“What? Dad and Clara?” He shook his head. “No. What gave you that crazy idea?”
Zoe 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?”
“Declan Price 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,” Zoe said. “But according to Declan, Clara is the one who convinced Ray to tell all and clear Dad.” Mike turned to face the bar, silent. Zoe 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.”
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. Zoe…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.”
Zoe looked at him. “Do you think he really did it? Slept with Clara?”
Remorse flashed in Mike’s expression. “Declan 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.”
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, Zoe. I…went to talk to him about you.” “What?” Zoe 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,” Zoe said.
“Try. That’s all I ask.” He let the words linger in the air. “Will you try for me, Zoe? 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.”
* * * * *
Declan stood at the bar entrance and stared across the room at Zoe. 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.
Mike had convinced him Zoe needed him. And foolish as it might be, he was here, once again, ready to put himself on the line. To have his heart stomped on and beaten. His heart. That is what it came down to. He was falling in love with Zoe. It’s why he’d allowed himself to be talked into showing up. Declan knew he and Zoe had the potential to share something special. If there was a chance to start fresh, to explore what could be, he wanted it. It would be tough. She hated his job and he was locked into the firm for at least a year after his father’s retirement. Long enough to convince his dad to stay gone. When the time was right, Declan would leave and start his own practice. And then things would be different. Until then, Zoe would have to understand his crazy schedule and even a few cases he preferred to avoid becoming a part of his future.
He wasn’t sure she was willing to deal with it all. But he needed to know.
Mike glanced over his shoulder and spotted Declan. With a discreet wave of his hand, he motioned him forward. Zoe faced the bar, her long blonde hair like silk down her back, a contrast to the black pants and blouse she wore.
Declan approached the bar. The anticipation of her scent, her touch, her taste, like a low hum along his nerve endings. When he stood behind her, Mike eased from his chair and murmured something about a phone call. And just like that, he was left with Zoe.
With a deep breath, Declan claimed the chair Mike had just left, resisting the demanding urge to touch her. “Hello, Zoe.”
She turned toward him, shock registering in her expression. “Declan?” She blinked as if she thought he was an alcohol-induced illusion. “What are you doing here?”
“Giving us one last shot.” He waited a moment but she didn’t respond. “Unless you tell me it’s a worthless cause, in which case I will walk you home and you’ll never see me again.”
“I don’t need to be walked home.” She turned away and grabbed her purse. Next thing he knew she took off walking.
Shit! “Wait!” Declan tossed money on the bar not knowing if the tab was paid and took off after her.
She’d made it all the way to the street by the time he caught up. “I’m taking this as a get-lost. Your brother called me, you know.”