You Belong to Me - 2

 

 

Corey listened to Phil rattle on with a bit of amusement, tempered by relief that Kerry had stepped in when he did. I really didn’t intend to get upset, but sometimes Phil seems to know just the right button to push. Conquests, indeed.

 

It had always been that way with the brothers.

 

Phil was a free spirit who seemed to enjoy teasing his youngest, more uptight brother. And like an idiot, I react. Outgoing and gregarious, the life of any party, even a family one, Phil expected everyone to listen when he talked. Not in an “I’m the best, so…” sort of way. More like he figured whatever he was talking about would entertain everyone within earshot—and it usually did.

 

Phil and Cathy had started seeing each other after a private screening of one of his films, just over a year ago. She’d been sent as a reviewer, interviewing him in the process, and they both agreed it had been love at first sight. He’d brought her home to meet the family last Christmas. Then, to no one’s surprise, he’d proposed to her six months later.

 

Kerry tended to be the peacemaker and had decided to put that to good use by joining the police force. He’d met Jena soon after he’d made detective, and they’d been together ever since.

 

That makes me the odd man out. No— He smiled wryly to himself. —no girlfriend, no desire to have one. Hell, what with working practically 24-7, when would I have time for anything more than a casual hookup now and then?

 

Corey had majored in social work. Now he worked at a homeless shelter, supervising and assisting the men—teens and adults—who came looking for a meal and a place to sleep for the night. It really was a full-time and often stressful job. The last thing he needed, in his opinion, was to have to deal with someone who wanted to commandeer what free time he had.

 

“Supper is ready,” Linda announced as she and the younger women came into the dining room bearing bowls and plates laden with food. Tom opened a bottle of wine and filled everyone’s glasses, and then the Christmas Eve festivities were in full swing.