Page 36 of Steamy Ever After

"She didn't deserve one."

He looks away. I savor the momentary reprieve.

"Hey. Look at me." He lets out an exasperated sigh as his eyes meet mine. I reach across the table and touch his hand. "You're a cop. Isn't everyone supposed to be innocent until proven guilty? Of course, she's different. She's from another culture."

"So, now you're defending her?" He pulls his hand away.

"I'm just saying, maybe he invited her so he wouldn't feel like a third wheel. Maybe he just wanted some company."

He smirks. "And now you're defending him."

"I'm just trying to play devil's advocate."

"Don't."

Rose enters the room, and we stop talking. She looks between the two of us, gauging the situation before she speaks. She then comes over to where we're sitting, pulls out a chair across from Carter, and takes a seat.

"Your brother's upset."

Carter looks at her and his brows perk. "He'll get over it." He lifts the bottle to his lips and takes another drink.

Rose drifts back into the chair, seemingly deflated. "I was really hoping for a peaceful vacation."

Carter's forehead pinches. "That's on him, Mom; not me."

"Your brother's taking Marisol to the hotel. When he comes back, I'd like the two of you to smooth this over. I don't want arguing."

"I'm not arguing with him, Mom. It's good, as far as I'm concerned."

Carter's indifferent shrug elicits an exasperated sigh from his mother. There's a pained look on her face. I can almost feel the gut twists.

"You might not say the words, Carter, but I know you; that chip on your shoulder won't serve any of us well."

He throws his hands up in a move of disgust.

"I love how you're making this my fault. What do you want from me? I'm not the one who brought someone to our vacation unannounced."

"And that upset your apple cart," Rose interjects. "I get it. I know you but, I'm asking you to let this slide."

"Look, Mom ... Declan knew what he was doing. He just thought he'd work his charm and squeeze it through."

"What if this is our last vacation together?"

Carter freezes. "What? Why would you say that?"

Rose shakes her head. "I'm just saying, with him in New York, and you up at Deep Creek, we don't often get time together. Whatever time we do spend—especially when we're on vacation—I'd like to add this experience to all our other ones here. Making good memories. Not fighting. Could you please try to be nice to your brother?"

"I'm always nice to my brother."

"No, you're not. You always have each other's backs, but you aren't always nice."

A resigned look of disgust fills Carter's expression. "As long as he keeps that bitch on a leash, I'll be fine."

"Is that any way to talk about your brother's friend?" She pauses. "He'll probably invite her over, and she came all the way from New York to keep Declan company. We can all be polite."

"Sure, Mom. Whatever you say." He tosses me a quick glance. "Remind me to get a big bottle of Tums. I might have a little trouble stomaching her."

Just then the screen door slams, and an angry Declan enters the room. He marches right over to Carter.

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