Page 417 of Top Dog

“Explain,” I said.

“She stopped partyin’. Stopped drinkin’ beer. It was all ‘wine and sparklin’ water’ whenever she came over. She traded that loud voice of hers for somethin’ more tempered and hell, she fuckin’ stopped cussin’.”

“People grow up and change. What makes you think it was Michael?” I asked.

“Cause the change didn’t start ‘til after their first fight.”

“What did they fight about?”

“Her partyin’ in college. I don’t know what was said. She still won’t talk ‘bout it. But after that argument, she called me cryin’ ‘til she fell asleep. I was in a fuckin’ airport ‘bout to book me a ticket to the city before I heard her snorin’ into the phone.”

“And her snorin’ stopped you?” I asked.

“She sounded peaceful. Not the cryin’ mess that had called. So I sat in the airport ‘til I could get her back on the phone. She sounded different and begged me not to come out ‘cause she was swamped with finals, so I didn’t. But I should’ve. I know that’s when shit turned with them. When he had his grip on her and didn’t look back.”

“Well, she’s out now. We can all be thankful for that.”

“Truer words were never spoken, my friend.”

We simultaneously picked up our glasses and took a big gulp.

Hunter and I turned our heads to see Katie approaching us.

She was fucking radiant, dressed in a yellow and orange summer dress that accentuated her soft curves and played up her warm brown eyes. She had boots on her feet and attitude in her smile. She eyed Hunter curiously before she threw me a cautious smile, her eyes asking questions before her mouth opened.

“Anyone want to explain why my brother’s day-drinking?” she asked.

“Cause you ain’t marryin’ that asshole, that’s why,” Hunter said.

“I’m just glad I made the right decision when I did,” she said with a sigh.

I was shocked at the relief that showed along her features. I figured she’d be sad or crying or screaming mad or something. But she was none of those things.

She was at peace.

And it was a good look on her. In fact, it was sexy as hell.

“You gonna stick around the resort?” I asked. “You got that room as long as you need it.”

“So Dylan tells me. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t find you drinking on the job.”

“I’d ‘preciate it,” I said with a grin.

“Well, I ain’t workin’, so bartender? Get me another one, please,” Hunter said.

“How many is that?” Katie asked.

“This’ll be my third, then I’m done,” Hunter said.

“Then I’m going to stay here and make sure it is,” Katie said.

“Be our guest,” I said.

“And to answer your question, I think I’ll stick around for a few days. But I can’t stay much longer than that. I’ve got an apartment in town I gave a sixty-day notice on. I’ll have to see what begging will get me. Otherwise, I’ll have to find another place to stay,” she said.

“You got an apartment in town?” I asked.

“Courtesy of the asshole,” Hunter said. “Rented it out for her since she was back an’ forth with momma so much. Guess he didn’t want her stayin’ with family.”

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