through several rooms with no sign of his brother. He headed downstairs to the basement and straight into the âMan Cave.â His brother was playing pool and listening to music. When Pierce looked up, he flashed his brother a grin. âHey, dude. Whatâs up?â
âToo much,â Vaughn groused going straight to the mini kitchen. Vaughn pulled a beer out of the refrigerator, and then retrieved a bottle opener from a drawer. He flicked the top off and pitched it into the trashcan.
âReally?â Pierce leaned over the table and sank a ball into a corner pocket. âCare to elaborate?â
Vaughn retrieved his favorite pool stick from a mounted rack. âNot yet.â Ignoring his brotherâs game, he started racking up balls. Pierce followed suit. Once they were lined up Vaughn sent the cue ball hurtling down the table. The balls scattered with the force of the collision. They had played two games before Pierce broke the sound barrier.
âOkay Vaughn, youâve had time to stew, and Iâve allowed you to beat me for some time now. I think you need to tell me whatâs going on.â
âAllowed me to beat you?â Vaughn snorted.
âDonât act like youâre a better pool player than me big brother. I take your shirt every game we play. Chase does too, and considering how often he gets back home Iâd say that was pretty pathetic.â
Vaughn thought about their middle brother, Chase. He was in the Army stationed in Germany. He rolled his eyes. âNot every game.â
âQuit deferring. Whatâs the matter with you?â
âI had a crappy day. No more, no less.â
âThis is hardly what I would call the norm, bro. Even with the headaches you bring home from work. Youâve never been thisâ¦edgy before,â Pierce took his shot. âIf I had to bet my money Iâd say it was a certain psychologist thatâs got you all worked up?â
Vaughnâs ball missed the pocket by a large margin. Annoyance flashed in his eyes. âCarltonâs got a big mouth.â
Quit complaining. He merely called to warn me that youâd be in a piss poor mood. Besides, this way you donât have to repeat how you tanked with the ladies.â
âIt wasnât ladies,â he clarified. âIt was just the one and thereâs nothing happening between us.â
âBecause you blew it,â Pierce countered.
âIf you have nothing to input other than sarcasm you know the way out.â
âStop getting so riled up. I agree with Carl on this one. Just flash your pearly whites and combine it with an apologyâsheâll be all yours.â
âItâs not like that. She isnât one of the superficial women youâre used to dating, Pierce. Sienna has more character, and a higher IQ.â
âDonât knock what you havenât tried,â Pierce quipped. My ladies are into a good time. I go all out to make sure they get it, too. No harm, no foul.â
Vaughn gave up on the pool game. He grabbed his drink and stalked over to the couch. After he flopped down heavily he put his feet up on the nearby ottoman. âSpare me the details, Pierce.â
âIâm just sayingââ
Vaughn looked up. âI wasnât kidding.â
âSuit yourself,â Pierce retrieved his duffle bag off a nearby table and headed toward the entertainment system. He grabbed the remote for the projection screen and flicked it on. âI brought over a DVD of me commentating on Sports Time last week. You can tell me how you like my new suit.â
âPierce, I love you. Youâre my brother and all, but Iâm not about to comment on how good you look in a suit.â
âDonât hate the player,â Pierce laughed plopping down next to him. âThis segment has the new sports drink Iâm endorsing. Cha-ching,â he pretended to press the spin button on a slot
Learning to Kill: Stories