Page 19
I exhale loudly. “That slick-looking guy behind you in the navy-blue shirt? He’s been looking at me weird.”
Mike casually looks around, doing his best to pretend he’s surveying the bar like the good bar manager he is. “That guy?” He laughs. “He’s one of Christopher’s little minions. A full corporate asshole. Never tips.”
My heart sinks at the mention of my brother’s name. That guy clearly recognized me, which means he’ll report back to my older brother, and then everyone in my family will know I’m back.
Mike notices my expression and gently shoves me. “Dude, forget about him. Since when do you care about what a former frat boy like him thinks about you?”
I don’t. At least, not really.
“It’s not just him. It’s this woman I met over the weekend––” Mike is already grinning like an idiot, and I groan. “No, it’s not what you think. Jeez. I was at the funeral home, and this employee, she clearly doesn’t like me even though we just met––”
“Robin?” Mike’s eyes widen.
“You know her? The night I met her, we had a great connection and … I don’t know, I guess I thought she was cool? But then today––”
“You spent the night with Robin?” Mike yells, his jaw practically hitting the floor.
“No. I met her outside the funeral home, for Chrissake. Her car broke down and we waited for the tow truck together. That’s all.”
“How noble of you.” Mike smirks.
“Shut up.”
For some reason I feel slightly embarrassed now. Mike has always been able to read me like an open book, so I’m not surprised at what comes out of his mouth next.
“Bro, I’ve known you your whole life, so I know exactly what your type is.”
“Shut up,” I mutter. “It doesn’t matter. Thing is, I thought me and her were cool, right? But today at the meeting about Darlene’s funeral, she made––”
“DARLENE’S WHAT?” Mike shouts, looking pale.
“Could you stop yelling?” I whisper. “Sorry, I forgot to tell you. Yeah, Darlene, who is still very much alive, is planning her own funeral. But it’s more of a party. An end-of-life celebration that she wants me to plan with Robin for the next two months. So now I have to work with this woman who clearly thinks I’m a spoiled idiot for some reason.” I exhale deeply and bite into another chip.
“Wow.” Mike looks at me incredulously. We both stay quiet for a second before he continues. “So you fucked up with Robin, huh?”
I groan. “Yeah, and I don’t know what I did. But I wonder if someone said something to her.”
Mike scratches his beard while he takes another look around the bar. “Honestly, you’re probably spot-on with that. Her best friend is Kora. Remember her? The redhead? I wouldn’t be surprised if she told Robin about your reputation.”
“Fantastic.” I cover my face with my hands. “This place never forgets.”
“That’s what I meant earlier. You can show people you’re not the guy they think you are. Show Robin that you’re not the pretentious rich kid she probably thinks you are after learning who your father is.”
The thought of Robin knowing about my father, or really anyone in my family besides Darlene, makes me feel sick. Yes, there is no doubt now why she talked to me the way she did.
Fuck me.
“I’ve never taken a cent from my father,” I say miserably. “People can think what they want. I don’t care. Not even about Robin. Besides, she has a boyfriend, so it’s not like I could make a move even if I wanted to.”
“No, she doesn’t,” Mike says, confused.
“Yeah, she does. She told me.”
“Well, she lied to you.” Mike chuckles. “She’s here all the time with Kora. I know she’s not seeing anybody. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her with a guy.”
“Why would she lie?” I’m genuinely perplexed.
“Maybe she didn’t want you to try anything? Who knows. I’m not an expert in women.” Mike hops off the barstool and nudges my arm. “I have to get back to work, but think about what I said. Also, this is selfish, but I’m glad you’ll be around for a while.”
