#louisville built

[a-friend-from-afar]

Transitional Closet - Walk-In Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gender-neutral medium tone wood floor and brown floor walk-in closet remodel with raised-panel cabinets and white cabinets

[fuzzrawmuse]

The full song title is “Built Different (Hot Single Cryptids in Your Area)“ One more song preview take a wild guess on the influence of this track

[girlokwhatever]

i have an emily idea cooking … ok so they played together at louisville (maybe reader is a year or two younger than em) and dated. they broke up and emily left for the wnba. reader transferred to uconn bc louisville reminded her too much of emily. two years later reader is drafted and ends up on the mystics with emily 🙈

(guys i’m switching up the draft picks a little bit to fit the plot ok i know washington wasn’t second pick)

𖤓✎⋆·˚ ༘ *✧.*ੈ✩‧₊˚ end of beginning,,

part two

emily engstler x fem!ex!reader

“i am happy for you emily, truly i am.”

“then why are you breaking up with me? you don’t know that long distance won’t work.”

tears stream down both of your faces, a consequence of your decision to end things with emily. she committed to the draft that was only days away and was projected to rank very high. she was leaving louisville, which meant she was leaving you and the life you built together.

you weren’t mad at her at all. you really were happy for her and her accomplishments. it was going to break you to watch her leave and not come back, which is why you made the decision you did. selfishly, you needed to focus on your career. you needed to let her go so that the two of you could grow on your own.

“emily..”

“please don’t do this. we can try. i’ll try. please.”

you meant the world to emily, encouraged her to do great things and be a better person. she felt as if she owed the entire past year to you and your motivation that kept her going even through the darkest moments. you’d been a great comfort to her. there would be late nights when nothing else mattered but the feeling of you in her arms. she’d do anything for you.

she’d do anything for you.

“i can’t,”

your voice is barely above a whisper. you’re trying to hold back the sob threatening to spill over. sometimes the best choices were the hardest ones to make.

emily drags her hands down her face and peers over at you. you’re not looking at her anymore, head turned and eyes squeezed shut. she reaches out for you and cups her hand around the side of your face. when you lean into her touch she feels sick, finally letting the reality of having to let you go sink in.

“it’s okay. i get it, i know. i love you.”

she kisses your forehead as she stands, letting her hand drop back down to her side. you relish in the feeling before it’s gone because you know this will probably be the last time you feel it. that same feeling that still gives you butterflies.

“i love you too, em.”

that was two years ago.

you went to watch her get drafted, eyes teary and gleaming as you followed her figure walking to the stage after getting picked forth overall. you cheered and cried for her as if nothing had changed.

a few days after that you entered the transfer portal. everything reminded you too much of her. her name was still plastered on the cubby next to yours in the locker room, her scent still lingered in your sheets, her spot on the couch was left untouched, her absence in the home court was noted heavily.

you ended up signing with uconn. the last two years of your collegiate career were spent there, growing and expanding as not only a player but a person. the friends you made were phenomenal and helped you grieve with the ones you lost.

due to the extra work you were putting into your dream, you grew exponentially in popularity on social media along with your fellow teammate paige bueckers. you were close to everyone on the team, especially her. it led to people shipping the two of you much to your surprise.

you hadn’t dated anyone since emily.

but now it was your turn to be drafted. you committed to the draft alongside your two teammates nika and aaliyah. life was good. after two years of struggling and trying to find yourself, things were finally falling into place.

you’d gotten second overall pick in the first round. the washington mystics selected you and you were beyond grateful for the opportunity. you turned to give your coach a hug, noticing paige and azzi recording in the back with wide smiles on their faces.

it felt like a fever dream honestly. the rest of the night flew by, interviews and interactions seemingly only lasting seconds before you were pulled off to the next person. through the haze, you forgot what would be waiting for you once you arrived in washington.

or who.

emily watched the draft, nervous with anticipation to see where you’d end up. when she heard your name and washington mystics in the same sentence, her heart started pounding in her chest.

she never got over you. it made starting the league hard for her considering she lost her main pillar of love and support. her year with the indiana fever was full of intense moments and anger, always feeling like she wasn’t giving enough and kept having to prove herself.

the next year was even harder. she suffered a rough shoulder injury, leading to countless days of physical therapy and doctor visits. all without you.

to know that she’d see you again in only a short number of days was terrifying. you’d both be in training camp together which lasted weeks, spending day after day seeing each other. though it made her anxious, emily was also excited. she would get to see you again in all your glory, hopefully being able to smile and laugh together like you used to.

emily walked into the mystics gym, setting her bag down and standing to observe the room. there were a few people there already, you being one of them. her eyes immediately found you and your figure, so recognizable to emily.

you seemed to have this glowing aura around you. a smile was plastered on your face as you talked to ariel. you dribbled a basketball between your hands effortlessly, adjusting to the weight and getting used to your new surroundings. your eyes also wandered after you broke away from ariel, finding emily across the room.

you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss her. two years without her was a major struggle for you. sometimes, late at night, you wondered what it would’ve been like if you had never broken up with her. there were countless times when you regretted your choice. you never considered the fact that you could possibly be teammates again one day. certainly not so soon.

you wandered onto the court, leaving all your aimless thoughts behind. the rest of the trainees gathered with you and started a simple drill where you and a partner would take turns shooting and guarding one another.

by second nature you and emily found each other, shyly muttering a quick, “do you wanna be my partner?”

“yeah, i’d love to.” her heart was pounding at your words, imagining that maybe, just maybe, you missed her too. she smiled at your shyness, finding it ironic how your relationship had devolved.

emily was considerably taller than you, so shooting over her was not easy feat. at some moments you felt like she was letting you drain shots purposefully, even if she swore she wasn’t. you were even able to block a few of her shots, mostly when she kept her feet planted though.

after awhile and a few rotations, the coach offered a different drill. he split the group in two and let you scrimmage, you and emily somehow ending up on the same team.

it was giving you deja vu. anytime you’d get the ball emily was there either setting a screen or opening a path for you. it felt like she never left, like you never split, like you two were still the dynamic duo you were known to be at one point. like she was still your emily.

being here with her made you feel like your old self. the you from louisville, playing with the emily from louisville. in a time where you were both still in love and happy. another version of yourself was here, the best version of yourself.

after hours of sweating and nearly collapsing from being breathless, the day’s training was coming to an end. you drained one more three point shot, finally feeling satisfied with your performance. everyone cheered for you playfully as you collected your bag, quickly heading back to your car. you made it all the way to the parking lot before hearing a voice.

“you did really good today.”

you turned to see emily standing behind you, slightly disheveled and out of breath. she was smiling softly at you the same way she used to. it still made you flutter to this day, especially when you remember all the memories the two of you share.

“thank you, you too! your defense is still so good.”

“thank you,”

you both stood there in silence, not quite ready to break away. being around her offered you some sense of comfort in such an unfamiliar place.

“how’s paige?”

“paige? i mean, she’s good.”

“are you two, like.. together?”

“what- no. we’re just friends.”

emily nods, satisfied at the information. she’s slightly embarrassed for even asking, but she had to know. she had to know if you moved on with someone else.

“so then, is it okay if i take you out to dinner?”

“like, right now?”

“just tonight. you can shower and stuff of course.”

you don’t even have to think about your answer. you’d been wanting a moment like this for over a year. you missed her so much, too much. it was starting to affect you mentally. you’d wonder about her too often, having to fight some of the strongest urges to reach out to her and ask how she was doing.

“yeah, yeah. i’d really like that.”

she’s smiling, allowing it to reach her eyes as she waves you off. she felt like she was home again, even though she was still thousands of miles away. you were here, and that’s all she needed. any moment with you felt so right.

she took the time apart from you to grow as her own person, but now she was ready to grow again with you.

hopefully, you’d be ready too.

𖤓✎⋆·˚ ༘ *✧.*ੈ✩‧₊˚

guys hopefully the song makes sense for this fic

should i make a part two idk?!!?!

also i will spell check this tomorrow.

[amtrak-official]

Both buildings are taken from Nulu in Louisville

[porcelainapparition]

Louisville, Kentucky

built in 1900

[4rcaneye]

paring: jack harlow x f!reader

summary: there’s always been a spark between jack and his hometown friend. will tonight be the night to change all that?

tw: smut (18+ ONLY), unprotected sex (WRAP IT UP GIRLIES), p in v sex

word count: 1,584

you were one of jack’s best friends growing up in louisville. he was coming back home for a performance and invited you backstage to watch. now you’d always had a thing for jack, but it just never seemed to work out between the two of you. mostly because you were afraid to ruin the friendship that you’d built. tonight you were scared that those feelings from childhood would come back to haunt you.

you watched on the tv backstage as he performed his last song of the night. you couldn’t help but admire how good he looked. he had on his signature wife beater and gray pants. the way his shirt hugged his toned body was enough to drive you wild.

he finished his last song and thanked the crowed before he headed on backstage. you felt your heart skip a beat. you weren’t sure if you could stay composed with him looking this good.

you heard the backstage door creak open and jack walked over to you.

