McKenzie Cousins Box Set 1

“Just let me know and we’ll have dinner at our house so that you can see where we live.”

“You’re excited?”

“Yes.”

“I haven’t seen you this animated for years. It’s nice…and now, I’m going to leave and let you get to Michael and this party you’re missing.” He stands and tugs me into his arms. Hugging me really tight, he tells me, “I love you, Brooke, and I’m so damn proud of you.”

Tears pop into my eyes at his words.

He cups my face. “I know I haven’t told you that in a long time.” He kisses my forehead and pulling away, he has a cocky smirk on his face. “Give Michael a message for me, will you?”

“Of course.”

“Tell him that he’s ended up with the daughter I’d intended him to be with all along.” Dad laughs and leaves me standing with my mouth open, wondering what the heck he was on about.

“Was the coffee okay?” the waiter asks, smiling.

I roll my eyes. “It’s certainly sobered me up.”

“Good,” he laughs.

He hovers, so with a smile in his direction, I head out and call a cab.

The cab takes forever to get me to the hotel where Michael is. I’ve tried calling him but he hasn’t answered, or read his messages from me. I know the party is going to busy and with live music, loud. Nevertheless, I’m disappointed that I haven’t been able to hear his voice…to know he’s waiting for me.

He’d actually promised to come out and meet me so that I wasn’t walking in alone, but that isn’t going to happen now.

Paying the fare, I step out and smile at the doorman. He opens the doors for me and once inside, I follow the signs to the event Michael is attending. Just outside of the ballroom, I spot the restrooms so I quickly dive inside. I feel all rushed and need a few minutes to catch my breath.

Glancing in the mirror, I sigh in relief that my hair is still in place and so is my makeup, although I reapply my lipstick while hoping I can keep my thoughts at bay about Carrie.

She’s my sister and I do love her, I just wish she hadn’t pushed me away for the past few years. Perhaps I could have helped her more.

Feeling my lips start to quiver and tears spring into my eyes, I quickly grab my purse and fight for composure, when a woman comes rushing into the restroom and quickly enters a stall.

She has me curious, especially with how she ran in the heels she’s wearing. I’m in heels and I’m struggling to walk let alone run in them. I’d love to be one of these confident women who stride across a room in high heels without missing a step or falling flat on their face. That’s where I’d end up.

She rushes back out, washes her hands and then loudly exhales. “I have no idea why I’m rushing,” she says smiling at me.

“I’m the same. I decided to step in here to take a minute before I head into the ballroom.”

“There’s some handsome single men in the room, but I keep telling the man I’m with that he’s the most handsome. He thinks I’m talking bullshit,” she mumbles and laughs. “I’m not, but I love to tease him.”

“It sounds like you love him a lot,” I add, thinking about Michael.

She chuckles. “I haven’t seen him for a while, but I do love him. I always have. Even when he's annoying and giving me advice that I’d rather not listen to.” She dries her hands. “I’ll see you around.” And off she disappears.

I smile and, after one last look in the mirror, I exit and head toward the ballroom and the loud music, wincing when it gets louder the closer I get.

Standing at the door, I glance around and see that the party really is underway. I’ve no idea what it’s for and I realize I should have asked. Michael had just told me it was to celebrate something, and that a lot of businesses within Lexington had been invited. Hence why he couldn’t miss it.

At first, I don’t spot him but I do see the woman who was in the restroom with me. Her face is alight with pleasure as she dashes toward someone. I follow her gaze and find Michael. My Michael.

I watch his face split into a huge grin as he quickly puts his drink down onto a table just in time to catch the woman.

They wrap their arms around each other and stay in the embrace for a while before the woman intertwines her fingers with Michael and tugs him onto the dance floor.

He wraps her up in his arms and she rests her head on his shoulder. All I can think is that they make a beautiful couple.