone that’ll be safe? And disguises? Dude, we’re not doing Halloween up in here until the actual holiday. You’ll have to find another way for Wren to play out his Freddy Kruger fantasy.”

Giving him a level look, Jamie straightened. “Not that kind of costume. I was thinking wigs. And makeup. You should see the stuff Danny gets from his buddies on Broadway, and Jacks has a wicked collection. I bet he wouldn’t mind making some skirts to go with the uniform and I’ve been dying for a reason to wear my heels again.”

“You can’t serve coffee all day in heels…” Matt’s eyes widened as he realized what Jamie was actually proposing. “Do you mean...dress everyone in drag? But—”

“It’s perfect. And before you say it, people bring their kids to drag shows all the time, the Queens are hella sweet. Sure, it’ll freak out the homophobes, but fuck them. The people you want in here will love it.” Jamie did a hip swaying little stroll around the storage room. “Picture it. Music, a staff you know and trust who look all cute and harmless, but can throw down if the gang decides to start something. A day no one will ever forget.”

This wasn’t what Matt had envisioned for his cafe, but The Asylum wasn’t what he’d pictured for his life and he wouldn’t change what he’d found for all the ‘normal’ in the world.

Pushing to his feet, he curved his hand under his jaw, stroking his chin. “I’m in.”

Jamie stopped short, then spun around, his eyes going wide. He rushed over to Matt and wrapped his arms around his neck, his eyes shining with joy. “Yes! You’re not going to regret this, I swear!”

“We on hugging terms now?” Matt patted Jamie’s back, his hand landing on the shorter dude’s butt with the way he was jumping up and down. How the fuck did such a short guy have such a nice, round ass? His dick definitely didn’t take notice. Nope. He cleared his throat, tearing his gaze from Jamie’s lips. “I should get back out there.”

“One thing first.” Jamie held on a bit tighter. “Admit you like me.”

“I don’t.” Matt settled his hands on Jamie’s waist to get him to stop the wiggling that was fucking with his head. “But you’re getting...tolerable.”

The naughty curve to Jamie’s lips showed he knew exactly what he was doing. He flicked his tongue over his bottom lip, leaving it glistening. “What do I have to do to be more than ‘tolerable’?”

“Fuck off, dude. Don’t play with me like that.” Matt firmly set Jamie back before he was tempted to see if those lips were as soft as they looked. He was asking Lawson for a fucking cock cage. And scheduling a session with Stephan to have his head examined. “Work out the details for your plan with Jacks and Danny. Have Jacks write something up, he’s good with that.”

“Gotcha.”

“But absolutely no extra expenses. Anyone who helps can get free coffee here for life or whatever, but I need to know I can cover all the costs myself.” Matt held Jamie’s gaze to make sure the other sub absorbed every word. “Call it pride or whatever, but...I ain’t bending on that, we clear?”

“Crystal.” Jamie repeating that word was like coming full circle from their earlier clash, which felt good. He seemed to feel it to, because he reached out and put his hand on Matt’s arms before he could leave the storage room. “But...can I re-order those mugs? Without those words that are for just you and Lawson?”

So far, Jamie had been doing really good hearing Matt out and accepting his way of doing thing. It felt like maybe it was Matt’s turn to give a little.

He nodded, laughing when Jamie did a little dance. “Sure. But make sure someone’s with you when you go out to get the package this time. And, Jamie?”

Hand already on the door knob, Jamie glanced back over his shoulder. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

A warm smile lighting up his whole face, Jamie inclined his head, slipping into the cafe. Matt took a minute by himself to straighten his apron and get his head back in the game. The grand opening wasn’t over, but even with a few unexpected challenges, he’d gotten the one thing he’d wanted more than anything.

Something of his own that he could make successful. That he’d built from the ground up starting with nothing but a dream.

He hadn’t done it alone and he still needed some help, but...that was the difference between now and where he’d been back when he’d been raising Garet alone. He didn’t have to be afraid to ask for it.

Even from someone like Jamie, who was...family.

Something Lawson reminded him often, but he’d never really believed it.

Until now.

All pulled back together, Matt stepped out into the cafe, giving himself a little shake so he could get back into the flow. The Roughhouse Cafe was filled with laughter, happy customers who seemed willing to wait for as long as it took, a few of them asking for autographs from Jamie and Danny—some even recognizing Jacks from the fashion shows he’d been on and getting his autograph too.

Shaking his head, he smiled and grabbed the stack of orders Danny had left by the espresso machine. Took his time perfecting every single drink, no longer afraid of what came next, or whether or not he could handle it.

He’d already proved he could.

And if the universe was gonna test him?

Bring it.     

 

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Part Seven