“The only place I go is work and home.” Matt stood up.
“Good. Thanks for being so co-operative.” John reached out to shake Matt’s hand. “I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine losing the love of my life.”
Mike knew John was completely genuine and it seemed Matt sensed that too. He relaxed as they walked out to the reception area.
“I need to call someone to pick me up.” Matt pulled out his phone, and Mike stopped him.
“I’ll take you home.” Mike wasn’t going to tell Matt that he’d planned to see Billie anyway. At the moment, Matt was civil toward him. Mike didn’t want to mess that up by pissing him off.
Matt remained quiet for most of the drive home. The only sound was the soft music from the radio. Mike felt bad for the guy. He was about to get his happily ever after and some sick fuck took it away from him. That realization hit him like a punch in the gut. He didn’t want to be that guy that looked back with regrets and wonder what if.
“Matt, I need you to know something.” Mike turned the radio off.
“What’s that?” Matt turned in his seat.
“The stories you heard about my younger brothers and me are mostly true.” Mike couldn’t start with a lie.
“Mostly?” Matt narrowed his eyes.
“The truth is it got old, and I’m not looking for a roll in the hay. I’m looking for someone to share my life with.” Mike pulled into the driveway and turned to face Matt.
“You understand I’m straight, right?” Matt chuckled.
“Funny guy here.” Mike shook his head.
“You’re talking about my sister.” It wasn’t a question coming from Matt.
“I don’t know how to explain it. I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since the night I met her. Not for the reasons you think because nothing happened between us.” Mike plowed his hands through his hair. “I’ve got no idea why I’m discussing this with you since we aren’t exactly best pals.”
“I’m coming to see that you aren’t as bad as I made you out to be,” Matt said. “But if you hurt my sister I’ll kick your ass.”
Matt reached out, and Mike grabbed his hand. There was a little test of strength in their handshake, but there was also a truce. One that gave Mike the opening to see if something was there with Billie.
Chapter 12
Billie sat on the sofa with Chloe curled up beside her. The little girl cried herself to sleep when Matt left with the police. It broke Billie’s heart not only for Chloe but her mother. There was just one thing that stuck in her mind. Why was Matt at her house the night Peggy died?
She rested her head back against the sofa and prayed Mike could help her brother. Billie didn’t believe for one minute he could ever hurt Peggy or anyone for that matter. Although, he seemed ready to beat Eugene that night, but Peggy’s slimy ex didn’t do it. Apparently, he had an airtight alibi, and there was a video of him at work. That didn’t mean he didn’t arrange it.
“What if they arrest him?” Her mother’s voice floated out from the kitchen. Billie heard the rumble of her father’s soothing voice, but she couldn’t understand what he was saying. Probably something about how it was all a mistake.
Billie heard him call her name, but it was off in the distance. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. He called her name again, and she felt his hand touch hers.
“Maybe we should just leave her alone.” That was him again.
“If what you said to me in the car is what you want. Don’t let it slip through your fingers. Just remember I’ll kick your ass if you hurt her.” That was Matt.
Billie’s eyes flew open, and she jumped to her feet. Chloe was no longer on the couch next to her, and her grandfather was not in his usual place watching television.
“What’s going on?” She scanned the room.
“You fell asleep.” Matt chuckled. “Mike here wants to talk to you.”
“Matt, is everything okay?” She grabbed his arm, and he pulled her into a hug.
“I’ll tell you all about it later but first, don’t let time slip away from you.” Matt kissed her cheek and left her alone with Mike.
“They didn’t charge him with anything?” Billie turned to look up into Mike’s blue eyes.
“No, and I’m pretty sure they won’t.” Mike smiled and reached for Billie's hand.
“How can I ever thank you?” Billie squeezed his hand, and a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Take your brother’s advice.” Mike winked.
“Huh?” What was he talking about?
