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Michael took Haize’s hand and led her down the aisle and out of the courtroom, hearing Marilyn laugh behind them. “I’m sorry you had to hear that, Haize. I can’t stand that woman. I’m not sure what I saw in her.”
“You weren’t clearheaded back then. It’s okay. The important thing is you did so awesome today. I don’t think she stands a chance.”
“I guess we’ll find out in three days,” Michael replied. “It’s gonna be a long wait.”
“It’ll all be worth it soon. I promise, Mikey. Stick to the plan, let her act like she does, and it’ll work out.”
He leaned in and kissed her. “Why are you so amazing, Haize?”
“We do everything we can for the people we love. I’ll always be here for you, Mikey. No matter what.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Michael woke up the next morning with anxiety. Haize was snoozing soundly next to him, and he held her close, attempting to ground himself and realize where he was at that moment. Her warm body was comforting, but he couldn’t get his mind off the daunting tasks in front of him. Mitch was on his mind, along with the outcome of the custody battle.
Friday was a long wait, though in reality, just a few days away. So much was riding on both things – his little brother’s life hung in the balance between sobriety and continuing down his path, and on Friday he’d know about his future with Jace.
The doubts, the fears, and the lack of patience were all nagging at him, and he immediately craved a quick shot of whiskey to calm his nerves. The thought angered him, and he held Haize so close he was scared he’d hurt her. She woke up, eyelids fluttering open, legs tangled around his.
“What’s wrong, Mikey?” She propped her head up on her elbow and ran her fingers down his chest.
He debated on telling her about his craving. He didn’t want her to worry, so he closed his eyes and swallowed, wishing he could just go back to sleep and forget about all of it. “Just going over my answers with the judge over and over. I can’t sleep.” He grabbed his cell phone to check the time – it was a little after two AM.
“You did good, Mikey. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”
“And I’m thinking about Mitch. We need to do it soon. It just scares me.”
“What scares you about it?” She rested her hand on his stomach and the simple embrace was calming and helpful.
“What if he says no? What if he doesn’t want to do it?”
“Then you stick to your guns. He gets clean or you have nothing to do with him.”
“He’s my brother.” Michael scrubbed his hand down the side of his face, feeling the whiskers growing in.
“He is. And he has to know you’re serious, Mikey. It’s tough love and he has to hit his rock bottom.”
“He’s a Brennan. We hit rock bottom every day of our lives. From the day we were born, it was all rock bottom.”
A pained look shot across Haize’s face, and she sat up in the bed, holding the sheet against her to block her naked body. “You still feel like you hit rock bottom every day?”
“No. That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry.”
“What did you mean?” Her voice shook and she kicked her legs off the side of the bed, her naked back exposed to him.
“I just meant we have it hard. I still do, but it’s gotten better because of you.” He reached out and ran his palm down her spine, smoothing it against her soft skin. “I’m definitely not hitting rock bottom right now.” He scooted closer, kissing her in the small of her back against the two dimples just above her ass.
“Do you feel like you’re about to relapse?” She glanced at him over her shoulder, and he stopped kissing her back. How did she know? She was good at her job.
“I got a craving for some whiskey tonight, yes.” Michael kissed the small of her back again, but she moved away, now standing in front of him, the sheet wrapped around her like a towel.
“Mikey,” she whispered. “Please don’t let all this derail you. I know it’s a lot to handle all at once, but you know I’m here for you, right?”
“I know.”
“We need to do one thing at a time. Maybe we shouldn’t do the intervention with Mitch right now. Not until we have the hearing on Friday. That alone is enough to make anyone want to relapse, and I don’t want that to happen.”
“You asked and I told you the truth, Haize. I didn’t mean to make you worry, but I also don’t wanna lie to you.” He reached out and took her hand, kissing the back of it. “I’m okay now. I’m not gonna go get a drink.”
