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‘Well, you didn’t sound like a loving big brother,’ she said as she pulled away fro to slip from his hold ‘But silly me, that would never happen You aren’t capable of love, are you, Max?’

He tightened his eelina’s birthday’

‘Don’t do what, Max? Say the truth?’

‘You have no idea what elina is like’ He looked down at her, aware now they were attracting attention Every other couple on the dance floor see fire at one another

‘That just proves how little we know about each other and how unsuited we are’

Before he could respond to her angry tirade she freed herself froh the other couples toward the door If she wanted to play those games she would be sorely disappointed He never went after a woman

But it’s not just a woman, it’s your wife and your child

Lisa was so angry she could hardly walk in her strappy black heels as she left the party in full swing There was no way she was staying there just to elina’s revelations, which had come hot on the heels of that word she’d never wanted to form part of her life Divorce She’d failed She was no better than her mother

‘Lisa, what’s the hast She hadn’t even noticed her

She took a deep cal breath ‘Men’

‘In general or one in particular?’ Lydia jested, but there was nothe concern on her new friend’s face

Lisa sighed wearily She had to talk to someone She couldn’t do this alone ‘One in particular, not that I’uessed’

‘And you think running aill help?’ The mock conjecture in Lydia’s voice made it impossible for Lisa not to s you and give thatto think about’

‘I guess you have already ta such a thing’

Lydia laughed, then became more serious ‘Anyone can see he loves you, Lisa, just as it’s obvious you love hioodness’ sake Just as he has to accept he is a Valdez, he has to accept love’