“hey ma.” he said smiling as he pulled you into his arms.

you’d always loved jack’s hugs. they were intoxicating and always left you wanting more. he made you feel like nothing else in the world mattered but the two of you.

“hey.” you said smiling as you pulled away from him. “you were really great out there tonight.”

you meant it. you’d always loved listening to him just do his thing. you were one of his biggest supporters growing up. the two of you used to drive around listening to beats and jack would freestyle. music was always so important to him and it made you so happy to see him get to do what he loved.

“thank you pretty girl i really appreciate it.”

he said flashing that gorgeous smile that he’s so famous for.

pretty girl?

your mind was spinning. this man had you wrapped around his finger and he didn’t even know it.

“oh of course.” you stammered out trying to regain your composure. “you know how much i love watching you perform.”

“well i’m glad you enjoyed it.” he said smiling. “it’s so great to be back home i really missed you.”

“i missed you too j.”

a comfortable silence fell over the two of you as you stood looking at each other.

“well i’m going out to the club with urban and the boys after this if you wanna come?” jack said breaking the silence.

“oh i don’t wanna ruin your night by tagging along.” you said with a sigh.

“but i want you to come.” he said grabbing your hands with a smile.

he was always so good at this. making you feel like you were the only girl in the world when you knew that wasn’t true. jack had many women at his disposal, and you weren’t really in the mood to see them throw themselves at him at the club.

“it’s late j.” you said. lightly rubbing your thumbs over his soft skin.

“so?” he said challenging you. “it’s friday you don’t have work tomorrow.”

he was right.

you also knew that he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“ugh fine.” you said with a fake dramatic sigh.

“YES!” he said doing a little victory dance that made you laugh.

“well come on let’s go before i change my mind.” you said as you walked out.

* * *

you arrived at the club with jack.

you couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down your spine. you were overly aware of how short your dress was. it didn’t help that jack’s hand rested on your lower back leading you through the crowd.

girls were fawning over him and saying the wildest things as you walked passed to the vip section.

jack pulled you in close. “don’t listen to them. i only want you.”

only want me?

there was always tension between you and jack but tonight was just a different level. you didn’t know how to respond to him so you just dismissed what he said.

“okay well..let’s go dance. i didn’t come here to not have fun.” you smirked.

once the two of you hit the dance floor jack grabbed your hips and pressed you up against him.

surprising? yes. unwelcome? no. you didn’t mind feeling his chest on your back or the way his fingers dug into your hips. you liked that you could hear him singling along to the songs and the way his lips brushed over your ear.

you two spent the whole night together and you had a really good time with him. one thing was for sure, jack really knew how to party.

* * *

as you were leaving the club, you realized that there were more people with you than when you came. you turned around to ask jack what you should do.

“you can just sit on my lap ma it’s fine.” he said as if he read your mind.

he put his hand on your lower back and led you toward the car giving you no time to protest his idea. you didn’t know if you could handle being so close to him after all that happened at the club, but it was too late to back out.

* * *

the car started and you instinctively draped your arms around jack’s shoulders.

his hands snaked up to your waist pulling you even closer to him.

“so where are you sleeping tonight?” jack whispered playfully into your ear.

“i don’t know, where do you want me to sleep?” you replied confidently.

“mmm preferably in my bed.” he said slightly squeezing your waist.

“oh i know you would love that.” you said rolling your eyes.

“no i really don’t want you to go home.” jack said seriously. “i want to spend more time with you.”

you wanted to chalk it up to drinking at the club but the truth was that both of you were sober. jack really meant what he was saying and you weren’t sure you could resist.

“okay we can cuddle for a little bit. only for a little while though j and then i have to go home.” you said softly running your fingers through his curly hair.

“okay.” jack said gently looking up at you with his big blue eyes.

* * *

you arrived at his house and jack gave you some comfy clothes to change into.

in the back of your mind you knew you weren’t going home. i mean how could you? you were all cozy in his clothes and he was treating you like a princess.

“come here y/n.” jack said motioning for you to lay in the bed with him.

you crawled in and settled into his arms. reveling in how warm he was and how safe he made you feel.

you turned around in his embrace and now were faced with his crystal blue eyes. something got into you and you were feeling very bold.

“you know..” you said reaching up to run your thumb over his lips. “you’re really pretty.”

jack chuckled and slid his hand down to your waist squeezing it every so slightly.

“i’m glad you think so.”

oh god you wanted him so badly in this moment.

he looked so perfect. the way his hair curled, his eyes, and his full lips. the way his arms and chest looked in the wife beater he had put on for bed. he was irresistible.

jack pulled you in even closer to him.

“i want to feel you.” he whispered quietly in your ear.

it hit you what he meant and your brave bravado was starting to crumble.

“look..” jack started pulling you into his lap. “we don’t even have to do anything i just want to be close to you.”

your fingers danced around the hem of his boxers as you sat in his lap slowly moving your hips in a circular motion.

“then get close to me.”

taking that as his green light, he carefully took his shirt off of you. you felt goosebumps as his fingers gingerly ran across your skin. next came your bra. once it was off he left open mouthed kisses on your chest causing you to moan.

the sounds you made where music to jack’s ears. he loved knowing that he was making you feel good. he wanted to be the only person that made you feel good.

“lift your hips for me baby.” jack asked before taking your panties off.

you leaned in to kiss those pink lips of his and he started to massage your clit. moaning into the kiss you reached to pull his cock out not wanting him to have the upper hand.

jack watched as you gave him a few tugs and swirled your thumb around the tip. you sat up on his lap and guided him inside you causing you to both moan.

“i know baby i know.” jack said as he nuzzled his head into the crook of your neck kissing you. “you’re doing so well.”

his cock was splitting you in two but it felt so good and you just couldn’t stop. jack was running his hands up and down your back in an attempt to help you relax. you felt your eyes growing heavy as you listened to jack’s heartbeat and breathing. it was very calming and it felt good to be with him like this.

“shh ma i got you.” jack cooed in your ear. “go to sleep.”

[the-blind-assassin-12]

Change of Plans

A/N: Although I am SEVERAL days late at this point, this is a gift for @something-tofightfor - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHAEL! I hope your day was all that you wanted it to be, and that this year is the best fucking one yet. I so badly wanted this to be done in time, but you know me. Anywho, I love your guts and I hope you enjoy this chaotic little cake I whipped up with the help of one of your favorite cowboys.

Word count: 4k

Warnings: listen, don't do what Reader does here. Other than that... just some language. It's very tame. But don't do it.

Summary: Jack is there on business. You're there for pleasure.

He noticed you right away. 

Sitting in the waiting area near gate A-7, right leg crossed over your left and an open book in one hand, you caught his eye -

Well hello, gorgeous.

- and he had to repeatedly free his focus from your direction, reminding himself why he was at the airport in the first place. 

Damn it, Agent, you’ve got a job to do.

You turned the page of the book you were reading, letting out a sigh and stretching your neck, and Jack adjusted his position on the barstool he occupied so that he was forced to change his line of sight. He cleared his throat, lifting his glass to his lips and taking a sip. The bold, smoky flavor of the deep amber whiskey coated his tongue, and by the time he swallowed he was back on his task. 

He’d been sent to locate and detain a known associate of a crime boss that Statesman was attempting to bring down. Intel gathered from Agents assigned to the case suggested that the associate - a mid level player who occasionally dealt in black market weapons - would be traveling through Louisville on his way to meet with the mysterious and nefarious man they knew only as The Gatekeeper. The current theory was that The Gatekeeper was operating out of San Francisco - or more specifically, out of a secret underwater lair that was built into one of the foundational structures of the Golden Gate Bridge, hence his nickname. But Statesman had been unable to confirm that yet. Catching up with the Gatekeeper’s gun runner was their best bet when it came to pinning down his location for sure, and since he had the most experience with facial recognition and planting trackers, the assignment had gone to Agent Whiskey. 

So let’s find this shit kicker and get on with it so I can get on with… He resisted the urge to turn back in your direction. 

Setting his glass down on the cork coaster it was served to him on, he brought his newly emptied hand up to tap the arm of his gold wire glasses. At the touch of his fingertip, the stealth lens screens activated, and he used them to scan the faces of the people moving through the terminal. So far none had hit as a match for the Gatekeeper’s associate, but since the man was clever enough to book himself tickets on multiple flights that day to make it harder for anyone who might be looking to follow him, Jack had to keep checking until he either found his target or the last of those flights had taken off. 

I’ll find him. Soon as he shows up I’ll- 

But Jack didn’t even need to finish the thought, because his lenses detected the person he’d been waiting for before he could. Just as he was about to get up from his seat and position himself to intercept his target, though, he saw something else flash across his lenses. 

