Page 35 of Off Camera
I shake my head. “Not this week. I’ll text you all when I get back from my trip.”
“Have fun.” Maven gives me a hug. “And do me a favor.”
“Hm?”
“Be open-minded,” she says.
“Is this a threesome proposition? I’m flattered, but I?—”
“It’s not a threesome proposition.” She laughs and steals the donuts from me. “A general piece of advice. Before you jump to conclusions and make assumptions, think of all the positive things, okay?”
“I think that’s enough, Mae,” Dallas says. He lifts her off her feet and throws her over his shoulder. “And I’m kicking y’all out. You have perfectly good hotel rooms. Let me and my wife enjoy a few hours of quiet without you being annoying assholes.”
“I’m going to need you to saymy wifeagain,” Maven whispers, and Dallas grins.
“Out,” he repeats. “Reid, stop by when you’re home from the conference. Emmy, I’ll pay you five hundred bucks to take Maverick somewhere else right now.”
“Come on, pretty boy.” Emmy drags her other half by the shirt like a dog. “Let’s go.”
There’s pain in my chest as I watch them all. I’ve never seen so much love in one place, and I can’t help but wonder when it’ll be my turn for that kind of happiness.
TWELVE
AVERY
Me
Hi!
Reid
There she is.
Me
Sorry. I was putting out fires at work.
Reid
You don’t have to apologize. I understand what it’s like to get busy.
Me
Are we still on for dinner tonight?
Reid
We are. Any allergies I should be aware of? Still have a fake aversion to cheesecake?
Me
And shitty men? Yup!
But no other allergies to worry about. Do you want me to bring anything? An appetizer or dessert?
Reid
I’ve got it covered, but thanks for offering. Come by around 6? I’ll send you my address when I’m home from the office.
