Page 146 of Cougar

“Nice try, dickhead.” I let out an angry laugh. “She knows.”

“What about Vegas?” Mimi asks calmly. She and my mother are both standing in the doorway with furious expressions. My mother doesn’t say anything, just continues to glare at me.

“Liam married Vanessa,” I tell her, breaking every bro code in our friendship. “Then he dumped her.”

Emerson’s breath hitches. “Liam.”

“Jesus Christ!” Mimi throws her hands in the air. “What is it with my kids running off to Vegas?”

Liam breaks free from his hold and lunges for me. Once again we’re separated and pushed to opposite sides of the room. Bass has Liam pinned against the wall.

“That’s not what happened!” he shouts, fighting against Bass’s restraint.

“That’s enough,” Mimi yells. “What the hell is wrong with you two? My granddaughter and her friend were nearly beaten to death, and you two are in here throwing punches.” She steps into the room.

“Mom—” Liam starts.

“Shut it, Liam! Leave. Now. Both of you get out of here!” She points toward the doorway.

I turn around to find Emerson with her back to me. “Em—”

“Just go, Cam. We’ll talk later.”

I move to wrap my arms around her from behind and kiss her on the head. “I’ll be right outside. Okay?” I whisper, and she nods. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she says so softly that I barely hear it.

“Emerson,” Liam calls out. “I’m sorry if I hurt you. And I didn’t mean what I said.”

“Don’t be,” she says, keeping her back to the rest of the room. Her voice is flat. “You were right. Itwasmy fault. If Marcus were here, this never would’ve happened.”

“Emerson,” Mac’s chiding voice booms from the doorway. “Everyone out. Now.”

* * *

“I can’t believe you’re hooking up with my sister.”

I scowl. “I’m nothooking upwith your sister. We’re in a relationship. I love her. And she loves me.”

Liam scoffs. “She’s too good for you.”

“I’m good enough to be your best friend, but not good enough to be with your sister.” I give two thumbs-up. “Got it. Thanks.”

“She’s a mom, Cam.”

“Your point?” I snap.

“How did this even happen, bro?”

“None of your fuckin’ business, and I’m not your bro. What the fuck, Liam?”

“Cam,” he chuckles humorlessly. “I just spent five hours on an airplane praying to God that my most favorite person in the entire world didn’t die, that my sister wouldn’t have to bury her child a year after burying her husband. Forgive me for freaking out. How would you feel if I were fucking your sister?”

I huff out a laugh and shake my head. “I’d say ‘good luck.’”

“Fuck.” He chuckles, dragging his hands down his face. “I’m sorry, man, but you’re stuck with me for life.”

“You’re a shitty best friend.”

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