“I let you slip through my fingers once. I felt something that night, and I know things are complicated with you right now, but I don’t want to waste any more time. If there’s one thing I learned from your friend’s death is, we aren’t promised tomorrow.” Mike grasped her other hand in his.
“We don’t know each other,” Billie took a step toward him.
“I’d like to fix that situation.” Mike smiled.
“I don’t know, Mike. Things are so….” Billie dropped her head and stared where their hands joined.
“Life is short, sis.” Billie looked up to see Matt propped against the doorjamb. “Plus, I’ve already warned him I’ll kick his ass if he hurts you.”
“Matt, is there something you’re not telling me?” The first thought to cross her mind that Matt might be sick.
“I’m about to rectify that. Can you come into the kitchen with everyone?” Matt glanced at Mike. “I’d appreciate the backup.”
Mike dropped her hands and motioned for her to go ahead of him. Billie’s heart raced. Between worrying about what Matt had to say and the woodsy scent of Mike’s cologne swirling around her, she felt dizzy.
“Matthew, please don’t tell us you did this.” Her mother sat at the table wringing her hands with her father’s arm wrapped tightly around her.
“Mom, I didn’t hurt Peggy.” Matt sat across the table from her mother and reached out to her. She grabbed his hands as if he'd disappear.
Billie sat next to him and unconsciously grabbed Mike’s hand when he sat next to her. Who was she kidding? She grabbed his hand because she needed to touch him. How was it possible to feel the need to be close to someone she hardly knew?
“Let’s start with Chloe,” Matt took a deep breath that he blew out slowly.
“What about her?” Philip asked. Billie hadn’t even realized he was still in the house.
“I’m her biological father,” Matt said.
The room was so quiet that Billie could hear the soft hum of the dishwasher. She hadn’t realized she squeezed Mike’s hand until he covered her hand with his other one. When she glanced at him, he didn’t seem to be the least bit surprised with Matt’s confession.
“I’m sorry, you’re what?” Philip rested his fists on the table and bent down, so he was eye level with Matt.
“Chloe’s my daughter,” Matt admitted.
“What? How? Never mind, I know how but what?” Philip shook his head. “Peggy was like our sister for Christ’s sake.”
Billie still couldn’t comprehend what Matt said. Sure, she understood what he said but Peggy and Matt? A couple? Was it just a one-night stand? Did her brother take advantage of her friend? That didn’t seem like something Matt would do but what else could it be? Matt was five years older than she was and she was eighteen when she got pregnant.
“Chloe’s our granddaughter?” Her mother gasped.
“Yes, Mom.” Matt turned to Billie.
“You haven’t said anything, Sis.” Matt stared into her eyes.
“I …. What can I say?” Billie swallowed. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t she?”
“I didn’t know until a few months before Peggy….” Matt stopped, and Billie could see the pain in his eyes. “It was one night. We were both feeling lost and alone, and it just happened. I guess I was always attracted to Peggy, but because she was so much younger I would never act on it but that night….” Matt looked at his mother. “I did
love her, Mom. I fought it for so long after that night, and when I found out she was pregnant, she swore the baby wasn’t mine.”
“Why would she lie to you?” Philip finally sat down.
“Because that night I told her it couldn’t happen again and she didn’t want me to feel trapped.” Matt lowered his head. “I’ve kicked myself for saying that since I found out.”
“So why were you there that night?” Billie asked.
“We finally admitted our feelings for each other. We were going to tell everyone that weekend but…” Matt stopped and covered his face with his hands. Billie let go of Mike’s hand and wrapped her arms around her brother.
It was almost midnight when Billie walked Mike to his car. She felt terrible for him to be in the middle of all the drama of her family. Not that she wasn’t thrilled he stayed but not exactly the best way to impress someone.
“I’m sorry about all that.” Billie stood next to his car.
“Don’t be sorry.” Mike sat back on the side of his vehicle and grasped her hands. “At least now he has his little girl, and I’m going to make sure it stays that way.”
“I guess that means he’ll get custody of Chloe.” Billie realized.