Mission directive has changed. Do not detain. Intel from Kingsman suggests associate may also be working with Golden Circle remnants in Canada. New directive is only to place the tracker and not to pursue until we know for sure who he is meeting. Agents in Vancouver and San Francisco have been put on alert and will be activated as needed. 

Jack blinked twice to acknowledge Ginger’s message, then used the movement of his eyes to send a question in response. 

Received. Return to HQ? 

He had his jet on standby there at the airport in the event that he needed to abscond with The Gatekeeper’s man, and he assumed that since that was no longer necessary, Champ and Ginger would want him to come back and await further information. Keeping one eye on his target, he used the other to read the new message that flashed across his lens, finding it to be a surprise. 

Negative. Don’t want to risk the chance of counter tracking. Take the Pony somewhere for a few days first. Vegas or Denver are preferable but Mexico City is also available. 

Well, shoot. Looks like I’m takin’ a vacation. My favorite kind of mission. 

Ginger had listed cities where Statesman owned properties that were reserved for off duty use - for when Agents had to lay low for a while, or for when they needed a safe place to recover from injuries sustained in the line of duty. There were several more located around the world, but judging by the selection that was presented to him, they wanted him to stay close enough to either have him back in Kentucky in a matter of hours, or send him to California or British Columbia in a pinch when the intel on who the associate was meeting with came back. 

Received. Target inbound. Contact when directive complete. 

With that, he lifted his finger up to tap the arm of his glasses once more, the screens deactivating so that he could remove them, folding them for safe storage in the inner pocket of his jacket. In a turn of luck, his mark headed straight for the bar he was seated at and sat down two stools over. He showed no signs of having made Jack for a secret operative, not even bothering to look in his direction as he ordered a drink from the bartender. 

Perfect. 

Jack’s grin was imperceptible as he used his thumb and pointer finger to pull one of the small “buttons” from the cuff of his jacket sleeve. Flattening it with a tight pinch, he dropped the bio-tracker into his own beverage and watched as it dissolved into the liquid. It finished just as the bartender placed a rocks glass of whiskey on a coaster in front of Jack’s target. He waited for the other man to take a sip, and then he closed the distance, scooting over one stool so that he was right next to him, and then he greeted the man with a jovial tone. 

“Did my ears deceive me just now, or did I hear you order the Statesman 12 year, my friend?” Jack pointed to the other man’s glass while holding his own. 

The other man turned to face Jack, a semi-scowl on his face, his annoyance over being addressed by a seemingly drunken stranger as a “friend” clearly written in gray-green eyes. “What?” He glanced down at Jack’s glass and then at his own. “Oh.” He grunted and gave Jack a nod before taking another sip of his drink. “Yeah. You drinking the same, I take it?” He arched one eyebrow and turned back to face the television screen behind the bar without waiting for the answer to the question he’d just asked. 

“Smoothest bourbon there is.” Jack held up his glass, inspecting the contents. To anyone else’s eye - even the man beside him - it would appear as though he were simply appreciating the way the overhead lights streaked through the rich amber liquid. In truth, he was making sure that the button-turned-tracker had been completely infused into the drink. Seeing that it was, he glanced over and caught his mark with his own glass midway to his lips once more.

Slow down there, son, leave some for our toast. 

Reaching for the man’s elbow, he stopped him from draining the last of his beverage. “How about we both raise our glasses to good taste and safe travels?” 

The other man jerked his arm away as though he’d been burned, the motion accompanied by a deeply frustrated sigh. Checking his watch, he rolled his eyes and shook his head at Jack. “Sure Fine. Just make it quick, I have a flight to catch.” 

As he presented his glass for the toast, Jack aggressively clinked the rim of his against it - with just enough force so that some of his drink had sloshed into the other man’s glass without him noticing. “Quick it is. Safe travels.” 

“Uh huh.” The sketch of a scowl was back as the man nodded again, knocking back the remainder of his drink, including the tracker. “Same to you.” With that, he slapped a fifty on the bar and left his empty glass, on his way to whatever gate would take him to whatever scumbag was waiting for him. 

The Gatekeeper or the Golden Circle… or whoever the fuck else. We’ll know soon enough. 

Taking his glasses back out of his pocket, Jack unfolded them and put them back on his face. With a tap of his finger the one-way screens hidden in the lenses activated again, and through a series of blinks and subtle eye movements, he sent confirmation of his mission back to Ginger Ale. 

Tracker planted. Target in motion. 

Before he got a response, though, he was distracted by a voice coming from over his shoulder. “Excuse me? Is anyone sitting there?” 

He turned towards the speaker and his eyes widened, lips lifting into a slight grin when he saw that it was you. 

Hot damn, she’s even prettier up close. 

His grin grew at your sudden, small intake of breath when your eyes met. “All yours.” Using one hand, he pulled the stool out for you as Ginger’s message started to scroll across his field of vision. 

You muttered a thank you as you chewed your lower lip. “You didn’t have to-” 

Well done Agent Whiskey. The tracker is live and we are following its movement. Which location did you select? 

“Now darlin’, what kind of gentleman would I be if I only did what I had to do?” He smiled, covertly answering Ginger’s question. 

Not sure yet. Stay tuned. 

You let out a sound that was almost a laugh, shrugging. “You’d be like most gentlemen I’ve known, I guess.” 

Agent, we need to know- 

Jack brought his hand up and tapped the side of his glasses, closing the communication screen and letting Ginger’s message go unfinished. It wasn’t the first time he’d done it and it wouldn’t be the last. He always eventually got back to her and never made her wait too long. But his focus had been drawn to you all afternoon, and now that you were sitting directly beside him, he wasn’t going to rush the interaction he’d been putting off for hours. 

“Then allow me to introduce to you a different kind.” He reached up and swept his hat from his head, laying it on the bartop, and extended his free hand to you.  “Jack Daniels.” 

–  –  – 

15 Minutes Earlier…

You checked your watch with a sigh, noting that you still had a little under an hour before you’d be called for boarding. 

It’s fine. That means I can start another chapter now. You rolled your eyes. I’ll need a new book for the flight home at this rate, though. 

It was one of those flights that didn’t make sense - with a 4 hour layover in a city that was completely out of the way of your destination. But that was why you’d been able to find tickets for only $48 each way, less than three days out. Things at work had been hectic, and you weren’t sure if you were going to be able to get the time off until the very last minute. So even though it certainly wouldn’t have been your first choice if you’d been able to book it months ago when the trip was first brought up, you were perfectly content to take the unnecessary stopover in Louisville on your way to Las Vegas. 

Doesn’t hurt when the people watching prospects are this interesting, either. 

You glanced over at the nearby bar and the astoundingly attractive man seated there who’d snagged your attention as soon as he arrived. He, like a handful of others in the terminal, wore a dark felted Stetson But unlike most, it suited him. As did his perfectly tailored suit and- 

Oh, fuck, he’s wearing glasses now. And they look damn good on him, too. 

You cleared your throat and forced your thoughts back to your trip and your reason for taking the less than desirable layover. Even though it meant spending hours alone in an airport, you were excited, because it also meant being able to see several of your friends who lived far away, and being able to celebrate your birthday with them. Well, not just your birthday. The trip was meant to be a group celebration to make up for the fact that you hadn’t all been able to get together for a birthday in years. Since there happened to be two of you who had birthdays in January, that was the month that was chosen. But the dates that were settled on had included your actual birthday smack dab in the middle of them, and you were looking forward to having something fun to do with people you missed. 

Which was why you groaned as you read the notification that popped up on your phone regarding the flight status. 

Delayed - Mechanical Issues 

“Fuck.” You muttered under your breath, closing the airline app and tapping your phone screen to open the group chat so you could fill the others in on your situation. Before you finished typing though, your phone vibrated in your hand and a picture popped up of two of your friends - Jess and Maddy - both wearing ear to ear smiles at Harry Reid International, the text from Jess simply reading two words followed by several exclamation marks: We’re here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Kayla chimed in next, responding with an emphatic YAY! and sending a screenshot of her GPS, showing that she was just under 2 hours out. Be there so soon! 

Nat still had her phone on airplane mode since she’d only taken off from LAX about an hour earlier, so you didn’t bother waiting for an update from her before you finished typing your own. 

Bad news, my flight out of Louisville is delayed. :( Mechanical issues… No idea when I’ll be there now, but I’ll keep you all posted. 

You sent the message and tucked your phone into the outer pocket of your bag as disappointment set in. As it was, the rest of your friends were already supposed to arrive half a day before you. But now, it was looking like you were going to miss out on the entire first day of the trip. 

Or more. 

Frowning at the thought, you tried not to let yourself get too upset until you had a better idea of your situation. You told yourself that it could be something quick and easy to remedy - maybe you’d only have to wait one more hour. Maybe less. Either way, you decided that since half of the group was already there, it meant that the vacation had unofficially started, and it was time you treated yourself to a drink. 

