The Do-Over (4 page)

The waitress came, and they ordered more drinks. Kyle noticed the leggy blonde was still at the bar. Unfortunately, this girl was so interestingly crazy that he felt compelled to hear out her scheme. After all, as a friend and journalist, it was Kyle’s duty to extract as much information as possible. It would be helpful when they were at the police station later. He frowned at the thought of spending the evening at the police station.
Oh, flaxen blonde and red-haired vixen, one or both of you would have been so good tonight.

Lanie smoothed back a loose strand of hair. “There are a total of three reasons you should help me. First, my intentions are not malicious. I’m blunt but honest and caring.”

Kyle snorted audibly.

“I know it’s hard for you to see that, but I love my sister. I would never do anything to jeopardize her relationship. It will self-destruct in a matter of time. I just want to be prepared to start my pursuit of Brad when that happens. Second, I know you’ve been friends with Brad since elementary school. I also know that there’s some part of you that dislikes him.”

Kyle narrowed his eyes, dreading what Lanie knew. “What did he tell you?”

“Nothing at all. Brad and I are just friends and colleagues. We haven’t had any real personal conversations, but as I said, I’m a good observer. Brad twitches slightly when he talks about you, and you tend to grit your teeth when you talk about him. I don’t know why you had a scuffle. I assume it’s over a girl, but I really don’t care. The point is, I think part of you doesn’t like Brad, and that works in my favor.”

“He’s my friend. I’m loyal to him, not you.”

“I know, but you can’t be that loyal if you’re still talking to me. Face it. As much as you hate to admit it, you’re interested in what I have to say.”

Goddamn, she’s right
. “Look, I wouldn’t wish your brand of crazy on my worst enemy, let alone my best friend. Those reasons are bullshit.”

“The third reason is probably the deal maker. Another thing I observe about you, Kyle Manchester, is that you take pride in your work, and you covet recognition for it.”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“Not everyone is as ambitious as you. It’s true that I do read your articles, and I am very impressed by the sincerity of your stories. Do you know Melinda Hayes?”

Kyle almost snorted again. How did Melinda Hayes get in this conversation? The only balls Lanie knew how to throw were curve balls. Melinda Hayes was a household name, the reclusive ex-wife of Senator Hayes and one of the most hated women in America. She had been arrested several years ago for running one of the largest and most successful brothels in the state, best known for employing underage girls.

“Of course I know who she is. What about her?”

“Some of her victims are my clients, and they tell a very different story than she does.” Melinda Hayes had always maintained her innocence, and despite overwhelming evidence, she was never convicted. The whole thing smelled of government conspiracy and bureaucracy. It had been five years since the not-guilty verdict, but people still wanted blood. The victims had never spoken out publicly, leading to wild assumptions they were paid for their silence.

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“My clients are ready to tell their story. I’m handling their civil case.”

“Isn’t there a gag order to prevent them from speaking out?”

“No, there never was. There was a different reason they remained anonymous.”

“What?”

Lanie laughed, shaking her head. “Do you honestly think I would throw down my cards like that?”

Kyle sighed in frustration. “So what are you saying, Miss Lanie? You’re offering me an interview in return for my help? Quid pro quo?”

Lanie didn’t directly answer his question. Like a good lawyer, she skirted around the issue, stimulating his interest just enough so he didn’t insist on an answer. “I’ve been working with them a long time, and they trust me. There are certain things you can’t ask, but if you follow my instructions, you can have the scoop.”

“It’s pretty fucked-up that you’d sell out your clients for a chance to maybe make it onto some guy’s radar.”

She breathed an irritated sigh, showing at least one of Kyle’s statements had its intended effect. “First off, Brad is not some guy. He’s
the
guy…at least for me. Secondly, I’m not selling them out at all. They are going public anyway. Their story is inspirational and tragic, and people need to know it. I think you’d do a good job telling it.”

“And if I don’t help you?”

“I like your work. It’s good, but Thomas Watkins’s work is equally impressive, and I’m sure he’ll agree to my terms.” At the mention of Watkins, Kyle downed his second drink and motioned for a third.

“Oh…so Thomas Watkins will help you sink your hooks into Brad? I didn’t know they knew each other.”

