He gave her a few days off and took some for himself. As soon as he felt more human and got a handle on his emotions, he called and met his brother and sister for lunch at The Family Restaurant. He arrived last, as usual. His siblings were waiting, their meals and his ordered and on the table. They looked at him with concern. “You texted us to say you were going to Vegas to meet Rex Bransom. Then we heard nothing for three days,” Erin said, chiding him in an exact replica of their mother’s voice. Mike settled in a chair across from her. “I didn’t mean to worry you.” “I heard you dragged Cara along with you.” Sam made it sound like an accusation. “She offered to go,” Mike said tightly. “Sam, leave him alone,” Erin urged. “No, let’s finish this conversation once and for all.” He and Sam hadn’t gotten past Mike’s seeing his brother’s best friend, and Mike was tired of pretending everything was fine between them when it wasn’t. “Do you want Cara for yourself?
