There is nothing more embarrassing than showing up to a bachelorette party and being unable to drink liquor and wine without telling the real reason why. Thank God for Marie or I’d have a lot of explaining to do.
I try and hide the anxious feelings I’m having with a smile, as Fallon introduces her friend Mel to me and Marie. Mel’s cool as hell, and has this girl-next-door vibe that she gives off, and that’s not even the icing on the cake. She’s gorgeous with waves of ebony-colored hair cascading down her back. When her gunmetal blue eyes meet mine, they hold uncontained excitement. Looking at her and Fallon, you’d never expect them to be best friends.
Then again, I never thought Gabby and I would be either. I sigh inwardly, looking at Marie over my shoulder. She seems uninterested in the entire event and I frown, hating that she isn’t enjoying this more.
I brought her hoping we could bond and maybe be able to discuss her hate for Ryker and his family, but instead I’ve sat here passing every single beverage I’m given to her. At this rate, she won’t be able to walk out of this place when it’s time to leave.
“How do you all know each other?” Mel breaks the ice, sucking on a long island iced tea. We’re sitting at the packed bar, and I start speaking before I can stop myself.
“Well, I just met Fallon at work, and we hit it off right away.” I smile. “And I’ve known Marie since the first day of college.” I place my hand on Marie’s shoulder and she smiles, though it doesn’t meet her eyes, making me wonder if Fallon and Mel can sense the tension between us.
“That’s awesome.” Mel beams up at me. “I’ve known Fallon as long as she’s known Reed, so basically forever.” Mel laughs and her laughter warms me. There is something so intoxicating about this girl. Her smile, her eyes, she’s like the friend you’ve always wanted but never knew you needed.
“Yes, Mel is like a female version of Reed, except I don’t have a baby with her, and I’m not screwing or marrying her.” We all laugh, and then Fallon’s attention turns to my friend. “What do you do for work, Marie?” she asks, taking a big drink of her wine. She told us earlier in the night that she was pumping and dumping because she’s trying to breastfeed, and I admire that. She wants to be the best mother she can be to her child, and I hope like hell I can be just as good of a mom.
“I’m working as an assistant at a law firm right now while I finish up my degree.” Marie shrugs like it’s not a big deal, but she’s working at one of the top firms in the city—and probably the state. If she’s not going to volunteer the information, though, I won’t force her. She’s never been one to boast about herself or what she has or doesn’t have.
“That’s awesome, Marie.” Fallon gushes, “You probably get to see all kinds of crazy people. I don’t have nearly as fun of a job, but I do get to see my man everyday, so that’s a perk, and well, he’s the boss too so…” Her cheeks turn pink as she trails off, and I know she’s thinking about those “perks.”
Marie laughs, nodding her head as she tells us, “Oh yes. You wouldn’t believe some of the people who come in for appointments. Most of what the lawyers do is criminal defense, and they get everything from accused murderers to people got caught streaking across the field at a football or baseball game.” Her grin widens as she continues. “We just had one of those last week. He offered to show me pictures so I’d know why it shouldn’t have been considered a criminal offense. The guy even said his running around naked was something all women should consider a privilege.” Laughter bubbles out of me, and I cover it up by taking a sip of water
Mel snickers, nudging Fallon with her shoulder. “That so sounds like something one of the Winston brothers would say.”
“Oh definitely,” Fallon agrees. “Not so much Reed anymore, but I can definitely see Ryker or Remy saying something like that.” The two women laugh, but a sourness coats my stomach when I think about how well Mel seems to know Ryker. Did she have a relationship with him? Obviously, I know he wasn’t a virgin when we had sex the first time, but just the thought of being near someone he’s slept with makes me want to throw up.
I almost ask, but there’s no way I actually want to know. Knowing for a fact Ryker slept with someone I can see myself being friends with would absolutely ruin my night, and I don’t want Fallon and Mel to think I’m a jealous harpy.
The conversation at the table turns back to Fallon, Reed, and their new baby. My relief is almost palpable, and I throw myself into the conversation eagerly. “What’s Reed like as a dad? He’s always so serious at work. I mean, he’s just so intimidating. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be his child…or his child’s mom, for that matter. I’d always be afraid he was going to think I was doing it wrong.”
