Free Unlikely Allies by C. C. Koen Page A

steps and then bolted around, pointing his finger at Matt’s chest. “Don’t get me confused with you.” He got nose to nose, ensuring Matt heard his message loud and clear over the honking horns and traffic. “I’m sick and tired of everyone telling me what the hell I’m supposed to do with my life. You can take that shit you’re spouting and shove it up your ass.” He swung his arm in the general direction of the restaurant and snarled out his parting protest. “She’s nothing to me.” When he said it, his gaze flicked away from Matt’s knowing stare while the denial escaped his mouth. “No kids. No women with kids. And definitely not a woman who is obviously running from something or someone. Now, take your advice and give it to somebody who gives a damn.”
    As Rick took off at a sprint, Matt shouted, “I’ll see you Sunday. Lizbeth and Harley’s birthday party.”
    Rick extended his hand in an acknowledging and consenting wave. Even pissed off, he would never miss such an occasion. He might not want that lifestyle for himself, but he loved Matt and his family. Regardless of the bullshit his buddy rode him about, he’d never let a few disagreements come between them. They’d pledged the same fraternity their second semester and hit it off from the start. Rooming together helped, but they were also a lot alike. As bad as Rick might be, Matt had been a hell of a lot worse when it came to one-night stands, which kept their dorm room quite active. The routine continued until the end of senior year when Matt met Sophia at a party. His partner in crime fell hard, certain he’d met “the one.”
    Married a year after graduation, Rick had been Matt’s best man, celebrating the special occasion and each one ever since. Whenever he had a few hours to spare, he spent it with them. The twins turned six this weekend, and Grace, a pudgy little thing just a few months old, didn’t do much more than sleep, eat, and vomit. A few times when he’d been burping her, she got him good, spurting disgusting, yellow slime down his back. Once, so much spit came out of her, it seeped into his pants and boxers. Yeah, if that wasn’t enough to tell him kids were a pain in the ass, that event would have convinced him for sure. The best part though, when he said goodbye, he didn’t have to deal with glitter being sprinkled in his hair, his nails being painted neon yellow, princess tiaras thrown on his head, and kiddie tea parties again until weeks later, or as soon as he could fit in another visit.
    Nope, he didn’t need any of that insanity.

    Board meetings took three to four hours. A new goal of Rick’s had been to keep them as brief as possible. He just set a record, finishing in under two. At least he’d done something good today.
    “What the hell are you doing?” Grandfather’s shout echoed in the conference room.
    He peeked over his shoulder expecting to see him there. When he didn’t, he walked into the hallway. Behind his secretary’s desk and sitting in her chair—Cece, spinning in circles. Did anyone pay attention to where that kid went? Where the heck was Maggie?
    “Quit that right now, young lady,” Grandfather demanded while Cece continued to turn even faster.
    By the time Rick came up behind him, Grandfather’s arm had shot out to catch the whirling chair. His did too but latched onto the old man. “Leave her alone. I’ll take care of this.”
    “Another example of why this place is falling apart. If this kind of thing goes on when I’m here, I can only imagine what happens when I’m not.”
    “Max,” Cece repeated with each swing around until she came to a gradual stop. He could’ve sworn her face turned yellow then green as projectile vomit spewed out of her mouth, down his pant legs, and onto Grandfather’s custom-made Italian loafers. Bent over, she held her stomach as never-ending chunk-filled, watery globs flew out.
    Stunned silence, except for the retching, happened first. Then more