“No, not those terms, but he’ll respect what’s off the record.”

“I don’t make the news. I just report it.”

“Bullshit. You can still report it and respect my clients at the same time.”

“Like you are? Selling them out by bribing me?”

Lanie actually looked offended. He had insulted her looks, her mental stability, and her personality without any reproach from her. Yet mention her integrity and she was upset. Lawyers…go figure.

“I’m not selling them out. I’ve read everything you’ve written and researched the hell out of it. Barbara Walters wants this interview and Oprah’s willing to come out of retirement, but I want you to tell it. And it’s not just because you’ll help me, but I know you’ll do a good job. This story requires the thoughtfulness that only the written word can provide and the integrity that a diligent newspaperman like you can offer. I’m doing this case pro bono, and my main goal is to protect them while making sure that the parties responsible are held accountable. If I fail in the physical courtroom, then at least we can prevail in the court of public opinion.”

Kyle was impressed by Lanie’s speech, although he tried not to show it. “Nice sermon, but we both know you are no Mother Teresa.”

“No, not her, but if a comparison were to be made, I would associate myself with Gandhi.” This time Kyle did choke on his drink. He gaped at her with a mixture of amusement and skepticism. “After all, we are both lawyers,” she said, smiling brightly.

Kyle laughed heartily, appreciating her joke. She was assertive and mousy, but at the same time, she definitely had a sense of humor. Lanie Carmichael was a total paradox in his book.

“Sorry, Counselor, you make a good argument, but I’m not selling out my buddy.”

“You wouldn’t be. Like I said, I’m not out to do anything malicious. I know I’ve intrigued you enough that you’re considering it.”

“Why do you say that?”

Lanie leaned in closer to Kyle, dropping her voice to a whisper. “Because this story is the road to the Pulitzer, something you covet very badly. I’m willing to bet that just the idea of this story is making you harder than the blonde at the bar.”

Kyle shifted uncomfortably, wondering if her powers of observation materialized from reading minds. He was genuinely thinking of her insane offer, and it made him feel guilty. After all, he wasn’t deceitful. He was a sex addict, but he was always honest with the girls he slept with, and he thought himself a decent friend. The fact that he was even out with this girl proved that on some level.

He turned to her, deciding he’d heard enough. “Listen, psycho, there’s no way I’m helping you. Really, the most decent thing I can do is burst your insanely large bubble. Stop kidding yourself. As nice as Brad is to you, he’ll never be into you. He likes women who are soft, curvaceous, and…well, feminine. You make the average librarian look like a runway model. It’s a damn shame that you’re not pretty like I’m sure your sister is. It’s worse that you weren’t even blessed with a good personality.” She remained stone-faced while he said it, which just irked him. “By the way, 1980 called and wants its shoulder pads back.” Kyle ended his tirade by slamming his glass down.

To his disappointment, she didn’t flinch, and her lower lip didn’t quiver. He had expected her to be in tears by now. Instead, she did the most astonishing thing of the night. She started laughing. Not a sarcastic or uncomfortable laugh, but a throaty, good-natured laugh as if they were sharing a joke.

“Well, no kidding, Sherlock. I planned to give myself a makeover, silly! That’s one of the things I hope you can help me with. And trust me, I’m not really this aggressive.”

“Then you’re a damn good actress,” Kyle grumbled with irritation.

“This is business, and I’m a professional. I have to act this way. Otherwise, you’d never take me seriously”—she held a hand up to Kyle’s open mouth to quiet him—“and despite what you’re about to say, I know you’re taking me seriously. I’m blunt and brash because I have to be at work. Unfortunately, I’m pretty lost when it comes to personal stuff.”

“Shocker,” Kyle whispered, wishing for another drink.

Lanie stood, walked over to get her purse, and pulled out a few bills from her wallet. “I’ll pay for your dinner,” Kyle offered, realizing what little chivalry he had was creeping up despite his repulsion for this girl. He was being a total jerk and felt somewhat remorseful, but it upset him even more that her reaction was so strange.

“No, I’ll pay for yours. It’s the least I can do after I’ve distracted you from the leggy blonde all night.” She turned and looked toward the bar. “By the way, the Bears lost like I said, but the blonde’s still here. Good luck to you.” She put on her coat and gathered her large purse.

