Page 23 of Chaos

Is that who I think it is?

No way.

“Brody?”

What is my half-brother doing in Vegas? I haven’t talked to him since his wedding.

That whole thing could have gone better.

Is he going to hate me for fucking his wife?

Well, I assume ex-wife by now.

I still wonder where she is and if she found someone new.

Sofia.

I should have left my number. Or got hers.

It’s one of my biggest regrets, but my head was so fucked up at the time, I didn’t know what I had until she was gone.

Losing her is always a double whammy when the anniversary of Kai’s death rolls around.

If I hadn’t been an idiot and let her go, she might have been the one to help fill this hole in my heart.

“Look, no hard feelings about the wedding, okay? I get it that you didn’t want to show.” He holds his hand out for me to shake it.

The big bearded, bald man grunts as the waitress scurries past us.

Does he know why I didn’t make it?

“Yeah, sorry, I got sidetracked. How is she?” I still wonder if she stayed away and took my advice to start a new life.

After a long drink, he smiles. “She bailed. She was a good piece of ass, too. But I found a better one. This one is a keeper; she knows better than to run out on me.”

I bet that means he’s beat her harder.

His eyes tighten and he tilts his head, the smile still dancing over his lips. “I’m having a bachelor party next week. Maybe you can be the perfect test for her. I mean, we do kinda look alike. If she still chooses me over you, I know she’s loyal.”

The empty bottle makes a thump on the table as he sets it down.

“You want me there as some sort of test?” My opinion of him sinks another couple of notches.

He laughs and slaps my arm. “Worst that could happen, we can spit roast her cheating ass together.”

“Sounds like love,” I say sarcastically.

He shrugs. “I’d like to get to know my big brother. It’s at The Sinners, next Friday at seven. I’ll make sure you get the VIP treatment.”

Brody turns away and talks low to the big bald guy.

As a group, the men stand and start working their way out of the club.

“It was lucky to see you again, bro. We always seem to be meeting over a girl.” Brody laughs and throws his arm up in a wave before disappearing into the Vegas night.

THIRTEEN

SOFIA