Page 15 of Diamonds & Deception

“I have a couple of girlfriends coming up this weekend. We’re going to hang out at my brother’s club.Want to join us?” Avery asks as she takes a seat and sips on her martini.

Two seconds ago, she asked me to show her around, and now she’s inviting me out to an already arranged gathering. I like her. She reminds me of Lenora.

“That sounds fun.” I love dancing, and it gives me a reason to hang around the casino.

“Drake’s hot. How long have you two been together? I’m not after your man, just curious about my brother’s friends. I’ve heard about Drake but never met him. I’ve been so busy with school and work. What is it you do?”

God, it’s hard to keep up with this woman. I laugh. “Drake and I have only gone out a couple of times, and yes, he is hot. I’m not offended by you noticing. Your brother must have broken a million hearts along his way as well, not that I’m interested. Like you, just pointing out the hotness in the room.”

“Boston is definitely looking hopeful.”

“Where did you move from?” I sip my beer, genuinely curious about Avery.

“We’re from down south. I was eighteen when I got parental rights to Trey. He was only sixteen and didn’t like that he had to be babysat by a girl, but we worked it out. Took me eight years to save up and get my degree. I’m a medical researcher. Boston’s an awesome place for work, so I decided to move up here to be closer to Trey. Sorry for the information dump. It’s been a while since I’ve been out.”

“That’s nice, that you two are so close.”

“Do you have any siblings?”

It hurts so much to respond, but I do so as Lenora. “Yes. An older sister. We aren’t close though.”

“That’s too bad. Family drama?”

“Nothing like that. We’re just very different. She’s an academic and thinks fun and adventure is a waste of time and money, and I’m the opposite.”

“Cool. What is it you do?”

“I’m a food blogger.”

“Oh. That sounds fun. So you know all the best places around town to eat?”

I haven’t spent much time in Boston since college, other than quick visits with my sister, and I don’t know all the current hot spots. The pubs and restaurants I frequented in college are all around BC and may not even be too cool anymore. Thankfully Lenora doesn’t party much in the city, so my cover won’t be blown.

“Actually, when I’m home, I don’t go out much. I’m more interested in restaurants and cuisines from other states and countries.”

“Sounds like we’ll have to explore on our own.”

“Hey.” Drake kisses the back of my neck. “Sorry to be gone so long. Can I get you another beer?”

I didn’t realize I finished off my glass. Talking with Avery has been refreshing. She could also be my ticket into Drake’s inner circle. I feel bad using her, but that’s why I’m here.

“How about I drink yours?” I take his still-full glass from his hand and sip.

“I like that your lips touched where mine have been.”

“Shit. Somebody pull the smoke alarm.” Avery fans herself, and Drake looks away as if embarrassed by getting caught flirting.

“Damn, Switzy. It’s a good thing Ryder isn’t here. He’d have your ass.”

“Thanks,T-Dog.”

“T-dog? Oh, do tell. And what’s up with Switzy?” Avery drains her martini and leans forward on her elbows, excited about the details.

“That’s a story for another day. Come on. I promised to get you home by ten.” Trey takes her elbow and helps her off the high barstool.

“Promised who?”

“Myself.”

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