Fallon gives me a sweet smile as the look on her face turns dreamy. “Reed is the best daddy. The best almost husband too.” Sighing, she rests her chin in her hand and carries on, “Seeing Reed hold Maverick, I swear, it’s the most amazing thing ever. He’ll cradle him in his arms, holding him close to his chest as he sways back and forth. Every time I see him do it, I want to jump him, even though I know we can’t yet. I swear, seeing the man as a daddy is going to have me knocked up again as soon as the doctor says we can have sex.”
Her attention turns to me. “Ryker is a great guy too, you know. He likes you so much, and I know if you give him a chance, he’ll make you happy.” The way she’s looking at me makes me squirm in my seat because I get the feeling she knows more than she’s letting on. Her eyes are focused on me, and even though I can tell she’s tipsy, she’s so focused on me it’s unnerving. Then she continues, saying, “And, if Ryker doesn’t work out, there’s always Remy. She giggles, and her words make me relax a little, because there’s no way she can know I’m pregnant if she’s recommending Remy as a backup option.
Mel frowns at Fallon’s offer, but before I can think too hard about it, Fallon’s whole face lights up and a huge smile spreads across her lips. “Reed!” she shrieks, stumbling into his arms as she tries to get off her stool. He laughs, wrapping his arms around her waist and bending down to kiss her lips. My heart squeezes at the obvious affection between them, and I’m so focused on them, I don’t notice Ryker walking up behind me until his lips touch my cheek.
“Ava,” he growls, his voice deeper than normal. I turn to look up at him, and the look in his eyes is intense as he studies my face. “How much have you had to drink?”
I shake my head. “None. Just water.” I lift my glass to prove it, completely forgetting I’ve been shoving drinks at Marie all night until she jabs me in the side. Crap. I look around the table, hoping Fallon and Mel didn’t notice my oops, but Fallon is still attached to Reed’s mouth, and Mel is staring at Remy like she’d like to eat him for dessert instead of the cheesecake forgotten on her plate.
When Reed and Fallon finally come up for air, she introduces Marie to the guys. “This is Ava’s friend, Marie Duchesne.” She keeps talking, telling Reed about how we met and her job, but I can only focus on the way Reed is staring daggers at my friend. Tension seems to rise between them.
Marie’s glaring back at him, and when I look over at Ryker, he’s staring at Reed too, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. As much as I want to ask her what that’s all about, I know now isn’t the right time. There’re secrets that need to be exposed, but not here. I will be cornering her later though. It’s beyond time to find out what’s going on with her and the Winston brothers.
Reed finally tears his dark gaze away from Marie, and when he looks down at Fallon, his whole expression changes. Instead of the dark, pissed-off look, his eyes soften and he smiles softly at her. She’s sagging against him, and he tightens his hold on her before looking at both of his brothers. “I think Fallon’s had enough. I’m taking her home and tucking her into bed.” Fallon perks up at his words and stretches to whisper something in his ear that makes his hands fist at her waist and his expression turns almost feral.
Ryker and Remy both laugh but don’t make comments.
Instead, Ryker turns to me and asks, “Can I take you home?”
I start to tell him it’s not necessary because I came with Marie, but before I get the words out, she’s grabbing her purse and telling me, “I’ve got to go. I just remembered something I need to do.” She doesn’t elaborate, and when I meet her eyes, the freaked-out look in them has me worrying about her even more.
“I’ll be fine,” she reassures me, squeezing my hand before she walks away. I know I should follow her and order her to tell me what’s going on, but I can’t. As badly as I want to know, I can’t force her to talk to me.
“Something is going on with her,” I tell Ryker. He makes a humming noise in his throat in agreement, but doesn’t say anything else. I know he’s still waiting for an answer about taking me home, and with a sigh, I nod in agreement.
What’s the point in fighting with him? I’ve already left him alone in bed twice, and I can only run from my problems for so long before they catch up with me.
I feel Ryker’s breath at my ear, and it causes me to shiver. “I’m glad you agreed because we have a lot to talk about. A lot.”
He has no idea what he’s saying, not yet...