Page 29 of The Red-Hot Stakes

By the time I came back, Liam was chatting with Sarah as if nothing had happened, his confident swagger fully restored. I watched him for several moments, but there wasn’t any hint of doubt. I almost thought I’d imagined it.

But no. I knew I hadn’t. He’d chosen to let down his guard and let me see him when he was vulnerable. The unexpected gesture had warmth blooming in my chest, spreading outward until my whole body felt like I was bathed in sunshine.

* * * *

“He didn’t give you any details?” I asked Derek and Avery.

They both shook their heads, sympathy on their faces.

How was I supposed to know what to wear for our date when Liam hadn’t told me or anyone else what we were doing? I groaned in frustration, stomping back to my room. I’d even texted him, asking for an idea. He couldn’t give me a hint?

Avery followed me in. “What have you got so far?”

I showed her several options, thankful it would be a clear, sunny day. Early October weather was always a crapshoot. “I’m tempted to just do my makeup and answer the door in some ratty clothes, then be like, ‘What? You didn’t tell me where we were going’.”

Shaking her head, Avery said, “Please don’t. Sounds like he’s nervous enough already.” She paused, touching my shoulder. “And so are you.”

The knots in my stomach flinched at how accurately she saw me. I gave her a sheepish smile. “I know it’s just Liam…”

“And I know you like to plan ahead, to gear up for things. Surprises aren’t your thing.”

They weren’t. I’d had enough surprises in my lifetime to know that most of them meant bad news. I always felt better when I could prepare. It was yet another way to arm myself, to be less vulnerable, but it was also more than that.

“Ave? What if I am cursed?” The idea of opening myself up only to have life shit all over me again made me want to curl up in a ball and never come out. Was it even worth it?

“Oh, Gina.” She grabbed both my shoulders, making me look at her. “You are not cursed. You’ve had some shit luck and an even shittier ex, but it wasn’t you. Promise me you’ll go into this with an open mind? Promise you’ll really give this a try?”

Her earnest plea took me aback, and I realized just how important this was. I took my time answering, making sure I could live up to any promise I made. Finally I nodded. “Okay, Avery. I can do that.”

Her beaming smile appeared before she pulled me in for a brief hug. “Good,” she said, dancing toward my closet where she began rifling through my options. “What about something like this?” She held up one of my favorite soft knitted dresses—maroon, short-sleeved, and knee-length. “With your jean jacket? And you can wait till he gets here to figure out your shoes.”

I tilted my head, studying it, then I nodded. “Perfect.” I gave her a quick hug. “Thank you!”

“No problem. I’m just glad to see you caring about something again.” She headed for the door.

Guilt pierced me, sharp and painful. “Avery.”

She turned, her eyebrows raised.

“I’m really sorry about dress shopping. I know it wasn’t the experience you wanted it to be, and if I could do it over again, I would.” Every word was heartfelt. I didn’t know what had broken so badly within me, but at least that ice weighing me down had thawed enough to let me enjoy life again.

“Gina…” She frowned. “You were depressed. That’s not something you can just control, you know. You really had us worried.” She leaned against the wall, studying me. “You should consider seeing someone about that. Maybe a therapist.”

I immediately balked at the word, though I hid my reaction because I knew she was saying it out of love. I’d been to therapy before, and it hadn’t gone well. But it wasn’t something I talked about. To anyone.

So I just gave her my best smile. “I’ll think about it.” A relieved breath whooshed out of her, and I knew I’d said the right thing.

She crossed the room, her arms around me in an instant. We hugged for a long moment, the embrace filling in any cracks that had lingered.

I murmured, “And thanks for making me think twice about Liam. Thanks for caring enough to make me see what I was doing.”

“You’re welcome.”

I stepped away first, feeling like all was right again with my world. “Okay, now let me get ready.”

Half an hour later, there was a knock at the apartment door. Derek got up to answer it, motioning for me to stay put, so I waited near the island as he let Liam in.

“Hey, man, hot date?” Derek laughed while the rest of us groaned. “Yeesh, tough crowd.”

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