Page 48 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Can’t win them all,” I reassure her, patting her on the back before taking my own turn, a part of me wishing this night would never end.

24

OAKLEY

Isavor the salty crunch of a pretzel, happy to sit back and enjoy watching Iris and Reid arguing back and forth over Reid cheating.

“Can you believe they have a full bar here?” Avery slides into the seat across from me, a gleam in her eye as she surveys the impressive drink selection. “Seems a bit excessive for a bowling alley, don’t you think?”

I shrug, grinning. “Maybe it’s for those who need some liquid courage before stepping up to the lane.”

“Or maybe it’s just another way to keep us entertained,” Avery suggests, chuckling softly. Her gaze flits back to the game. “Are they always like this?”

I nod. “As long as I can remember.”

Avery lifts her glass to her lips and takes a delicate sip, the ice cubes clinking softly against the sides. She sets it back down on the table with a contented sigh before arching an eyebrow at me.

“Want a drink?” she offers, gesturing to her own beverage. “They’ve got a pretty good cocktail menu.”

I shake my head, popping another pretzel into my mouth. “Nah, I’m good. These pretzels are hitting the spot for me.” I give her a teasing grin.

My eyes flicker over to Theo, who stands off to the side, watching the game with an unreadable expression. I remember seeing him talking to Avery earlier, their hushed conversation piquing my curiosity.

“Hey,” I say, trying to sound casual as I turn back to my friend. “I saw you chatting with Theo earlier. What was that about?” My heart races, though I try to keep my tone light and conversational.

A soft blush creeps up Avery’s cheeks, and she ducks her head, fiddling with the straw in her drink. “Uh, yeah,” she murmurs, avoiding eye contact. “We were just…talking.”

“About?” I press, unable to stop myself. What if there’s something going on between them? The thought sends an unexpected pang through my chest.

“I really do like him, Oakley,” she confesses. “And I think, at some point, he’ll have to give in to me. If things start out physically first, then so be it.”

My fingers clench around my pretzel, and I force myself to take a bite, the salty crunch doing little to distract me from the sinking feeling in my stomach. The thought of Theo getting physical with another woman—especially Avery—is almost unbearable. But I don’t let that show on my face as I glance at her.

He’s not mine to get jealous over anyways.

“Is the money the reason you like him?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual. “Or is there something more?”

“Of course not,” Avery scoffs, but then she hesitates, looking away. “I mean…the money would be nice. Growing up in a household of eight, with five siblings, we never had much. It would be great to be able to help them out and not worry about bills or anything. But it’s not just the money.” She sighs, her gaze drifting back to Theo. “It’s him, Oakley. It’s Theo.”

I nod, pretending to understand as I follow her gaze. Theo stands a few lanes away, his focus on the game, his strong arms flexing as he picks up his bowling ball. Even from here, I can see the tension in his shoulders. And though it pains me to admit it, I can see why she’s drawn to him.

The same reason I was drawn to him…maybe still am.

“Yeah,” I whisper, turning back to my friend. “I get it.”

“Have you seen that old picture of Theo? The one with you in it?” she asks, her fingers playing nervously with the edge of her cocktail napkin.

“What picture?”

“This picture of you and him after one of his hockey games. It was his eyes. His eyes, Oakley,” Avery breathes, leaning closer still. “There’s something so gentle about him, even then. Like he just needs someone to take care of him, you know?”

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. It’s not fair. How is it that she can see in him what I’ve always known? What I’ve tried so hard to keep hidden, even from myself?

“Maybe,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual despite the storm raging within me. “But don’t go getting yourself hurt over him, okay? He’s…complicated.”

“Isn’t everyone?” Avery replies, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Besides, I think I can handle it.”

“Promise me,” I insist, locking eyes with her. “No matter what happens, promise you won’t let him break your heart.”

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