A Million Way's To Love You™∽For All Time∽♥Book 5

∽Chapter 39∽

*Yuli's Point Of View*

"So... What you're telling me is, David is black mailing you? For what?!", I screech, watching Michael pace the living room. Poor guy, he's a nervous wreck. "Babe, he's already frustrated, Calm down.", Ryan reason's. I glare at him. Ryan already knows to keep it shut when I'm heated. It's not pretty when my Israeli blood is boiling.

"Ryan... Our friend is in trouble and you're asking me to calm down?!", Reevaluating the situation and my history of tempers, Ryan solemnly nods. "Sorry...", He apologizes softly. I give him a small apologetic smile. "I-I just don't know how to tell Marilyn. She's going to freak. I want to handle this myself.", Michael concludes, turning to us and ending his pacing.

"I understand your worry for her, but you can't do this alone." Ryan reasons again. "Yeah. Michael we will always be here to support you, but I know Marilyn. She will be peeved. She hates secrets.", Michael sighs heavily.

"Don't you think I know that? I know she will, but-",-"Okay so Carson and Jordyn are in good hand's. Joseph is playing with them in the den.", Marilyn beams, entering the living room. Michael forces a smile, walking up to Marilyn. "Good, Good. We were just talking about you... ", Michael lulls, pecking Marilyn's forehead. Stealing a quick glance at Michael, I silently scold him.

He knows he should tell her, or world war three will commence. "Really now?.. I hope good thing's...", She enthuses, oblivious to the elephant in the room. "Of course. Umm I-",-"Michael has something to tell you...", I interfere. I have no patience for beating around the bush. Michael shoots me a look to hush.

I ignore him and glance at Marilyn who was still stand clueless. "Babe, Don't you think you're interfering at the wrong time? ", Ryan suggests. Reading between the lines, he's telling me to shut up as well and mind my business. Well, my nephew and friends are my business.

"Michael, What do you have to tell me?", Michael slowly turns back to Marilyn, smiling falsely as he makes up a lie. "I wanted to tell you... That uhh, I've been three month's clean and uhh... I have you to thank. I love you.", He stutters around. Though he was telling the truth, he's still not being truthful. Marilyn turns to me, not fully satisfied by Michael's answer.

"What's really going on here?", She demands, placing and impatient hand on her right hip. Michael and exchange a quick glance. Something is telling me to leave it alone; It's hard to ignore my gut. Sighing in defeat, I giggle falsely and nod. "What Michael meant was, he's excited about turning forty soon and of course having thing's in order again.", I explain, gesturing for Ryan to back me up.

"I was wondering if I can take Michael out to a strip club downtown. You know, for his birthday?", Now it was time for Marilyn and I to exchange glances. Is this man insane? Marilyn giggles,breaking our stare. "If that's what he wants...", She shrugs. "Wait, What? This conversation has went left.", Michael finally butts in. I nod in agreement.

"Well you said that's what you were talking about... So I just agreed. Michael knows how to behave. Look don't touch.", She directs at Michael. Michael's face is completely flushed as of now. He's like a small child being embarrassed by it's mother.

"Uhh Ryan,We will talk about that later. Umm I'll go call Joseph and find out when his flight is landing... ", Michael rambles, easing out of the living room. "Wait, Michael. Joseph is here he's in the den... What's up with you?", Marilyn asks suspiciously. Michael tugs at his T-shirt collar nervously.

"Nothing... I must be tired or something. A nap sound's good right now...", He trails off, turning to walk away. "Oh...Okay. I guess. I'll let them out.", Michael nods and continues walking out. "A strip club Ryan? Really?! ",Marilyn burst, once Michael is out of sight. I giggle, knowing it was too good to be true.