And if I know Jess and Maddy, they’re doing the same right now. 

You picked up your bag, slinging the strap over your shoulder, and headed towards the bar. It was moderately crowded, only a few stools left vacant scattered here and between other travelers. But as you got closer you noticed that the man you’d caught yourself spending more time watching than any of the others was still seated there - and that the seat beside him had just become empty. 

Perfect timing. 

That confidence lasted only until the man spun at the sound of your voice, and seeing him up close had nearly knocked the breath from your lungs. 

Oh, shit. He’s- 

By the time he’d given you his name along with his hand to shake, you’d noticed things about him that you hadn’t from across the room. Like the flecks of tan and gold that lightened his dark brown eyes, the distinct bow of his upper lip beneath his mustache and how it rested against the plush pillow of the lower one, the way you couldn’t see a stitch of leather on him aside from his boots, but the smell of it - along with bergamot - clung to him and made him even more appealing. 

You swallowed, his warm hand wrapping around yours and squeezing as you managed to tell him your name. “It’s nice to meet you, Jack.” 

Without letting go of your hand or releasing your eyes from the lock his own had on them, he repeated your name back to you, the sound of it making your face grow warm. “Pleasure’s all mine, I promise you.” 

When he winked as he withdrew his hand, you knew you were screwed. You ordered yourself a drink - something local, a bourbon you’d not seen before called Statesman - and Jack, though approving of your choice, simply asked for a glass of water. As you brought the glass to your lips, another thought popped into your head. 

But am I really screwed, though? Because… he seems just as interested as I am. 

Over the next half hour, you and Jack made small talk and subtly flirted in smirks and glances. You asked him what brought him to the airport that day, to which he’d answered: 

“Had some business here earlier. But that’s done, so the rest of my evening is completely free.” 

You shook your head at that, taking another sip of your drink. Damn that’s good. “Don’t you have a flight to catch?” 

At that, he grinned and spread his large hands wide. “Ah, well, that is one of the perks of being my own pilot.” He raised one eyebrow and leaned towards you. “I can leave whenever I choose.” 

Okay, I wasn’t expecting that. That definitely makes him even more attractive somehow, though. 

You mouthed the word wow and let out a stunted laugh as you reached into your bag to retrieve your phone. Some time had passed and you were hoping that there would be another notification about the status of your delayed flight. “That must be nice.” You groaned as you saw that there was nothing new from the airline, and several texts from your friends expressing their dismay over your travel woes. Shaking the phone in your hand, you sighed. “I’m here on a layover that got delayed and the rest of my friends are already in Vegas.” Looking over at him, you wet your lips with your tongue. “I’d love to be able to just… hop in and take off whenever I wanted to.”

–  –  –  

Well, shit. Did she just say Vegas? 

Clearing his throat, Jack reached up to tap the arm of his glasses. Several missed messages came through at once, all from Ginger, but he blinked them away as he spoke. “Well, I know we’ve only just met, and I’m not trying to make any suggestions-” Though I could. “- But I happen to be going to Sin City myself tonight.” He had to contain his grin at the flash in your eyes as he used the nickname for the gambling town. “I’d be more than happy to take you with me.” 

Destination selected. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 

You sucked in a breath at his proposition, and though he knew you were likely considering saying no, he hoped you’d say yes. “I… Jack, I couldn’t ask you to-” 

“You’re not. I’m askin’. I’ll show you my license and everything to prove that I’m legit, but darlin’, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to.” He tilted his head towards the window. “No tellin’ how long they’ll need to fix that bird, and if your friends are already there…” He trailed off and shrugged, returning his gaze to you. “My jet is fully fueled and ready to go. I could get you there so you don’t have to miss out too much. More than you already have, I mean.” 

He could practically hear Ginger’s reply when it came through, but he fought the urge to let out a snort as he read it. 

IT’S ABOUT TIME, AGENT. Make sure your friend buckles up. We’ll contact you when you can return to HQ. 

You bit your lower lip again, and he couldn’t help but watch the way your teeth dug into your flesh. “I…” He saw the rest of your protest dissolve the same way the tracker had earlier, your eyes shifting from skeptical to excited until that’s all he saw in them. You laughed, then, lifting your hand and holding up one finger. “Alright. I’ll… yes. I’ll take you up on it. But on one condition.” 

Received. Will await contact. Over. 

Jack reached up to tap his glasses before removing them and stowing them in his pocket. He leaned in closer to you, concentrating on the quirk of your lips and the mixture of impulse and instinct in your eyes. “Let’s hear it.” 

“You let me buy you a drink once we get there.” You said it over the rim of your glass as you finished the last of it, eyes on him as you swallowed. 

An excuse to go out with a beautiful woman? That’s the condition? 

Jack flashed you a smile. “I think those terms are more than agreeable, ma’am.” 

–  –  –  

What the fuck am I doing? 

You half laughed at yourself, but at the same time there was something about Jack that made you feel like you could trust him. You were aware that that could be a danger in and of itself, but your gut told you he was a good man, and you had always felt that you were a good and accurate judge of character. 

How’s it any different from meeting a guy and getting in his car with him? It’s not, really. 

It was, and you knew it was, but you hadn’t been wrong yet. And as much as you wanted to get to Vegas to see your friends, you also found yourself wanting more time to get to know Jack. He was offering you the chance to do both of those things, and even though you were looking for one, you couldn’t find a downside. 

Pulling out your phone, you opened the group chat and sent one text before switching it to airplane mode. 

Change of plans. Met a (really good looking) pilot who was on his way to Vegas and offered me a ride. Sending a screenshot of his license number in case I go missing hahaha. Just kidding. I’ll be fine. See you soon!

You knew what they’d say when they saw your message. 

Jess would likely just send a thumbs up - or possibly a photo of herself giving a thumbs up. 

Maddy would emphasize your message and respond with something like Okay but don’t die! 

Kayla’s message would be a more whimsical reaction like Jesus take the wheel! (Wait do planes have wheels?) or Life is short, take rides from hot pilots when you can with the peace sign emoji. 

And Nat would send advice from several documentaries and podcasts she’d seen or listened to, about what to do if you were being abducted. 

You laughed to yourself again at the entire situation. 

“Alright, Jack.” You hopped down from your stool and picked up your bag. “I’m ready when you are.” 

He stood, taking his hat from the bartop and placing it on his head. “No time like the present.” Running his hands over his clothes, he smoothed out his suit jacket. “Follow me, darlin’. And give me that.” He pointed his chin towards your bag. “I’m a gentleman, remember? Where would my manners be if I let a lady carry her own bags?” 

You shook your head with a smile and handed over your carry-on, leaving you with only your purse. “I don’t know. You’re teaching me about gentlemen, remember?” 

You knew when you saw his eyes darken that you’d made the right call. 

“Oh, sugar. I remember. Few hours to Vegas. Plenty of time for me to teach you things.” With that he started walking and you were left to follow, slightly stunned at the implications in his tone and in his words. 

This is definitely going to be a trip to remember, that’s for sure. 

.

.

.

Thank you for reading! If you would like to be added to or removed from the taglist, please feel free to let me know by sending a message or filling out the form on my masterlist! :)

tags: @something-tofightfor @dihra-vesa @littlemisspascal @mishasminion360 @nyctophiliiiiaaa @practicalghost @tanzthompson @harriedandharassed @woodlandmouth @trickstersp8 @imtryingmybeskar @wildmoonflower @mswarriorbabe80 @theredwritingwitch @silverstarsandsuns @competentpotato @pedro-pedrito-pascalito @jedi-in-crocs @hannahkatharine @novemberrain221 @chiyo13 @myloveistoolittle @Noisynightmarepoetry

[venic-bxtch]

If I didn’t meet you

Synopsis: Pregnant Y/N asks Jack who he would have dated if they never met.

Paring: Husband!Jack x Wife!Black fem reader

TW: Talk of morning sickness and pregnancy

You were making your morning Mint Tea to calm down your morning sickness. Kaliea, your daughter, had been changed, fed, and put to play in the playroom.

Your husband was asleep since he stayed out late last night.

You walked back into the bedroom and sat at your white armchair you read at. As you opened up the blinds near you so you could see,Jack finally woke up.

He looked over at you smiling. His hair was messy and his eyes squinting,”Good Morning, baby.”

You got up to kiss his forehead,”Morning J.”

He sat up and patted on the spot where you sleep,”Come sit.”

You pouted,”Jackkk, my tea is gonna get cold!”

He chuckled,”You could get a blanket, put it on your stomach, then put your tea on your stomach and drink. Problem solved!”

You groan,”Fineeeeee. Only because I love you.” You got your tea from the side table and went to sit on the bed. You did as he said.

He stared at you for a while, smiling.

You raised an eyebrow,”What? Is there something on my face?”

He put his hand on your cheek,”Nah. You’re just so pretty.”

