Page 133 of Callahan

“Sorry, I hope that didn’t come off as judgy. I honestly didn’t know.”

“I didn’t take it that you were being judgy.”

Alan opened the door wearing an apron emblazed withI cook as good as I lookacross its front.

“Lainey! You made it!” He kissed both her cheeks like he was European or some shit. It didn’t work very well because she wasn’t expecting the second kiss and awkwardly moved her head. Then she realized what he was trying to do, and it got even more weird when she contorted herself to let it happen.

He tried to make a smooth recovery when he gestured to the little man in my arms. “And this must be your son.”

“Yep, this is Conor.” She smirked when she walked past him in the doorway. “Nice apron.”

“I found it in one of the kitchen drawers and thought it was perfect.”

I walked inside and mocked him by offering my cheek. He responded by using his middle finger to scratch his nose.

“Fortunately for you, it sets expectations for tonight’s dinner pretty low.”

Alan wasn’t fazed and scoffed, “Puh-lease. Don’t hate because I’m the handsome brother.”

“Pfft. Who told you that?”

“Everyone.”

Lainey interrupted our brotherly banter with, “Oh my God. Your poor mother! I can only imagine what you two must have been like growing up!”

My brother replied, “He’d just finished sixth grade when I left for college, so it was pretty tame.” His face broke into a devilish grin. “We’re way worse now.”

“I see that!” She held up one of the bottles of wine she’d brought in. “I’m going to go find a bottle opener.”

Once she was out of earshot he motioned toward where she’d gone.

“Now I understand why you stayed here.”

“I’m not sure how long I’m staying after we catch the guy who attacked me.”

He snorted. “Yeah, okay.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Please. You’re not leaving here unless you’ve knocked that girl up, dragged her to the altar, and she and the kids are coming along.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. You’re in love with her.”

“You’re crazy. She was practically engaged to my friend; she had his baby, for chrissake!”

“And?”

“And I wouldn’t do that to Shawn.”

He observed me for a second before he said, “Bullshit. You already have.”

Fuck.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

There was no point lying to him.

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