Page 13 of Cause and Effect

“God, I hope not. He should know better. But then again, he doesn’t care.”

He chuckled, handing me my drink.

“Thanks, Bart.” I held up my glass and turned around.

The bar door opened, and my brows furrowed when I saw Laurel enter.

“What’s that look for?” Parker asked, walking up to the bar. “Another scotch, Bart.”

“What is she doing here?”

“Roman invited her.”

“Why?” I tipped the glass to my lips.

“Why not? I thought you two made peace.”

“We did. But this is a family thing, and she’s not family.”

“She works for the firm. She’s family, bro.” He patted my back and walked away.

“Hi.” Laurel walked up.

“Hey. So, Roman invited you?”

“Yes. Is that a problem for you?” She cocked her head.

“No. Why would it be? What are you drinking?”

“I’ll have a Cosmopolitan.”

“One Cosmo for the lady, Bart.”

“Coming right up.”

“So, which one is your mom?” Laurel asked.

“Uh, see that woman in the black dress over there?” I pointed.

“She’s pretty.”

“And that woman over there in the maroon dress.” I pointed. “And that woman over there in the dark pantsuit.”

“Huh?” She glanced at me with furrowed brows.

“All three of them are my mothers. Welcome to my dysfunctional family.”

“I don’t understand,” she said.

“Calista, the woman in the black dress, is my birth mother. But all three women raised us together.”

“Interesting. Are you and your brothers the same age?”

“We are. My father was cheating on all three of them, knocked them up at the same time, and here we are.” I smirked.

“Oh.” She drew out the word.

“Like I said. Welcome to my dysfunctional family.”

---