Page 79 of Cause and Effect

“Girls, knock it off,” I said as they chased each other around my desk. They weren’t listening, so I let out a loud whistle. They stopped and looked at me, lining up like three little soldiers. “This is a place of business. We do not act like animals here.”

“Morgan told us to,” Sophie said.

“Of course she did.” I sighed, running my hand down my face.

“Are you and our mom dating?” Stella asked.

“No.” I frowned. “Why are you asking me that?”

“Because you sleep together in the same bed. We’re not buying the story that you have a bad back and couldn’t sleep on the couch.”

“Girls, leave Julian alone.” Laurel walked in. “We’re leaving in fifteen minutes. So, I need you three to go to my office and sit quietly on the couch.”

“Okay, Mom,” Sara said as they ran out of my office.

“Sorry about that,” she said.

“It’s fine. We need to talk, Laurel. Why don’t you gohome, get the girl’s bathing suits, and come over? They can swim at Parker’s. I already asked him, and he said he’d keep an eye on them and order a pizza.”

“Sure. I agree. We do need to talk,” she said.

After leaving the office, I headed home. As I was changing, I heard the front door open.

“Bro, where are you?” Parker shouted.

“I’ll be out in a second. I’m changing. What’s up?” I asked, walking to the bar and pouring us each a scotch.

“It’s about the Cordova case.”

“What about it?” I handed him his drink.

“Bill got sick during the trial and is now hospitalized.”

“Is he okay?” My brows furrowed.

“Gallbladder. I guess he’s having surgery in the morning, so I need you as second chair.”

“No problem. You know I got your back.” I smiled.

“Thanks. Now, what kind of conversation are you having with Laurel? Because my gut is telling me it won’t be a good one.”

“Things are moving too fast and quickly getting out of control. I need to put the brakes on. She told me this morning she needed to talk to the girls about ‘us.’ Do you know how that made me feel when I heard that?”

“I can take a guess. You’re freaking out because you’re in love with her.”

“No, I’m not, Parker. I like her, but I’m not in love with her. It’s all just too much, and the last thing I want to do is hurt her.”

“Well, you’re going to, so prepare yourself. What the fuck is wrong with you?” He cocked his head. “She’s an amazing woman, and her girls are awesome. You know what? Maybe I will pursue her since you don’t want anything to do with her anymore.”

“You shut the fuck up.” I pointed at him. “We have a code.”

“Nah, that code was when we were in college. It doesn’t apply anymore.”

“Bullshit!” I shouted. “I’m warning you, brother.” I shook my head.

“Then get your head out of your ass and grow up. Danielle hurt you really bad. I get it. But you can’t spend the rest of your life fearing relationships because of one person. You let Danielle control you back then, and you’re still doing it after all these years. I have to get home and order the pizza. I really hope you know what you’re doing. I’ll talk to you later.”

As I poured myself another glass of scotch, the doorbell sounded, causing my stomach to clench with anxiety.

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