The cynical words stung. She dropped the attitude of an experienced woman and spoke from her hurting heart. “And who’s to say you won’t do the same thing? You’re the brother who goes from woman to woman.”

“Correction. One at a time, every time. And I never lied to any of them about what they were getting into.”

“Thoughtful of you.”

“You can skip the sarcasm. Those relationships weren’t necessarily exactly what I wanted. But I would say I got what I needed and so did my women.”

Mary Beth swore under her breath, than said, “You know something? You and Bobby Joe are so different I almost don’t see how you can be brothers. You’re honest but won’t commit. He lies again and again, but he’s not afraid of making a promise.”

Parr stretched out his long legs and crossed them at the ankle. Then he folded his arms over his chest. “You sound like that old game, What’s Wrong With This Picture? Repeat what you just said about Bobby Joe and see if you can figure it out.”

“Don’t be a smart ass.”

“I’m a realist.”

Mary Beth stopped talking, not wanting to get ensnared in an argument she couldn’t win. Disappointment washed over her. She wasn’t going to let him know that.

“Let’s change the subject.”

“That’s probably a good idea.”

“It meant a lot to your mother to come out here. And to me. It’s been interesting to see where you and Bobby Joe come from.”

“Oh?” Parr picked up on what was left out of that information. “Did she ask to drive by our old house?”

“No, as a matter of fact.” That actually hadn’t occurred to Mary Beth on the day they’d toured the town. “But we toured the main street of Brickell.”

“I doubt it’s changed much. I’ve never been back.”

“She knew where everything was.” Mary Beth hesitated. “Including that old motel. I went the wrong way and we ended up there by accident. She totally changed—the place freaked her out. What was that all about?”

Parr looked at her intently. “She didn’t say?”

“I figured it had something to do with your father.” She didn’t want to confirm that Kenneth Weston had cheated on Alma when she wasn’t sure if his sons knew that he had.

“Good guess. It did.” He sighed. “Bobby Joe never told you about it, I suppose.”

“No. Not a thing.”

“Then I won’t either. Some other time, Mary Beth.” He got up, as if making it clear that the conversation was decidedly over.

She regretted the odd turn it had taken. But there was nothing she could do about it now.