Her Little Black Book Read Free

up the chance to remind him of all the times he had openly and uncaringly disrespected Mama. I doubt my words sent him on any guilt trip, so I’ve basically told him that if he does anything to ruin what will be the happiest day of my life, or if he allows Suzette to behave in any way to bring embarrassment to Mom, I’ll never speak to him again.”
    Courtney nodded. She believed her. “What about Mike’s family? Has he prepared them for what could happen?”
    â€œMike doesn’t have a family. He was given up at birth and, like Jesse, got bounced around between foster homes, usually the same ones. That’s why the two of them are so close and consider themselves brothers, since they were the only constant person in each others’ lives while growing up. Jesse is the only family Mike has.”

    A part of Courtney knew that Jesse and Mike’s situation was sad, but considering the parents she’d had to deal with and all their drama over the years, the thought of being raised in a foster home held some kind of appeal. Now how warped was that? “It wasn’t my intent to hog your entire evening, since I’m sure Mike will be dropping by later,” Courtney said, walking over to the sink to place her empty bowl into it. “But I wanted to check to make sure there’re no last-minute details I can help you with before next Saturday.”
    Sonya smiled. “No, the woman we hired as our wedding planner is totally awesome. Carla used her when she married Jesse and was pleased with the results, and so far I am, as well. But I’m glad you dropped by—there’s something I want to give you.”
    Courtney raised a curious brow. “What?”
    Sonya’s smile widened. “Wait here for a second while I go and get it.” She then hurriedly raced up the stairs.
    Courtney went into the living room and glanced around. She thought the house Sonya and Mike had bought together a few months ago was simply gorgeous and elegant. She’d always admired Sonya’s decorating skill, and every time she visited, she couldn’t help but appreciate Sonya’s classic taste as well as her love for bold colors, which did so much for the gleaming oak floors and decorative tile walls. So far only Sonya had moved in. Mike wanted to officially take residence after the wedding, although Courtney was fairly certain he spent many a night here anyway.
    And then there was the other home they were having
built in Los Angeles, where the corporate office for Mike’s private investigating firm was located. That was where they would be spending a lot of their time. Mike’s company offered professional services to law firms, prominent individuals, financial institutions, as well as major domestic and foreign corporations. Sonya would be quitting her job with a large marketing firm and would bring her marketing expertise to Mike’s firm, starting with the office he had opened here in Orlando.
    â€œI’m back and here you are,” Sonya said, coming down the stairs. She walked over to her and placed a small black book in Courtney’s hand. Courtney glanced up into her cousin’s smiling face, confused. “You’re giving me your little black book?”
    â€œYes.”
    Courtney looked down at it. This wasn’t just any little black book. As far as she was concerned, it was legendary. For years she’d known it existed and had watched Sonya whip it out a few times to make a hit. She had even, on occasion, run into some of the men whose names had been plucked from the book for a date with Sonya. All the men had been tall, dark, and handsome. “Why are you giving me your little black book?” she asked.
    â€œBecause I won’t need it anymore, and I can’t think of another soul I’d want to have it other than you. Besides, I don’t know of anyone who needs it more. You’ve denied yourself the chance to date as much