Surviving Brooklyn (Brooklyn Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

shoes, and your girlfriend got pissed when I climbed in your lap so you could make me feel better,” I said with a smile to match his.
    “I remember I stayed by your side the entire night. I held your hair while you puked. I rubbed your back with the dry heaves. I even got you ‘hair of the dog’ the next morning,” Mark whispered the memory as if it was something that just happened. Then he lifted my hand to kiss my knuckles as he climbed into a cab.
    He didn’t say a word the rest of the ride to my apartment. I didn’t speak either. It seemed like we had a lot to say, but the scary part was saying it out loud. I would eventually ask why he would come at my father’s request, but here and now in the back of the cab I was enjoying the silence as he continued to hold my hand.
    When we arrived at my apartment, Mark took the keys from my hand and placed his other hand on the small of my back while the doorman let us in. We rode up the elevator in silence, letting the sonata playing through the speakers control the mood. As we got to my floor, Mark took my hand and led me to my door and unlocked it.
    Once inside, Mark locked the door and made his way through what was left of my boxes to put my keys on the island in the kitchen. I took a bottle of tequila out of the freezer. Mark stood with his elbow leaning down on the island, watching as I made margaritas. I knew I had to work tomorrow, but one or two wouldn’t hurt.
    “Why have you been avoiding me?” Mark asked as I turned off the blender. I couldn’t pretend I didn’t hear it. I guess honesty is the best policy, but I am a lawyer, so unless directly asked I don’t share any extra information. I poured my own drink, and decided I could be my own lawyer.
    “I wasn’t avoiding you,” I stated, pouring Mark a drink.
    “Yes, you were, and I am not leaving until I know why.” Mark drained his glass in one swallow.
    “What did my dad call you for?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
    “Quid Pro Quo. You answer my questions and I will answer yours,” Mark responded. I was seriously ready to kick my own ass because that was the tactic I used whenever I had information he wanted to know. He had turned the tables, and I would die of embarrassment or shame before the night was over.
    “Fine! Name the stakes,” I declared. I was never one to back down. I was also trying to figure out how to tell him I hated his girlfriend and wanted to watch her drown in my jealousy.
    “Whatever is said here, stays here. I will be completely honest with you if you are honest with me. The last time we discussed your dad, you threw a vase at me. I want it on the record that there will be no throwing of items.”
    Mark grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator and walked over to the couch. It was my turn. I refilled my glass and brought the pitcher with me, then set the pitcher on the coffee table before plopping down on the other end of the couch. I turned myself sideways to face him. I knew he was in detective mode, so I would have to go the honest route and not the lawyer route.
    “Mary,” I stated, my lips on my cup. I knew he caught what I said, but he was going to make me repeat it anyway.
    “What?” he asked, showing his patience was wearing thin.
    “Your girlfriend, Mary.” I stared into my cup; the liquid was quickly dissipating.
    “Why would you avoid me because of her?” Mark asked, appearing confused. I couldn’t blame him, it was a valid question. I hadn’t even shared my distaste for her with Kate.
    “Just because,” I answered as I poured another drink. My belly was warm and my head tingled from the effects of the alcohol, but I wasn’t drunk yet.
    “Explain it to me,” Mark stated in a loud manner. He sounded angry, but he looked intrigued.
    “I just don’t like being around her when she is with you,” I answered quickly, “Why did my dad call you?” I wanted to know before he dug any deeper into my heart.
    “He asked me to see if you would be