“Are you listening to how ridiculous you sound? I never laid a hand on her, and I wouldn’t, because I know you’re into her.” Paul ran both hands through his hair. “I don’t need this shit after the day I’ve had. You can take your accusations and go straight to hell.”

Oblivious to the mess they’d made with their brief altercation, Paul headed for the door.

“Wait,” Alex said.

Paul slowed, but he didn’t stop.

“Paul, wait.”

His brother stopped at the door but kept his back to Alex.

“I’m sorry. I was out of line. I saw you standing next to her, joking around and drinking beers, and I fucking lost it. I should’ve known you’d never do that to me.”

“You’re goddamned right I wouldn’t.”

“I’m really sorry,” Alex said again, hoping this time his brother would believe him.

Paul turned to face him. “So you’re in love with her, huh?”

Alex felt like his brother had gut-punched him. “No, it’s not that.”

“Isn’t it?”

Alex sagged against the counter. “I don’t know. It might be.”

Paul, that bastard, cracked up laughing. “You’re such a jackass, you know that?”

“Yeah, I know. I already said I was sorry. Twice.”

“For what it’s worth, I think she’s awesome. You should’ve seen what she got done around here in one day. It’s more than Sharon did in two months.”

“I’m not surprised.” Alex glanced at his watch. “I’m supposed to pick her up in like twenty minutes. Are you going to be home tonight? I should’ve checked with you before now.”

“Yeah, I’m home. No worries.”

“I owe you for all the time I’ve been spending with her.”

Paul waved him off. “No, you don’t. I’d never begrudge you the chance for some happiness in the midst of all the chaos. Just don’t forget we’ve got that meeting with Hope tomorrow at noon.”

“I haven’t forgotten. You’re meeting her boat?”

“Yeah.” Paul straightened out of the slouch he’d slipped into as he leaned against the door. “Oh my God, I almost forgot. The cops found Sharon and got the password. You’ll never guess what it was.”

“Do I want to hear this?”

Paul laughed—hard. “Probably not as much as I want to tell you. It’s AlexMartinezIsADick.”

Alex tossed his head back and laughed. “You gotta be fucking kidding me.”

“Nope, not kidding. I only wish I’d thought to try that. Should’ve been my first attempt.”

“You’re enjoying this a little too much.”

“I gotta get my jollies where I can.”

“Glad I was able to help.” Alex went behind the desk, grabbed a broom from the corner and started sweeping up the broken glass. He couldn’t believe the way he’d reacted to seeing Paul alone with Jenny.

“Hey, Al?”