“I was going to push for that. Since her mom is deceased, her father would be the next of kin.” Mike pulled her closer. “I really want to kiss you right now, but since I remember what happened the first time I kissed you, vividly, I think we should probably start with a first date.”
“I’d like that.” Billie gazed into his eyes.
“I’ve got a hectic week with some cases, but I’m not waiting until Friday. Tomorrow's Tuesday, and that seems like a great day for a date.” He squeezed her hands.
“That sounds great.” Billie stepped back.
“I’m guessing you’ve been staying with your parents.” Mike didn’t release her hands when he stood up to his full height.
“Until I find another place. I can’t go back there.” Billie dropped her head.
“You know I’ve got a big house with lots of rooms.” Billie’s head snapped up to look at him. He had a huge grin on his face that made her remember the night she’d met him.
“Are you asking me to move in with you, Mr. Lawyer Man?” Billie laughed.
“At least then you won’t disappear on me again.” Mike released her hand and cupped her cheek. “But if you do need a place to stay until you find something, my offer stands. No strings.”
“Thanks for the offer.” Billie cupped her hand over his. “Right now, I’m okay staying with my family.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow around seven. Nothing fancy. Dinner at Roadhouse.” Mike ran his finger down her cheek and for a moment she thought he'd kiss her, but he stepped back and sighed. “Yep, I gotta go.”
“See you later, Mike.” Billie walked back up the driveway.
“You definitely will, Beautiful.” Mike winked and then he was gone.
She watched his car disappear at the end of her road and turned to go back to her house. Rita walked outside with a garbage bag and brought it to the bin on the front of the house.
“Hi, Rita.” Billie waved.
“Oh, hi Belinda.” Rita closed the bin and walked toward Billie.
“How’s your mom doing?” Billie leaned on the rail at the top of the steps.
“She gets frustrated really easy but who can blame her.” Rita sighed. “I haven’t gotten a chance to tell you how sorry I was to hear about Peggy.”
“Thanks,”
“I always liked her.” Rita smiled. “We used to have a lot of fun when we were kids.”
“Yes, you know when everything settles down, you should come out one night with Abbie, Dana and I.” Billie pulled out her phone. “Give me your number.”
“I don’t know about going out. I can’t leave mom but you three can certainly come over to the house for a bottle of wine. I’m sure mom would love to see the girls.” Rita punched her number into Billie’s phone.
“That’s an even better idea.” Billie texted the number so Rita would have hers as well.
“I’ve seen Matt and Philip coming in and out, but I haven’t gotten a chance to say hi.” Rita blushed a little, and Billie wondered if the woman had a little crush on one of her brothers.
“Well next time you see them just say hi.” Billie smiled.
“I will. I better get back in. Mom usually wakes up at six.” Rita said. “I’ll see you soon.”
When Billie walked inside the house, it was quiet. Everyone but her mother had gone to bed. Billie figured her mom was still in shock with Matt’s confession. Billie found her mom sitting at the table with a cup between her hands staring at it.
“It’s getting late, Mom.” Billie sat across from her.
“Life’s funny, you know.” Her mother lifted her head and smiled.
“Why do you say that?” Billie rested her chin on her fist.
“Matthew and Peggy finally admit their feelings for each other, and then some crazy man takes all that away in the blink of an eye.” Her mother reached across the table and took Billie’s hand.
“Peggy never gave me any clue she was in love with Matt.” Billie felt a little slighted because she thought they told each other everything.
“I knew there was an attraction. It had been there for a long time, but for some reason, your brother kept his distance. I think it’s why he never dated seriously.” Her mother smiled. “But you little girl. I knew your fate a long time ago.”
“Huh?” What was her mother talking about?
“When I taught at Holy Cross, there was a Christmas concert. Your dad stayed home with Matt and Philip, but you screamed to go with me. You were three. So, I didn’t see anything wrong with taking you.” Her mother chuckled. “It was the year I taught Michael. Of course, his entire family was there for the concert, and you sat in the front row next to one of the other teachers. You managed to escape and run down the center of the auditorium, but a young woman caught you before you got too far.”
