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heart in.
What? Dad and Clara? He shook his head. No. What gave you that crazy idea?
Cat squeezed her eyes shut and with a shaky hand shoved hair out of her eyes. I
wasn t supposed to tell. Deep breath and then she forced herself to look at him. I
seem to be much worse at the whole keep my mouth shut thing than you are.
Mike s face had turned pale. How do you know this?
Reese Winter told me. He swore me to secrecy.
Several mumbled curse words and a drink of his beer later, Mike responded.
Maybe Ray is lying.
Maybe, Cat said. But according to Reese, Clara is the one who convinced Ray to
tell all and clear Dad. Mike turned to face the bar, silent. Cat continued, Kind of
changes this situation, doesn t it? Seems everybody is using everybody in some way.
Then again, it might not bother you. You live that life. But it bugs the hell out of me.
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Lisa Renee Jones
Mike turned a scrutinizing look on her. When did you get this bitter?
I m not bitter. I m realistic. She made a sound of disbelief. There had been a time
when she and Mike were close. Now, he knew nothing of who or what she was. That
turned her mood darker. Sour almost. And darling, I should thank you. Along with
Rick, and Dad, you showed me the light. I know the real story. The truth behind the
fiction. I won t be dumb enough to& Her voice caught in her throat. Be Mom. She
turned away from Mike, hands going to the stem of her glass, needing a place to settle.
Damn alcohol. One minute it had you laughing, the next emotional.
The touch of Mike s hand on her shoulder brought a surprising bit of comfort. But
then again, he was her big brother. In her youth, she d idolized him. He would protect
her from all. All her brothers would. She missed those days too much. Again, she
cursed the alcohol. She hadn t felt the need to have her big brother rescue her in too
many years to count. She didn t want to be needy. Standing on her own two feet kept
her sane. Still, she didn t shove him away. A part of her wanted the days when her big
brother was her friend.
Mike scooted his chair closer, brushing her hair from her eyes. Sweetie. I hate you
feel these things. Dad loved Mom. He was a fool for treating her like he did, but he
regrets it. I ve heard him talk about it. I don t know how this thing with Clara happened
but Mom s been gone a long time. I don t believe it happened when she was alive.
That her father talked to Mike and never to her only enhanced to ache of being an
outsider. How can you be sure?
I ve seen the pain of his regret. Heard him talk about it, but mostly seen the way
he s changed. Cat& I don t want to let that happen to me. I ve thought a lot about this.
And I don t want it to happen to you.
Cat looked at him. Do you think he really did it? Slept with Clara?
Remorse flashed in Mike s expression. Reese told you this and that counts for
something, he said. I ve met him. I m a pretty good judge of people. I don t believe he
would have told you if he wasn t certain. Especially not you. He cares for you.
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Who s On Top
His words sent a shock wave through her system. What? No, he doesn t. He used
me just like& he doesn t. She turned away and faced the bar.
He didn t know, Cat. I& went to talk to him about you.
What? Cat half gasped, fixing her gaze on him.
I had to. I thought he used you. I was pissed.
She dropped her face to her hand. I can t believe this.
Mike turned her to face him. I want to make a deal with you.
What is it with you men and making deals? No. No deal.
He ignored her words. I will make a damn hard effort to change my ways, if you
will, too.
Me? she asked, surprised. What do I need to change?
Stop judging everyone by your asshole brothers and I promise to stop being one.
It s not that easy, Cat said.
Try. That s all I ask. He let the words linger in the air. Will you try for me, Cat?
Please. You won t regret it.
The proof is in actions, Mike. I ll try when you give me reason.
He smiled. Then it s a deal. No. Promise. I m going to make pulling our family
back together my pet project. All you have to do is give us and everyone a chance.
Her chest tightened with emotion. She so wanted to believe him. Fine. He smiled.
She frowned. Don t get all happy. I want proof.
And I ll deliver it.
* * * * *
Reese stood in the bar entrance and stared across the room at Cat. She sat with
Mike. It had taken him an hour to get to the bar and Mike had promised to try and
sober her up before his arrival. The coffee cups in front of them seemed to indicate he
was good to his word.
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Lisa Renee Jones
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