Page 54 of Bitter Beats

“It’s a lot,” I admit, my eyes darting to the side.A stranger’s phone is angled in our direction, and I know they’re snapping a photo.

I drop my head.

Allegra looks around and notices the gawking of other patrons.Whether they’re staring at me, or Mav, doesn’t matter anymore. Right now, we’re an us.

She bites her bottom lip. “You get used to it. We wanted to sit in the open instead of a private room so people can see you and Mav together,” she explains in a low voice.

I nod, and my understanding kicks in as the other band members greet me.

“Good to see you again so soon, Kenny.” Derek presses a kiss to my cheek.

“You too.” I hug him back.

“Hey, girl.” Jameson pats my back and drops a kiss to the top of my head.

Levi rounds the table last, giving me a crooked grin. “Glad you’re here, Kenny.”

“Hey, Levi.” I kiss his cheek.

When seated between Allegra and Mav, I hold up my menu, hide behind it, and take a calming breath.

Of course, we’re seated in one of the restaurant’s busiest sections. Jameson explained that The Ivy was packed, and we only got a table at the last minute, but I know Jess—or maybe Kimberly—staged this intentionally.

Here, everyone will note how Mav and I interact with each other. Right now, we’re being studied and picked apart. My shoulders pinch at the realization.

I feel the eyes of my parents’ friends—tennis partners and country club connections—on my back and profile.Except for the first time, I worry less if they’re judging me and care more about their speaking poorly about Mav.

I glance at him from the corner of my eye. He tosses me a wink and I try to relax.

While I dislike being the center of attention, I can handle it. Especially when it comes from strangers. But more than half the patrons in The Ivy know my parents. They know some of the messiest details of their divorce. They’ve helped circulaterumors and kick up drama.And now, they’re directing those sharply honed skills toward Maverick.

Will they put a negative spin on my dating Mav? Will my parents become an unintended obstacle I’ll have to deal with?

Are we creating a new scandal rather than squashing an old one?

“Kenny.” Allegra’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

I lower my menu to glance at her.

“Wine?” She gestures toward the server, patiently holding a bottle beside me. I gather she must have said my name more than once from everyone’s expressions.

I flush with embarrassment. “Please.”

The server pours a generous glass, and I immediately take a gulp, hoping to calm my nerves and hide the heat in my cheeks.

“To Mav and Mckenna.” Jameson raises a glass, winking at me.

I burn brighter, realizing I drank before the toast.

The table drinks to my new relationship, and I swallow half the contents of my glass.

What is wrong with me?

Underneath the table, Mav’s hand lands on my thigh. I jump from the contact, and he pulls his hand away instantly, but I grab it, and lace our fingers together.

We’re in this together.

His eyes fly to my face, studying me.

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