“I was just too cute.” Billie giggled.
“You were, and you charmed the woman. It turns out she was Michael’s aunt Cora, and she said something to me that night after the concert. She told me she could see you as an adult and that Michael was your future.” Her mother laughed probably because Billie’s mouth fell open.
“I laughed at the time and thought the woman was a little quirky. I found out a few years later that the people in her family called her Cora the Cupid. She seems to know when a couple is meant to be together and as far-fetched as that seemed to me at the time, I’m starting to believe maybe she was right. I saw the way you looked at him and the way he looked at you. The way he sat next to you while Matthew told us everything. He's protective but not overbearing. Billie, don’t let him get away.” Her mother wiped a tear from her cheek.
“Mom,” Billie swallowed the lump in her throat
“Look at me being all weepy.” Her mother wasn’t the type of woman who cried at every little thing, so this was odd to see her cry.
“I don’t know if Mike’s aunt is right, but just so you know, we are going out tomorrow night. I only met him once, but there is something about him, Mom.” Billie sighed.
“He was always such a sweet boy. Very protective of the people he cared about.” Her mother smiled.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m going to see where it goes. I don’t want to have any regrets.” Billie stood up and stretched. “I’m going to call it a night. I promised Abbie I'd be at the office early since I’ve missed so much time.”
“I’m sure Abbie understands.” Her mother followed her upstairs.
“She does, and I honestly think Abbie’s just working to avoid dealing with her grief over Peggy.” Billie hugged her mother before she entered her bedroom.
“Goodnight, baby girl.” Her mother closed the bedroom door behind her and Billie entered her room.
So many things ran through her mind. Shutting off her brain an
d sleep would be hard. Billie found it hard to get her mind around the fact that her best friend in the world had kept such a huge secret from her. Two huge secrets. Did she not trust Billie or did Peggy think Billie would be upset? That was something she would never know now.
Then there was Mike. The story her mother told her earlier was too far-fetched to believe. She really didn’t know Mike, but there was some unknown force that pulled her toward him. She felt it the first night they met, and it was still there when he appeared earlier. She was a firm believer that things happened for a reason but what was the reason for Peggy’s death? Billie didn’t know, but Mike and her mom were right. Life was too short, and she was about to grab it with both hands and see where it took her.
Chapter 13
“So, this girl thought Stephanie was cheating on John with you?” Sandy laughed so hard Mike couldn’t help but shake his head.
“Why’s that so funny?” Ian stared at his wife, and Mike wondered the same thing.
“Anyone who’s met Stephanie knows she’s head over heels in love with John.” Sandy looked at Mike and tilted her head. “I mean Mike you're kinda sexy, but you’d never turn her head.” Sandy burst into a fit of laughter again. “Stephanie and Mike, John would rip Mike’s arm off and beat him to death with it.”
“You know your wife has a sick sense of humor.” Mike looked at Ian.
“It’s part of my charm.” Sandy tossed her hair over her shoulder and gave Ian a wink.
“So why exactly are you here if you're supposed to be going on a date with this girl?” Ian asked.
“I’m not picking her up until seven.” Mike couldn’t look his brother in the eye.
“And waiting home alone watching the time tick by made you nervous.” Ian chuckled. “Wow, this must be a special one. Never thought I’d see you nervous over a date.”
“Oh, our little Mikey’s growing up.” Sandy pinched Mike’s cheek.
“How do you live with this woman?” Mike pushed her hand away.
“I give a great blow….” Mike put his hand over her mouth before she finished the statement.
“I don’t need to know that.” Mike stood up and glanced at the time on his phone. It was a little after six. “I’m going to head out before your wife starts telling me what other things she does.”
Dangerous Silence (O'Connor Brothers Book 5) Page 10