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Al sighed and stared at the ceiling as he spoke. “I’m going to be the bachelor on dating show calledLaw of Attraction.”

Ben’s laughter was so loud, Al had to pull the phone away from his ear.

“Sorry, man, but I needed that.” Ben wiped the tears from his eyes. “We’ve watched some of that shit in here. Those women can get wild. You sure you’re up for that?”

“I’ll do what I have to.” Al shrugged, repeating Ben’s words back to him.

“And you said Jeannie was okay with this?” Ben rubbed his free hand over his beard.

“More than okay. She’s in New York right now with the production crew, helping to select the contestants.” He hoped he kept the bitterness out of his tone.

“I see.” Ben drummed his fingers on the table. “Maybe the question I should be asking is, areyouokay with this? The last few times you two came to visit, I thought I was picking up some vibes.”

“Vibes?” Al’s head jerked back. “Between me and Jeannie? Your sister?” He cleared his throat, noticing his voice had risen a few octaves. “No vibes there. Nope. None at all.”

“Al, look at me. Look at where I’m at.” Ben waved his arm around the white walls. “You want to do right by me, then don’t take your relationship for granted. You don’t think I’ve seen the change between the two of you this last year?”

Al’s face heated.

“And honestly, I can’t think of anyone better for my sister. Unless you’re some coward pussy running away from her.”

Al scoffed. “Let’s just say it’s not me running, but I’d rather not go into details.”

Ben’s lip curled and he shook his head. “Please don’t.”

“Long story short, she’s not interested.” Al rubbed his chest as the familiar ache returned.

Ben snorted. “Look, I know I’ve been stuck in here for a long time, but I still know my sister. I’ve seen how she looks at you. I’ve heard the difference in her tone over the phone when she talks about you. She’s interested. Very fucking interested.”

“Time’s up!” a guard shouted from across the room.

Ben sighed, and the light was already dimming in his eyes. “It was good seeing you, Al. Appreciate the visit.”

“We aren’t giving up, Ben.”

Ben hung up the phone and joined the line exiting the room. Al waited, not yet ready to leave. As Ben approached the door, the inmate in line behind him slammed into his back and pushed him to the ground.

“Hey!” Al shouted as he pounded on the plexiglass partition.

The line paused, and the other inmates moved back as one of the guards pulled Ben’s attacker off him.Another guard reached for Ben and pulled him through the doorway.

“What’s going on?” Al shouted. “Tell me what’s happening!” The remaining inmates shuffled back into line as if nothing had happened. And maybe this was just another day in Central Prison. But one thing was for sure. Al was going to follow his contract to the letter and not step one toe out of line. He’d do whatever it took to help his friend, even if it meant sacrificing his own heart in the process. It’s not like Jeannie wanted it, anyway.

Chapter 11

Afew more weeks later

Jeannie grabbed a champagne flute from the waiter and tried to remember to sip rather than chug. She’d just been informed that her work with the show wasn’t ending when she returned to Grimm.

They’d asked her to stay on as consultant, given her local knowledge and close relationship with the star. Which meant she had to be on set. Every day. Watching Al hook up with all those women. She could have said no, but the pay they offered was excellent, and she wanted to contribute some of her own cash to Ben’s defense fund. Even though she helped Al get all of his gigs, it wasn’t the same as putting her own money in the pot.

At least tonight would be her last night in New York City. Gah, she hated this place. It was cool for the first few days, but she missed her quiet street and her friends. The production company insisted she attend this last meet andgreet before she left. She’d rather be in her sweats at the airport bar, but a girl had to do what a girl had to do. Plus she might meet a new client.

“You must be that small town publicist everyone’s talking about.” An older gentleman settled beside her and offered her another glass of champagne.

“Oh, I’m good, thanks,” she said, holding up her glass.

His eyes narrowed, but he quickly recovered and raised his whiskey tumbler to take a sip.