Kyle almost said good luck back to her, but then he realized how absurd that sounded.

“I’m telling Brad to get a restraining order on you.”

She shrugged. “Go ahead. I’m a damn good lawyer, and it’s your word against mine. Besides, I know I’ve piqued your interest tonight.”

“You haven’t piqued anything.”

“Keep telling yourself that, but we both know it’s not true. When she’s crying out your name”—Lanie gestured to the leggy blonde—“you’ll be crying out Pulitzer.”

With that, she smiled sweetly and waved good-bye. “Call me.”

She walked off, leaving Kyle speechless, rattling the ice cubes in his empty glass.

Chapter Four

Lanie had been nervously contemplating the results of her crazy meeting with Kyle Masterson all day. She knew she’d made him uncomfortable, which was no small feat in light of his reputation as a composed journalist and suave heartbreaker. She was pleased she’d pulled it off without breaking a sweat. Lanie would have given Kyle the article no matter what, but in any negotiation, she had to use whatever leverage she could. Her plan appeared to be working when Kyle texted and asked her to meet for lunch. She returned his text, stating that she usually ate lunch at her desk, which was true. He replied back that if she wanted his help, she’d better meet him at Joe’s Café in an hour. Lanie was anxious at the prospect of a second meeting with Kyle. She was having second thoughts. She didn’t ever play games, and she wasn’t now. She just felt a connection with Brad that she’d never felt with anyone. She owed it to herself to explore the possibility of her first and only crush. She finally agreed to meet with Kyle. After all, she’d already started this crazy roller-coaster ride. She couldn’t just abruptly end it.

Joe’s Café was close to her office, and Kyle was waiting at a secluded table in the back. Lanie took a seat across from him this time, nervously adjusting her hair. The first time they’d met, she’d been prepared to present her case. This was cross-examination time, and she had no idea what was in store.

Kyle looked cool as a cucumber in his charcoal suit and purple tie that contrasted with his green eyes nicely. It was a damn shame he was such an egotistical man-slut. Were arrogance and good looks cause and effect traits in all people? It was true with her sister too. Cassie was conceited and selfish, but men vied for her attention. At least Brad had a sweet disposition. In Lanie’s estimation, Brad Jansen seemed to be one of the only exceptions to the rule.

“Hi, stalker, nice to see you again,” Kyle said, eyeing the menu instead of looking at Lanie.

“Please don’t call me that,” Lanie said sincerely.

“Isn’t that what you are?”

“No, it’s not, and would you like it if I called you a slut?”

“Hmm…I wouldn’t mind. It fits me,” Kyle replied, putting down his menu to give her an amused look.

After she ordered a virgin daiquiri, he asked, “How come you order virgin drinks?”

Lanie shrugged, even though she had answered this question many times. “I like the taste of them, and I don’t see the point of alcohol.”

Thankfully, Kyle didn’t seem interested enough to prod further. “So, I’ve been thinking about your proposition.”

“I take it you’re interested.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Why are we here then?” Lanie asked, putting on her courtroom voice.

“Touché,” Kyle said with an amused grin. He had the sexiest smile she’d ever seen. It held all the seduction of a powerful man, but there was also a charming, boyish mischief to it.

“I know it’s hard for you to understand this, but I really have no intention of harming Brad or my sister. If Brad returns my affections, it has to be a natural process.”

“There’s nothing natural about this, Lanie. You can’t plan love; it just happens.”

“How would you know?” she asked pointedly.

Kyle looked thoughtful for a moment, as if seriously contemplating her question. Lanie bit her lower lip nervously, hoping she hadn’t offended him. When he smiled at her, she sighed in relief.

“I wouldn’t. I’m not an expert on matters of the heart.”

“That’s not why I enlisted your help.”

“Then why did you?” The food arrived, and Lanie dug in to her burger, happy to have something to distract her from Kyle’s piercing eyes and sexy grin.

“You know Brad in ways I don’t. I was hoping you could shed some light on his tastes.”

“So you can become the perfect woman for him?”

“No. As I stated, if he falls in loves with me, it has to be for me. The person I am, crazy quirks and all. I just want to know what pleases him.”