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She took the cell from her ear and pressed the End button It hurt her more than it would hurt her brother To constantly help hi he touched After all, she was his safety net No wonder Steve had no incentive to s work: he knew he could always fall back on her Maybe it was tih Rochelle set the cell on the bar and emptied her cocktail

"Fa her with a pitying smile

She rolled her eyes "Unfortunately we can’t choose our siblings"

He nodded "Yeah, you’re not the only one with that problelass "Another one?"

"Yes, please"

While he went abouther drink, Rochelle let her eyes roa around the s quietly From the speakers, modern jazz o out in Midtown, but tonight she’d had to run an errand after work and had passed by the inviting bar by chance A little stressed fro on her, she’d entered without o" The bartender placed a drink in front of her and offered his hand "Lance"

She shook it "Rochelle," she introduced herself "Is it always this quiet here?"

"Occasionally on Mondays, but fro in here Today it’s ulars" He paused "I’ve never seen you here before"

"I work don and I live in the East Village I’ht I needed a drink"

Lance hed If Steve were her only probleoing on at work, whichone of those problems Ever since she’d made it clear to hi her under pressure If he hoped to soften her up that way, he rong The ho into her pants than her arrogant boss

"As Unfortunately my brother constantly has money trouble and thinks I’s know that they wouldn’t get far with me when it comes to money" He motioned to the bar around hi to me I only work here Do you work on Wall Street?"