“That way I can help you get around.”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m picking you up, Matilda.”
“You don’t need to. I’ll be fine.”
Alec sighs and runs a hand through the top of his hair. “Look, Matilda, you helped me with the dance shit. I’m just repaying a favor.”
“But you don’t need to. I was happy to help.”
“And so am I. We’re friends, yeah?”
Oh, goodie. We’re friends. I’m always “the friend.” He’s right though, no matter how depressing it is. I feel like we’ve become friends this week. “Yes, we’re friends.”
“Friends help each other out, right?”
“Right.”
“I’ll pick you up at ten.”
I release a big, dramatic breath, like I’m being forced to clean the toilet. “Okay.”
My dad returns to the room, holding two baggies filled with ice. “Here you go. One for your ankle and one for your ribs.”
ChapterNine
Alec
I’mup before the light for my run. I could use the hotel gym, but there’s nothing like running by the lake. Chicago has developed a great web of trails along Lakeshore Drive. With almost eleven years in the service, I’ve been stationed all over the place, like England, Germany, Japan, as well as both coasts in the United States, and now I’m in Texas. I’ve enjoyed something about each location, but nothing beats home. I miss it. Or maybe it’s because I’m tired of the military. It’s run its course. I could keep going, working my way up, but the ambition I once had when I first enlisted is gone. Now, I want something else. I’m not sure what that is, but if I give it some thought, I’m sure it’ll come to me.
I’ve got another year to go before I’m out. If I filled out the paperwork now, this time next year, I could be free to pursue something different. The thought gives me a little thrill. Hell, maybe I’ll come back to Chicago. I could be a cop. I’ve enjoyed my work as a military police officer—for the most part. But is that what I want to keep doing? Short answer? No. There’s got to be more to life than investigating crimes and arresting dumb-asses. I’m good at it, for sure, but is that reason enough to keep doing it or should I seek out something more worthwhile, more personally fulfilling?
I track my run at five miles. I’d like to get in a couple more, but I’m meeting my brothers for breakfast. Then it’s off to pick up Matilda. Thinking of her makes me smile. She’s a funny little thing. She’s got character, that’s for sure. For someone to use their body like she did in an attempt to protect or help her cousin, well, she’s brave too. Of the three of them involved in that tussle, she took the brunt of the hits, it seems. Sort of pisses me off, really. The only thing that happened to Chrissie was she was booted from the wedding party. Big deal. Neither one of those women said anything to Matilda last night. Vicky should have been thanking her profusely for trying to help.
Maybe she’ll do the right thing today.
I quickly shower and dress in jeans and a dress shirt. I’ve got my tuxedo laid out. I’ll change into that before heading out to pick up Matilda. My family is seated at a large table in the hotel restaurant. “Morning,” I grumble as I find my spot between my mom and Angelo.
“Did you get a run in this morning?” Angelo asks.
“Yep. Got five in.”
“You should have woken me up. I’d have gone with you.”
“Tomorrow?” I know the answer to that before he even says a thing.
“Ha. Funny. Hopefully I’ll be in bed with a beautiful wedding guest. Do not disturb, big brother."
"Angelo Michael," my mother snaps, “that’s not appropriate conversation at the breakfast table.”
“Sorry, Mama.” He actually sounds a little remorseful. Mom has that effect on us. She’s small but terrifying.
“Did you order yet?” I hold up the menu and plan to order one of everything. I’m starving.
“We’re waiting on Victoria.” Anthony’s face isn’t giving anything away.
“How is she today? She pissed at you?” I smirk.