You smiled,”Thank you handsome.” A random question popped into your head,”Jack, if we never met. What would your life be like? I know mine would be..interesting…” Your parents had wanted you married off to a close family-friend of yours, since both families were religious.Your father owned a chain of designer resale stores across the country. Your family friends family owned mega churches and charities. You both went to the same church throughout your lives until you moved from Louisville to Florida. But there was no romantic feelings.

You and Jack met when he went on a summer vacation with his family during middle school years. You happened to be at the same beach that day. Your family had also happened to set up the beach umbrellas and chairs right next to Jack’s families umbrella and beach chairs. Your younger siblings built sandcastles together, practically giving you two a reason to speak to each other.

You left the beach that day with his phone number and a new crush, and the rest is history.

Jack furrowed his brows,”No clue…Why?”

You sighed,”Just curious. But seriously, who would you be with and what would your life be like?”

He began,”Well, I wouldn’t be Kaliea’s dad, we would have never been married, I would have ended up with a girl at my school who also had a similar passion for rap. Andddddd,” He put his hand on his heart and spoke dramatically,”I can’t imagine not giving you my kids. The process of it especially.”

You smacked his arm,”Jackman!”

He put his hands up in surrender,”What? It’s true. You liked it too!”

You smiled,”Yes I did. I can’t front on that.”

He nodded, smiling,”As you should. Now, where’s my morning kiss?”

You laughed,”Here.” You leaned in and kissed him. The kiss became more passionate by the second, then you pulled back,”Smush, I would….but I’m ok with one baby in my stomach for now. You’d make it happen even if it wasn’t possible.”

Kaliea began crying.

Jack got up,”Ah, I love fatherhood.” He said joking. He looked back at you,pointing,”And yes, I would make it possible, I am a very determined man.”

A/N: Just a little something before I put up chapter 3 of first class. I’ve been very busy with studying😭Psychiatry is not easy. Bear with me for now.

-Michelle💗🎀🌺

[leveloneandup]

Press returns to Angel City training

The star forward joined team training for the first time in two years.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The rehabilitation process has not been easy for Angel City forward Christen Press. She tore her right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Racing Louisville on June 11, 2022, and underwent four surgeries.

Now, two years later, on the same day, Press returned to Angel City team training.

Press participated in warm-ups and a passing drill. Although she had trained individually and been around the team for months, she had not gone through drills with the rest of the group until Tuesday.

“I always thought I would be on the quickest timeline possible,” Press told reporters. “I always had some big milestone in my head that I just was sure I was going to make. That’s part of who I am. I’m just relentlessly optimistic. I’m naively positive, thinking that everything’s gonna work out for me. I never want that to change.

I kind of got off course of all of those timelines so many times that I finally had to relinquish that expectation of myself. To be back in my team training, which is a small milestone, but one that you [the media] are all here for, it feels like a full circle kind of moment. It feels a little poetic to hit it on the day precisely.”

Tuesday’s return was a significant step forward for the two-time World Cup winner. However, her return to matches may not be soon.

“It’s going to be a little while before you see me in a game, so be patient,” Press said.

In the meantime, Press will continue the rehabilitation process. Her plan involves individual drills and work in team training.

“[Press] has a detailed plan that she is fully bought into moving forward with, which is exciting,” Tweed said. “There will be different days in terms of loading and what she is doing. But she is doing things daily in an individual space, so when she comes back into the team training, she is prepared for everything that’s coming her way.”

To be able to get her in pieces with the team is huge, but to continue moving forward with her individual trading is also huge.”

Despite the lengthy (and ongoing) comeback, Press feels she has healed herself while being a part of Angel City. She built a community in Los Angeles and feels settled for the first time in her life.

“I bought a house,” Press said. “I have a home here, and it feels permanent. That is very different. In that, I have been able to build a community that I feel very cared for in and that has helped me heal.”

Press is excited about her eventual return to matches but also understands the importance of patience.

“No matter how zen I seem when I talk about it, you can’t help having your mind race towards the excitement of, if I check all these boxes and I make it on the fastest timeline, then I could make this game,” Press said. “You can’t help but do that.

“I try to embrace that excitement and not squander it, but then also temper it with the balance and the reality that this is not in my control and patience has been my best friend for the last 730 days and more.”

Press will stay the course. Tuesday’s participation in team training was a step closer to her comeback.

Source: The Sporting Tribune

[britsyankswheels24]

🇺🇲 The last Edsel, a station wagon, rolled off the Louisville assembly line on November 19, 1959. The story of the 1960 Edsel is brief but poignant. Production began on September 14, 1959, at the Ford Louisville plant, the only remaining Edsel manufacturing facility, and just over a month later, on October 15, the cars were introduced to the public. However, by November 19, production had ceased, with only 2,846 vehicles assembled.

📅 The final Edsel to be built, known as Job Number 344, was a tan station wagon. For the assembly crew, it was just another day at work. The engine gave a slight cough as it started, and in two minutes, the last Edsel rolled off the line and into history.

🔚 It's clear that by the time the 1960 models were introduced, the Edsel was already a lost cause for the Ford Motor Company. Despite its short production run, the Edsel has left a lasting legacy as one of the most memorable names in automotive history.

[heavyhitterheaux]

Church Girl, Don’t Hurt Nobody

AN: Watch out for the good girls 🤭

Synopsis: Jack is head over heels when he meets a girl at a party back home in Louisville. Little does he know, she's holding on to a secret and Jack is the last to know.

Pairing: Jack Harlow x Reader

Jack Harlow Masterlist

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

The time on the clock read 4:45 AM and you knew that you would have to leave soon in order to get there on time and so your parents didn’t suspect anything. One thing they were strict about was being on time, but then again they were strict about everything.

How you did your hair, the kind of make-up you wore, the clothes you chose, the shoes, and even who you dated.

Left up to them you would date Vic, who was the drummer and they couldn’t and wouldn’t stop raving about him. 

However, you weren’t interested. 

He definitely wasn’t your speed and up to your standards, you preferred someone with blue eyes, curly hair, 6 '3, and from your hometown of Louisville. 

All because they had a reputation to protect and the last thing they wanted was for their youngest daughter to mess it up. You had to be careful with every single move that you made when you went out into the world.

But, when you were with him, all of that went out the window and none of it mattered. 

They weren’t nearly this hard on your other siblings, you figured it was because they did as they were told and you were the only one who gave them push back. And that had been happening for as long as you could remember. 

You didn’t ask to be born into a family of preachers, pastors, and mega churches and you believed in your heart of hearts that you should have been able to choose your own path instead of having it chosen for you. You believed the word, no doubt about it in your mind, but you just didn’t know if this was truly what you were meant to do just because you were born into it. 

Even if all that was going behind the scenes, you did love your job.

Being the lead singer and being the choir director despite how young you were. Usually in churches, the choir director wasn’t younger than 50 give or take. 

Ever since you were younger, you wanted to be an entertainer and one of your biggest inspirations was different girl groups from the 80s and 90s. Destiny’s Child, SWV, Total, Xscape, TLC, and the list goes on. 

That went out the window when you turned 13 and were told by your parents that you would now be a part of the choir and there were no exceptions so this was probably the closest that you would ever get to making that a reality. So, when it came down to it, you were an entertainer and people did know who you were to a certain extent. However, you liked to keep it lowkey as much as possible.

Rehearsals three times a week sometimes lasted for four hours and you better be on time for each service on Sunday morning. No exceptions. 

8, 10, and 12. 

Someone could be on their deathbed, but if your mother saw that you were late, she would send you to meet Jesus a little bit faster. 

You had recently moved back to Louisville permanently after helping out one of the churches that was an extension of the one your parents originally built in North Carolina and you had been there for almost six months.

When you had gotten back, your cousin Taylor had invited you to her birthday party knowing that out of all your siblings you would probably be the only one to go since it had taken place on a Saturday night and that was when you first laid eyes on him in person.

Jack.

You knew who he was and you were a big fan. When you weren’t on church duty, you would tend to sneak out of your parents house and dive into the Louisville nightlife. You always made it a priority to disguise yourself so no one would be able to know that it was you and it wouldn’t somehow get back to your parents. This had been going on ever since you were fourteen. 

Even though you had told Jack a lot about you, one thing he didn’t know was what your day job was and how you and your family are connected to Louisville. You always tried to put as much distance between you and them so that you would be able to have your own identity, but no matter how hard you tried, it didn’t work.

You wanted for him to get to know you without the label of you being a church girl or a preacher’s kid.

A lot of times when people found out, they ran for the hills having it already made up in their minds that they would never be good enough for you or be up to your parents standards. 

Jack was very special to you and the last thing you wanted to do was lose him.

All that you would tell Jack is that you liked to sing in your spare time at your parents’ business.

However, you still hadn’t sang for him yet and he definitely did not know what your parents did.

