The Mane Attraction
Page 83

Sissy sighed, knowing Ronnie was right. Times like this, I wish he could be more like my family.
Leaning back against the alley wallhed never seen such clean alleysMitch answered simply, No.
But
I mean no, Bren.
Im sure Dad would
I dont care what Dad would do or what Jesus would do. The answer is still no.
Yeah, butif we handle thissomehow, then
Bruh, you cant even say the words. And doing it is no easier than saying the words.
Brens shoulders dropped a bit. I dont want to lose you.
It had been so much easier when he hated his brother and sister, believing theyd gotten all of their fathers love and hed gotten nothing but the occasional birthday card. It had been so much easier when he believed they sat around laughing about the poor cub from West Philly or simply pretending he didnt exist at all. But he knew different now. He knew hed lucked out being able to stay with his mom and her Pride. He realized that Brendon and Marissa hadnt had anything easier growing up than hed had. They all loved their father, but he was aloof and moody, like most of the Old School males. While his father was building an empire, the twins never had Sunday barbeques with loud, bossy women who cursed like sailors nor had nearly twenty-five relatives show up to every football game and cheer like it was the Super Bowl.
Bottom line was, Mitch didnt want to lose Bren eitheror Marissaor anyone. But he had to do what was righthe had to testify. If he didnt bring OFarrell down now, he got the feeling no one would. And if that had happened, how many more fifteen-year-old prostitutes would get their throats slit before the old bastard died.
Maybe something could be worked out, he lied while praying it would turn out to be true. Maybe some kind of visitation. Mitch grinned. But youll have to meet me in East Booney fuck Ohio or wherever they put me.
You? In the Midwest? I shudder at the thought.
Im doing pretty good in the South. They love me here.
Only cause you play ball.
And I play it well.
Speaking of whichBren glanced at his watchweve got practice in a couple of hours, and I need a nap.
Together, the brothers walked out of the alley and found Sissy and Ronnie Lee standing outside the restaurant. Mitch frowned when he saw Sissys face. She looked upset, and when she saw him, she immediately tried to hide it. He didnt want her hiding anything from him.
Whats up?
Nothing. Ronnie Lee walked around Brendon and pulled out his wallet.Were going shopping. She took out his credit card and put the wallet back in his pocket.
Well see you guys at practice. Sissy turned to walk away.
Wait. He waited until Sissy looked at him. Come here.
She walked over to him.
Closer.
She smileda real oneand stepped closer.
Now kiss me.
Out here? In front of everybody?
Yeah. Out here. In front of everybody.
Well, when you get all demanding and cranky, how can I resist? She went up on her toes, her arms sliding around his neck. She kissed him slow and easy. Mitch got lost in that kiss, his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her tight against his body. He had no idea how long they were standing there, but suddenly, Ronnie had Sissys arm and was pulling her away.
Lord, yall. Get a room, why dont you?
Cant very well do that with you dragging me away! Sissy looked over her shoulder at Mitch and winked.
As the two strutted down the street, laughing and pushing each other around like pupsRonnie in tiny running shorts and a cutoff T-shirt and Sissy in her denim cutoffs and tight tank topMitch and Bren watched them.
And both brothers growled.
Chapter 23
With his brother off taking a nap and Sissy shopping, Mitch had two hours before practice, and that was simply too much time to sit around and think. So he went in search of food.
When he walked into the pie shop, he was surprised at how welcoming the aunts were. They kind of treated him like he was family, and he enjoyed it.
Sit here, baby-boy. Francine pulled out a chair and patted it with her hand. He smiled and sat down at the table.
My mom calls me that sometimes.
I met her at the wedding, right? When Mitch nodded, Francine smiled. I liked her. My kind of woman. Not snooty like some of your kind can be. Now what kind of pie you want today, darlin?
The lemon meringue was so good.
Lemon meringue it is.
It was Janette who brought the pie. And not a slice either. The entire enormous thing, putting it in front of him with a pie cutter, fork, and plate. She cut the first slice for him, and Darla poured him a glass of milk from the gallon jug shed placed on the table.
When he started eating, the three sisters sat down and watched him. It was mid-afternoon, and the place was deserted. But that wouldnt last. They got their busiest at the end of the day when people were getting desserts to go with their meals.
So whats wrong, darlin? Francine asked, her elbow propped on the table, her chin resting in her palm. She watched him with warm, friendly eyes.