Page 61 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

"It doesn't always work that way, Trace. Look at Hallie and me. I knew after barely meeting her that she was special. I've watched you as you talked about him. You really like this guy, don't you?"

"I do. That just isn't enough this time. We aren't you and Hallie. There isn't going to be a happily-ever-after."

"Well, shit."

"I'm gonna tell Hallie on you. You can't punish her for cussing if you're gonna keep doing it yourself. That's just not fair."

"Neither is what's happening to you, kiddo."

"Don't worry about me, Troy. Give me a weekend with Ben & Jerry and I'll be as good as new."

"You always did gorge yourself on ice cream when you were upset. Need me to run to the store for you?"

"Nope. I'm completely stocked up. Now head home and enjoy your weekend with your bride. I'll talk to you next week, okay?"

"I'll see you on Sunday. It's the 4th of July picnic, remember?"

Traci had completely forgotten about the big mid-summer blow out. She had no desire to go. "I'm gonna skip this year, Troy. You and Hallie have fun."

"I'll call you on Sunday and see if you've changed your mind. I'll leave now, but you have to promise me you'll call if you need to talk. Anytime. Day or night. Got it?"

"Got it. And, Troy... thanks."

Traci locked the door after her brother left and headed to the kitchen. The only thing that could distract her from raiding the freezer was the temptation to raid the wine rack. Four perfectly good bottles of wine awaited her. She picked up the first bottle and her heart lurched as she wondered what Sean might think of her grocery store wine specials.

At least I didn't buy the big 'ole box of wine by the gallon.

Traci opened the first bottle, not bothering to check its pedigree. She was only interested in one thing—getting plastered long enough to make her brain stop thinking of how much she missed Sean and his smiling grey eyes as he tickled her. She wanted to stop thinking about how she had foolishly allowed herself to wonder what it would be like with Sean and Ashley in her life.

She suspected she'd have to drink a lot to forget, but since she wasn't going to be out driving like she had the last time she over-indulged on her birthday, there was no harm done. She was alone. No one would even know.

"You need to cut out of here. Go pick up the phone and call her. Better yet, get your ass on a plane."

Sean hadn't been paying any attention. He glanced around the table where he'd just finished having dinner with several members of his leadership team. Where had everyone gone? Only the head of his security team remained.

"Where did everyone go?"

"They didn't want to disturb your meditation session. They said thanks for dinner and they'd see you next week."

Sean felt himself heating with embarrassment. It was bad enough that Ashley had been hounding him about zoning out. Now he'd made an ass of himself in front of his entire team. He should have canceled tonight.

Jimmy continued on as if he hadn't noticed his boss's discomfort. "I thought you were supposed to be going up to Wisconsin with the in-laws this weekend. Don't you usually go up to their cabin for the 4th of July holiday?"

"I sent Ashley with them. Her classes are finally over for the next two months. It'll be good for her to spend time with them away from the city."

"Away from her moping father, you mean."

"I'm not moping."

"Right. That's why you barely joined in the table conversation tonight. You could have just canceled, you know."

"We won property of the quarter again. That called for a celebration."

"Next time just buy us all a gift card."

"Ungrateful bastard."

"I just call it like I see it. Everyone else is gone. Want to talk about it?"

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