You thought for sure he caught on when you told him your last name, but it still didn’t. And the crazy part is when you told him, the two of you were on a late night ice cream date and there you two were in the heart of the city standing directly under a billboard of your parents. 

He would find out soon, you promised yourself that you would tell him when the time was right. You just hoped that he didn’t look at you differently once you did. 

You were currently doing your best to try to ease Jack’s arm off of you in order not to wake him up, but of course you immediately failed when he responded by hugging you tighter. This quickly lead to you getting a smile on your face.

“Where are you running off to now? I actually caught you this time. Usually you’re gone before I’m awake.” Jack raspily asked you before placing a kiss on your neck.

“I just have to do a few things before meeting my parents. You know how they are if I’m late.”

“And when am I going to meet these parents of yours?”

He would bring this up periodically, but truth be told you were scared. You loved the thrill of being able to sneak around and have a secret relationship without anyone being in your business and you embraced it. You did plan for Jack to be in your life for the long haul, so it was only a matter of time until he didn’t take not yet for an answer anymore. 

“Never if it was left up to me. But soon, I promise. I just have to tell them about you.”

Jack was now wide awake and sat up while looking down at you in disbelief and you quickly looked away.

“Babe, you still haven’t told them?” 

“My parents are different and they just… can be very judgmental of people and things and the complete opposite of me. My mother more so than my dad. I think that he would really like you. I don’t want to have to subject you to that if I don’t have to. I mean, I barely like to be around her so I highly doubt that you will either.”

When the both of you fell for each other, you both fell HARD. It was only a month into the relationship when Jack wanted you to meet his parents and had no hesitations on letting you know how he felt. 

“Don’t think I’m rushing you, I just thought that you would have at least mentioned me to them by now. You’ve already met mine and they love you.”

Even though it was only a month in when he wanted you to meet them, it didn’t actually take place until last week. At dinner you noticed how Maggie kept looking at you curiously and it wasn’t until she had pulled you to the side later on and said what a big fan she was of your voice and how Jack would speak so highly of you. She also said how she wasn’t surprised because she knew how well people spoke of your parents.

Even his parents knew your connection to the gospel world, but he didn’t. The relationship was still fairly new and you were going at your own pace with revealing everything to him.

He would travel a lot so that was your excuse for not saying anything, no matter how poor of an excuse it was. Every time he brought it up, you would say how busy your parents were running their business and you and your siblings always had to help them keep it afloat.

He just didn’t know that business was a mega church that had multiple locations in Kentucky and in other states. 

“The only person who knows about you is my best friend and she’s also sworn to secrecy. I’d rather you meet her first before you meet them. She knows all about you.”

Your best friend Taina was also in the choir with you and you told her everything knowing that she would never break your trust or tell your parents about your secret relationship with Jack or anyone else in your family for that matter. When going out with him, she did her best to disguise you as well as she could so that no one would recognize you. It’s worked for the past few months, but you knew that your luck would eventually run out. A lot of times you would wear Jack’s clothes to make it a bit easier, but being 4’11 you were limited to only his shirts and sweatshirts. 

You could only hide a Grammy winning gospel artist for so long no matter how low key you thought that you were being. 

“Soon, okay? I.. don’t want anything or anyone to ruin this for me or for us.”

“Why do you think someone would ruin it?” Jack asked while moving you to lay on his chest.

“Once you meet my family, you’ll understand.”

It was now six in the morning on a Sunday and you were speeding back to the house that you shared with your parents, siblings, and their spouses along with your nieces and nephews.

You happened to be the only one out of all your siblings who wasn’t married. 

Your parents had an estate built along with sections for each of their children along with their families so no one would ever have to leave.

But you knew better, it was so your mother could keep an eye on all of you. 

It was easy for you to sneak out and meet Jack because of the separate entrance to your section and no one really bothered you.

You believed deep down that your siblings didn’t like you because no matter how much push back you gave your parents, they always gave you anything that you wanted. Except for your big sister Eden. You were closest with her and would share a lot with her. Many times you debated on telling her about Jack, but every time you went to tell her, you backed out, scared of what her reaction was going to be. 

However, all of the pushback came from your mother and not your father.

You knew she loved you but didn’t like you.

She was close to your two other sisters, Eden and Grace, but when it came to you there was somewhat of a disconnect no matter how much you tried to get in her good graces. 

So, you gave up trying to please her a while ago.

Whenever you did something she didn’t like, she would simply throw out bible verses in your face and say how you were being disobedient. She was one of those Christians that twisted the word to fit their narrative. 

And you knew for a fact that no one was supposed to do that. 

You slipped in the house quietly by 6:30 and immediately went to pick out your outfit. You sent a text to Jack to let him know that you were safe before hopping in the shower making sure there wasn’t a trace of his scent left on you which would lead to more questions. 

Once you came out of the shower, your big sister Eden was sitting on your bed startling you.

“Sh– EDEN!”

“Go ahead and finish that first word.” She said while smirking, but all you did was roll your eyes.

“What did you need?” You asked while looking for your peach scented body butter that Jack had gifted you last week.

“Nothing, but where were you?”

“How did you know I went somewhere?”

“Don’t start, little one. You did go somewhere. You know you can tell me and that I won’t tell her. I never do.”

“I went out to see Taina and that was it. Got tired and stayed over last night, that’s all.”

Eden knew that you were lying to her, but wasn’t going to push it any further.

“I’ll let it slide for now, but I’ll get it out of you sooner or later.” She replied while hopping up off your bed and leaving your room.

You then let out a breath that you didn’t know that you were holding.

You then looked for an outfit that had to fit with the color scheme for this week and the choir had decided on blue and black. You made sure that the outfit didn’t have a lot of skin showing, proceeded to do your make-up and hair and made your way downstairs to sit with your family at the breakfast table.

“You’re late.” Your mother muttered while not even looking up from her notes. 

“It’s not even 7:30 and I see that the rest of you are still here too. So how am I late? And late for what? They haven’t even brought the food out.” You asked while slipping in your seat next to your older sister Eden who gave you a small warning look to tell you to let it go, but she knew you better than that. 

“Eric, get that daughter of yours.” Your mother simply replied and you rolled your eyes.

“It is literally barely 7 in the morning and the two of you need to get a grip.” Your father said while mouthing sorry to you, but you simply waved him off.

“It’s fine, daddy. I’ll just leave early since my presence is such an inconvenience for her and always has been since I’ve been born. Just say you don’t like me and go.” You said while scooting away from the table, but your father tried to stop you along with Eden. 

“You’re my daughter! And you think I don’t like you?”

“Oh, I know for a fact that you don’t. Because I’m not like your other children. Anyway, Hannah, can I just get a cup of hot tea?” You asked Hannah who was the cook that worked for your family and she quickly nodded and you simply got up to follow her into the kitchen while your mother sat at the table and shook her head.

“That girl, I swear. She’s going to put me into an early grave, just you watch.”

“You’re too hard on her and you know it. I’ve told you that I don’t know how many times. All she ever wanted was a relationship with her mother, but you keep pushing her away so what do you expect?” Your father asked her and took a sip of his orange juice.

“She’s just different from the rest of us. I know that she means well in her own little way.” Eden was your oldest sibling who always took up for you and defended you.

“Of course you would defend her.” Grace muttered while rolling her eyes and got a look from Eden in return. 

“Well, she needs to get on the same page. Eden, she is an adult and you need to stop defending her and babying her. She is 27 years old and needs to act like it. I don’t know where I went so wrong with her. This empire is not going to fall or be embarrassed by her. We have worked too hard for her to undo this.”

“Mom, don’t do that. She’s my sister and I’m always going to defend her. Especially when all due respect, you’re in the wrong. She always tries to do right by you, but no matter how hard she tries it never seems to be enough. Sooner or later, you are going to push her away and she won’t want anything to do with you or anyone in this family. I love my baby sister and I’m going to show her that at least one person in this family supports and cares for her.”

All your mother did was sit quietly in response until Hannah had come back in the room.

“Hannah, will you make baby girl’s favorite for dinner tonight? I need to apologize to her later.”

When the last service was finally over, you switched your shoes from your black stilettos to New Balance slides and let out a sigh of relief as you were now in your new G Wagon that was a gift from your father last month. You were patiently waiting for Taina who had been talking to a few people. You wanted to get out there as quickly as possible and didn’t stay long for someone to have an opportunity to start talking to you. 

You took the opportunity to facetime Jack and he immediately answered. He was still laying in the same position as he was when you had left him this morning and all you did was let out a small laugh. 

You couldn’t blame him one bit since this was a rare off day for him. His album was getting ready to be released and you knew that he better soak this all in now and you needed to soak in being able to spend quality time with him now too because in the upcoming months it might be far in between. 

“Hey babe, still sleep?” You asked and he let out somewhat of a groan.

“I take that as a yes.”

“No, I’m up. How did meeting up with your parents go?”

