Page 3 of All In

“Not yet. Just engaged,” Zambia said, lifting her hand just enough for the diamond to catch the light. Sister Malika approached, greeting them traditionally, before turning her attention to Jackie.

“It’s good to see you, Ms. Brown. I was told you were the mastermind behind this event. You did an excellent job.” Jackie forced a small smile. “Make sure I get a business card before you leave. I may need your services for Cassius and Zambia’s upcoming nuptials.” Something in Jackie’s chestcaved in, causing a quiet collapsethat nobody could see, but she could most certainly feel. “And about Max,” Sister Malika continued, “we need to schedule a meeting. I’ll be moving him to Zambia’s class next week, it’s a much smaller class size, and he can receive more tailored attention.” Jackie nodded, even though her heart felt like it was being ripped out her chest. This wastoo much….And the fuck she meant they were engaged.Jackie swallowed it all down, making sure that none of what she felt, touched her face.

“Monday good for you?”

“Yes,” Jackie said softly.

“Perfect. You’ll meet with our interim guidance counselor and Psychiatrist, Dr. Nigel. I’ve already given him your information, so he may have reached out. “Of course,” Jackie said, even though she barely heard herself. Cash shifted beside her. Close enough to notice.

“I think Syxe’s calling you,” he said quietly, reaching for her hand—just enough to ground her. Jackie took the out. She made it halfway down the hall before the burn behind her eyes sharpened into something she couldn’t ignore.Not here. Not now.She thought as she ducked into the bathroom, locking herself in the farthest stall, hands braced against her thighs as she forced herself to breathe.In. Out. In. Out.“You got this,” she whispered.Not in this dress and Not over no fucking man.

But it wasn’t just the man. It was the reminder that he wasn’t hers and never was. It was the tight smile on Sister Malika’s face. The casual way she’d handed Jackie a new fate for Max. It was Zambia’s diamond and her smug little grin and that petty “your age” shit. It was everything and it was alltoo much.

The door creaked open, just as heels clicked across the tile. Then a pause.

“Jackie.” Kormia’s voice called. Jackie didn’t answer. Then Syxe called softer this time

“It’s just us.” Jackie cracked the stall, just a little. Enough to see both of them posted up in front of the sinks. Syxe’s eyes were soft, already brimming. Kormia’sweren’t. Hers were tense, like she was ready to go back out there and flip a table. Jackie stepped out and closed the stall behind her. The silence stretched for a second. Then, “Jackie, what’s up? You good?” Kormia asked, arms folded.

Jackie shook her head. “It’s fine.”

“No, the fuck it’s not,” Kormia snapped.

“What that lil’ bitch say? She look like she was popping it.”

“No, Kormia,” Syxe said gently, touching Jackie’s shoulder. “I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.” Jackie looked between them…and finally let it drop. “He’s marrying her.” The words barely made it out. She leaned against the sink and finally looked at herself.Reallylooked. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and her lips wouldn’t stop trembling. “I shouldn’t care,” she said quietly. “That’s the part that’s killin’ me. I got too much real shit goin’ on to be pressed over some man who was never mine.”

Syxe squeezed her hand. “Jackie…”

“But I do,” she admitted, sharper now. “And I feel dumb as hell for it.”

“You’re not dumb,” Syxe said. “You’re human. You’ve been carrying a lot—Marcus, your son, the wedding, school… all of it. The shit gets heavy Jack.” Tears slipped before she could stop them. Jackie wanted to break, fold into herself, and let it all out. But shecouldn’t.She still had responsibilities. A crew to manage. A space to break down and a car that might not even start later.

More importantly Max also needed her, therefore she didn’t have the luxury of falling apart. “Say the word,” Kormia muttered, stepping closer. “And, I’ll drag that bitch.” That pulled a small smile out of her.Tired.Butreal.“I just want a win,” Jackie said.

“Something… anything… that don’t cost me everything I got left.”

“You gon’ get that,” Syxe whispered. “Maybe not today and maybe not from him. But you gon’ get it.”Jackie looked at herself one more time. Thedress, theface,and theexhaustionbehind it.She did not feel like a woman who won or who was even capable of winning.But she knew how to survive.

“I’ll be okay,” she said. “I promise.” She fixed her makeup, lifted her chin, and walked back out— heart heavy, but head high. A feeling she knew all too well.

CHAPTER TWO

CASH

“I can’t get over how great this place looks.”

Cash’s mother took a long sip of champagne. “It’s a complete transformation. Who knew Ms. Brown had the depth?” Cash’s eyes flicked sideways. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

His mother smiled, tight and polite. Though the judgement beneath her words, was impossible to miss. “Nothing, just that it’s… impressive. More elegant than I expected. She really outdid herself.”

“Babe, your mother’s only stating the obvious,” Zambia added, syrupy as ever. “This kind of execution? The attention to detail? The ambiance? It’s hard to believe Jackie pulled this off alone. I mean, someone had to help, right?” She looked around theatrically, as if the floating florals and mirrored poetry panels were too sophisticated to come from someone like Jackie Brown.

“It’s giving…professional production,” Zambia continued. “Like something you’d see inBridal Vogue. Not something you’d expect from a—what does she call herself? A do-it-yourselfer?”

Cash didn’t say a word, but his jaw tightened. “Not saying she isn’t trying,” Zambia continued, still smiling. “But this is refined, classy, and not exactly the vibe she exudes… respectfully.” She gave a small shrug and sipped her drink. “Some people lack foundational material, and that’s not their fault it’s environmental. You can’t buy taste.” Cash clenched his jaw harder. “This conversation is getting real classist,” hesnapped. “And as Muslim women, y’all know better.” Both women turned to him, his mother with a flash of warning in her eyes, Zambia with mock surprise.

“I’m just being honest,” Zambia said. “It’s not like I am dragging her. I respect the attempt. I mean, look at this place. It’s just… surprising. That’s all.” His mother stepped in, her tone cool.