Page 2 of Bound and Blitzed

Grandpa glances at me, his gaze thoughtful. “You know, I always thought it would be you and Mila tying the knot.”

I clear my throat. My family, while incredibly disappointed in me after I cheated on Mila, still had my back. Even that, their forgiveness, Mila’s forgiveness, burns. It expands my self-contempt and multiplies my regrets.

Grandpa shakes his head, thanks the bartender for his scotch, and slips a folded twenty-dollar bill in the tip jar. He takes a drink and smacks his lips together, before saying, “Not everyone is cut out for this.” His eyes track the room. “Marriage, kids, the white picket fence.” He shrugs but I hear the disappointment in his tone.

He thought I was cut out for it. Hell, he’s the ultimate family man. The one who still dances in the kitchen with Grandma and buys the laundry detergent brand she likes—even if it costs over three dollars more than the competition. He came to most of my football games and Raia’s and Anna’s soccer games when we were growing up.

It cuts that he doesn’t think that I’m a man who could fill shoes like that. And even worse, I know he didn’t say it to hurt me. He said it as a throwaway comment. As aconsolation.

I nod as he wanders off, stopping to press a kiss to Grandma’s cheek and pass her the pinot grigio.

Turning back to the bartender, I thank him, stuff another twenty dollars in the tip jar, and move to find Mom.

I approach as she laughs with her sister, my aunt Karen.

“Here you go,” I say, passing them each a flute of champagne.

“Oh, thank you, Avery.” Aunt Karen grins. “Your mother was just telling me about the venues Raia and Cohen are considering. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding!”

“It will be,” I agree.

“Hey, man,” Talon says, smacking a hand on my back. “Come tell West about your stalker.”

“You have a stalker?” Aunt Karen gasps, clutching the pendant pearl that hangs around her neck.

“Avery,” Mom chides. She lifts her eyebrows as if to say,why didn’t you tell me?

“It’s harmless.” I flick my wrist. “A joke more than anything.” I give Talon a look as I turn away from my aunt and Mom.

He mouthssorryas he grimaces.

“Talon said this chick showed up at open practices,” West laughs as I join him, Talon, and Leni.

“Have you seen her around since then?” Leni asks, frowning. She just got out of a terrible situation with an abusive ex and I hate that this topic might be triggering for her.

I shake my head. “She doesn’t give off strange vibes. Maybe stalker was too harsh a label,” I backtrack. “I just keep seeing her in my building, the lobby, the gym…the neighborhood. And the way she looks at me…”

“She wants you?” West guesses.

“The opposite actually,” I clarify. “It’s like she’s…studying me.”

Talon snorts as West laughs.

West shakes his head. “Man, you live a strange life.” He glances over his shoulder and grins when he spots Nova. “I’m relieved those days of trying to figure out women’s minds are behind me.”

“Same,” Talon agrees, snaking an arm around Leni’s waist.

She leans into him and sighs contentedly.

I wish I hadn’t given my champagne to Aunt Karen. Right now, I could use the alcohol. Hell, I could use something stronger.

“Anyone want a drink?” I offer, gesturing toward the bar again.

“Nah, I’m good.” West lifts his full beer.

“Go now, before they begin toasts,” Leni says.

Nodding, I dip out of the conversation and return to the bar.

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