“It could have gone better, but we’re not focusing on that right now. My dad was fine as always, it’s just that mother of mine.” You answered thinking back to this morning.

“Oh, I wanted to ask you something, baby. You aren’t doing anything next Friday are you?” Jack asked and a smile erupted on his face. 

Choir rehearsal, but it could be moved to Thursday. If Friday was going to allow you to spend more time with your boyfriend, you were all for it. 

“No, what’s going on?”

“My album release party and I want you there. Just a few people, nothing too big.”

You stared off into space a little bit thinking about if someone took pictures and them getting back to your parents.

All hell would break loose.

Literally.

“Baby, did you hear me?” Jack asked while looking at you confused since you hadn’t given him an answer.

“Yeah, I heard you. I would love to. I’m very proud of you and I can’t wait to listen to the entire album since you only told me the titles of the songs.”

“It’s only right that I have the person who I wrote Poison about there with me.”

He told you that he wrote Poison about you without even letting you listen to it and you had to promise him that when you finally did that he had to be with you. 

“One question.”

“I already know. I promise it’s lowkey and no cameras are allowed in. I got you and I want you to be comfortable. You don’t want your parents to know about us yet, so I took all of the precautions that I needed to.”

“Looks like I have to go and get a new outfit.”

You decided to consult Taina when she had gotten in the car with you and she didn’t like the idea at all with the possibility of your so-called secret being revealed. 

“Umm Y/N, someone is bound to recognize you and it will get back to your parents. I’m actually surprised Jack hasn’t caught on yet to who you are and who your family is. And you’ve been dodging meeting his friends too, so now what is about to happen? You’re definitely going to meet them on Friday.”

“T, I want to support my boyfriend and I’m going to go. I can deal with them later.”

“And the fact that you still haven’t said anything to Jack? He is probably going to be very mad at you when you finally do or be pissed at you when he finds out from someone else. You need to come clean and tell him. And deal with them how? You are a preacher’s daughter dating one of the biggest rappers on the planet! You know all your mother cares about is her reputation and will throw you under the bus any second that she gets in order to keep it afloat.”

“I promise I will. And I’ll do it soon.” You answered her while pulling into her driveway and putting the car in park.

“Y/N, you and Jack have been together for almost four months. How much longer are you going to dodge this? Time is running out and this is about to be a hot mess when shit hits the fan. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“You worry too much, T. I got this all under control.”

“Sneaking out of your parents house to see your boyfriend is what you call having it under control? You are 27 years old!”

“It’s not an ideal situation, but it’ll get there. Just….. I appreciate you for having my back and always supporting me.”

“I’ll do it until the end of time, you know that. I love how happy you’ve been since you met him despite everything that goes on with your family. Just…. Be careful.”

Jack’s album release party was now underway and you finally had the chance to meet everyone that was associated with him. It was finally nice to be able to put names to faces that you had heard so much about. 

You loved how supportive they were of him and how highly they talked about him and even dished out how often he talked about you. They were happy that he had found someone like you that was supportive just like they were and only wanted good things for him.

The relationship between the two of you wasn’t a secret to who Jack was close to, and you wanted to keep it that way. However, this was your first time meeting all of them in person and getting to know them. As far as you knew, Jack had only told them your first name and the picture that he had shown them was an off guard pic that didn’t show your face very well. 

Just like T said, a preacher’s daughter dating a rapper?

You could only imagine the story as it hit The Shade Room.

Jack was doing his rounds across the room, while periodically coming to check if you were okay and make sure that you were comfortable. It helped that you were in a dark corner and it would be hard for anyone to recognize you. 

And just like he promised, no cameras. 

You were currently seated next to Neelam making small talk and she had suggested that the two of you hung out together without all of the boys around and you quickly accepted.

“So, how did you and Jack meet? He never told me.” She asked while looking over at you and smiling.

“Taylor Rooks birthday party. I just happened to know a few people that were going and they dragged me along. And from then, the rest is history. And the person that I knew was going was Taylor since she’s my cousin on my dad’s side.”

“He talks about you non-stop and it’s finally good to put a face to your name. You’re good for him in more ways than one. He has never shown this much interest in anyone before.”

“And that’s all I would ever want for him. He’s very special and I want him in my life for a long time.”

Jack was now back surrounded by Private Garden and he noticed that they were all looking at him. They wanted to ask him this before you and Neelam came back over here from getting your drinks. 

“What? Is something wrong?” He asked and Urban was the first to speak up.

“We didn’t know that you were into church girls. And highly famous ones at that. Once she told us her last name it clicked.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Jack asked while opening his sparkling water.

“Come on man, you had to know before you asked her out.” 2fo piped up while looking at him in disbelief. 

“What did I have to know? I’m confused.”

“You don’t know you’re dating Y/N Nevaeh Hamilton? The daughter of Eric and Adelaide Hamilton? The big ass mega church that is known in Louisville and people come from all over to go to it? She’s literally the choir director and her middle name is heaven spelled backwards! Jack, come on. And she’s won multiple Grammys for her gospel songs, she has an amazing voice. Even though I don’t think she’s ever gone in person except once. She gets nominated like every year.”

“Her parents literally own like half of the city.”

“Make that half of Kentucky. And they have multiple locations in different states.”

“And they have a private jet.”

“Damn, Jack is fucking the preacher’s daughter. Now that’s something I thought that I would never say. Definitely not on my 2022 bingo card.”

“Her mother is really the one who preaches and her dad does sometimes. And she has like four siblings. Eden, Grace, Matthew, and Malachi.”

Jack was sitting there in disbelief taking it all in that you would hide something as big as this from him. He simply looked over at you smiling while talking to Neelam and couldn’t help but to be disappointed. 

“I guess you haven’t met her parents yet? I wonder how they feel about their daughter dating a rapper? I can imagine that there would be some push back.” Quiiso asked. 

“No, not yet. She would always say soon, and that they were different.”

“Yall have literally been together for close to four months and her parents don’t even know a rapper is clapping their youngest daughter’s cheeks? And I thought they wouldn’t have sex until they were married anyway. Shit, did you marry her?!���

“You didn’t need to add that part, Nemo!” 

“No, we’re not married and after tonight we might not even be together when I confront her about this. How do all of you know all this?”

“Uhh social media? You mean to tell me you don’t follow your own girl? That’s why we’re all confused on how you didn’t know hardly anything about her. I mean you have been in your own little world focusing on getting your album done and the relationship is fairly new. My mother blasts her music every time I go and visit her. Right when you introduced her to us, it clicked.”

“She told me that she never uses social media.”

“Well, shit. It might not be her, but someone is definitely running her page and posting for her.” Urban said while scratching the back of his neck. 

“Now, Jack… don’t do anything that you’re going to regret. She’s a sweet girl and we can tell she cares about you a lot. Don’t ruin that.”

“And she might have a good reason for keeping you a secret from her parents. You never know, just hear her out.”

That’s when Shloob handed Jack his phone and it was a Tik Tok of you singing and he was floored. 

-----

The video ended at the perfect time just as you and Neelam came back to join them and you took your rightful seat next to Jack and could tell that he was pissed off.

“Babe, you okay? Did something happen?” You whispered in his ear and all he did was shake his head at you.

“We’ll talk about it later.”

“Okay.”

Now you were nervous because you had no idea what was about to happen when the two of you left and were alone. You couldn’t help but to think that somehow his anger was directed at you and that was the last thing that you ever wanted. Your life at home was rough enough as it is and he was literally your peace and escape from it. 

When the two of you finally reached Jack’s condo, he didn’t even hesitate. The car ride had been awkward and no matter how much you tried to get him to talk to you, he wouldn’t.

“Babe, what is going on with you? Can you please tell me so that we can fix it?” You said as the two of you were barely across the threshold.

“Do you have something that you want to tell me?” Jack asked while not even looking over at you.

“Like what? I loved meeting your friends and I already told you how proud I was of you. Did I miss something?”

“So, you forgot to mention to me who you are and who your parents are? Being a multi-winning artist who has multiple Grammys is something wild to keep from me.”

Oh, shit. He knows. 

“What? What do you mean?”

“That’s why you didn’t want me to meet them because you are basically out here living a double life. And it was the fact that my best friends knew more about you than me and I’m your boyfriend! And deep down I knew that something was off. I mean I get we don't run in the same circles, but still."

“Baby, I know you’re mad, but please let me explain.” You pleaded with Jack, but all he did was shake his head at you.

“Pissed is more like it because you LIED to me. I have never lied to you in the entire time that we’ve been together. How long did you think that you would be able to keep this up for? I get I’ve been living under a rock for a little while to finish the album but damn a heads up would have been nice. Your parents own like half of Kentucky!”

“I just… my parents. I never wanted to lie, I just didn’t tell you the entire truth.”

“Who gives a shit about your parents? You love me don’t you? So why should that matter? And as bad as you talk about them why do you even give a fuck if they approve of us or not? And not telling me the entire truth is definitely lying.”

“It’s not that simple! And of course I love you! A lot would come with this! Just because my parents don’t approve is one thing, but the entire community behind them is another. All that they have worked for could go away in the blink of an eye if I don’t do this the right way! People are so critical of celebrities as it is, but someone who represents God in the public eye is an entire different ballgame. When certain things happen in our community, you’ll be lucky that they don’t crucify you like they did Jesus himself. Come on, you literally have a song called I Wanna See Some Ass. I can’t exactly play that song at a church function, now can I?”

“What is the right way? I hope you don’t think what you had been doing this time was! Hiding me? Lying to me? Lying to your family?”

“You don’t understand, Jackman! So much is riding on this! And I didn’t hide you!”

“Well help me to understand! And what the hell do you call not really going out with me in public?! HIDING!”

“You aren’t a preacher’s kid so I have no way of making it so you do! Please try to see this from my point of view because if they were to come from me, they would come for you too. I could not risk that with your album being released! I was thinking of you!”

“Then try! Try to make me understand! And don’t even give me that! As much as I care about you, you thought that this was going to scare me off?”

“Because that’s what people usually do when they find out. I wanted to keep you to myself for as long as possible no matter how selfish it might sound. People have watched my every move since the day that I was born including my parents so that I could not only live up to their standards, but the community that is behind us. I never wanted to sing in church, but I felt that it was my only option because singing the kind of music I wanted to and being in the music industry would not have gone over well with them. As much as I complain about my parents, I do still love them and do not want anything bad to happen because of me. I was going to tell them, I promise you. And I was going to tell you about them.”

“And you waited so long that someone beat you to it. It’s only a matter of time before someone leaks that you were there with me tonight. If I would have known this, we could have been more careful. Because I made sure that there was a no camera policy, we were literally all over each other almost the entire night. That never occurred to you that would be a problem later?”

“Well hopefully they don’t. All I wanted to do was support my boyfriend.”

“Preacher’s daughter seen with Jack Harlow at his album release party is something that you think no one is going to leak? Come on now babe, you’re smarter than that.”

Just then Jack’s phone went off and he looked at it while muttering ‘fuck’ underneath his breath.

“What?” You asked him while coming closer.

He simply handed you his phone and you looked at it in disbelief.

Liked by dojacat, saweetie, laflame1017, champagnepapi, jackharlowsource, mariahthescientist, cardib, and 5,980,436 others

theshaderoom: new couple alert! look who we caught leaving jackharlow's album release party! no one other than Y/N Neveah Hamilton the daughter of Eric and Adelaide Hamilton who are well known preachers that reside in Louisville. Eye witness accounts say that the two of them were all over each other the entire night! we wonder what her parents have to say about this. preacher's kid dating a rapper? We'll keep you posted as we learn more. what do you think about this roommates?

jackharlowsource: damn jack got him a BADDIE

dojacat: jack, if you can't handle her, send her my way. whewwww she's gorgeous

druski2funny: jackharlow 2022 is looking up my boy! new album and a new girlfriend! can't wait to meet ms y/n in person! in the mean time, is she taking prayer requests? because I have some

urbandjack: I am not mad at this AT ALL

keepingupwiththehamiltons: oh. can't wait until mommy and daddy hear about this one!

You didn't even bother looking at the rest of the comments before looking back over at your boyfriend.

"What did I fucking tell you?" Was all he said while sitting down on the couch.

"My parents are going to kill me."

Taglist:

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[20th-century-railroading]

Amtrak - New Orleans, LA

Derelict Amtrak E8s at New Orleans, on April 16, 1981. Amtrak E8 No. 441 had been previously renumbered from No. 221. It was built for the Louisville & Nashville as its No. 794.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I don't know what to make of this house in Louisville, Kentucky. The log cabin part on the left was built c.1777 and was on display at the Middletown Museum. The right side of the house, (the white structure) was built in 1962. The log cabin was moved from the museum and joined to the newer home. 4bds, 2ba, $375K. The log house is a museum piece, but look at how the owners decorated.

So, it starts out as a normal house. In fact, it's kind of cute.

It has a nice big fireplace.

And a large living room.

I can't tell if this doorway is a part of the cabin.

But, there's a little office in here.

It's looking cute.

Has a lovely kitchen.

So, this is the main living area.

The primary bedroom has a homemade fireplace and doors to a deck.

There's a modern shower with glass tiles. I love glass tiles- have them on my backsplash.

This looks like a sunroom or maybe also a guest room.

This bedroom has billowy sheets on the ceiling and a bed in what looks like it was a closet.

Here is a small home office.

And, this is the 4th bedroom.

This is being used as a bedroom, but it probably doesn't count as one b/c it doesn't have a closet.

This is the 2nd bath. I usually take it as a red flag when I see portable heaters in a home.

Here's a beauty salon in the last part of the house. It has sheets on the ceiling also, and there's a portable heater that makes me wonder if there's no heat in this addition.

There's a deck on the back of the house, and a door on the 2nd level that opens out to the roof. There's the log cabin on the right. I have no idea if any of the rooms in the photos are in the log cabin.

The home is on 1.92 acres of land.

[takecareluv]

no place like home || jack harlow x reader

a.n. hi <3 i know the timeline technically isn’t correct, but for this pretend his louisville show was right after the european part of his tour and not a month later. please and thank you. happy reading 💌

…..

you had been by jack’s side since the early days. supported him through every step of his career, from the humbling nights performing to only a handful of people at local bars to climbing the charts with his biggest hits known to date.

although it was amazing watching the love of your life accomplish everything he ever dreamed of, it came with its difficulties. as jack’s fanbase grew worldwide and his tours starting getting bigger, and longer for that matter, you couldn’t always be there to cheer him on from backstage.

it was a hard adjustment for jack. you had been there for his very first performance and practically every one since. he considered you his good luck charm, and saving grace when the nerves started to kick in. but now here he was, flying from country to country, performing to sold out crowds like he’d manifested for so long, and you couldn’t be there to celebrate with him.

of course you made the occasional trips to surprise him, but you could never stay long - having to be back to work by eight a.m. monday morning.

it was just as hard on you. coming home to a quiet house every day was something you weren’t accustomed to. for the prior months, it was filled with jack and his team coming in and out of the newly built home studio, various beats blaring through the walls with unreleased lyrics here and there. although if you were honest, ever since your boyfriend had been away you’d taken to playing his music from every speaker in the house - finding it to feel a little less lonely when you heard his voice, even in a song.

and your least favorite part about when jack was gone: trying to sleep alone in a bed that felt a lot bigger without your giant of a boyfriend cuddled up to your side, filling your body with endless amounts of warmth. jack of course knew about your struggle and would set a reminder to facetime you every night around your usual bed time. but more often than not he would still be on stage until the late hours of the night, the alarm forgotten about, leaving you to fall asleep to the faint whispers coming from the television you left on.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏˚♡˚﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

after traveling across the u.s. for over a month and flying over seas for the european leg of his come home the kids miss you tour, jack was finally set to make his way back to louisville, kentucky for one last performance. one he couldn’t be more thrilled about.

he hadn’t seen you yet like he hoped to before the show, sad he wouldn’t be getting his good luck kiss like he’d been so patiently waiting for the last three months. but he knew he would have plenty of kisses to look forward to following the performance, motivating him to get on stage.

it wasn’t until about half way through that he noticed you in your usual spot along the side of the stage, dancing and singing along to every word as you always did.

his smile could have lit up the whole arena in that moment. so happy to be back with not only his muse and good luck charm, but the love of his life. 

while he wasn't meant to sing this particular song until later in the show, he couldn't help but begin humming the lyrics to your song.

the audience was quiet, confused by the change of tempo. and with the band not having started the music, the only sound echoing throughout the arena was jack softly singing into the microphone - to no one else but you. 

girl, you're poison, poison, poison, poison

but the good kind 

its crazy how you're on my mind  

kind of crazy how you’re on my mind

jack finished the verse before the band began playing, starting the song from the top. 

his eyes never left yours as he continued to sing, making his way over to were you stood hidden from the crowd. his arm reached out to grab your own, pulling you towards center stage with him. he could tell you were nervous but squeezed your hand in reassurance, his way of silently saying i love you. 

don't be anxious, i got you 

as he twirled you around and danced with you close in his arms, it felt like you were the only two people in the world, completely forgetting about the several thousand people you were currently in front of. 

you didn’t care about how many eyes were on you, let alone the amount of cameras recording, they didn’t matter in this moment. the only thing you cared about was the man standing in front of you whom you loved so much - the man who had become your whole world, and who you knew was your soulmate for life.

as the song finished and the lights went dark, jack pulled you into a kiss. a kiss you’d been waiting too many months for. a kiss that said i’m home and i'm not going anywhere. 

[porcelainapparition]

Louisville, Kentucky

built in 1920