Page 94 of Off Camera
I sent him a message earlier to let him know Maven was forcing me to tag along so it wasn’t a total surprise, but he didn’t answer.
I’m not sure if he even read it.
I saw him active on social media, sharing clips from their game last night and a reminder about their charity softball game later this week.
No text, though.
I hate that my chest pinches tight at the thought of him not wanting me here. At worrying if I’m invading his space or taking up too much room in his life. I blow out a breath to steady myself, and I feel like I need to sit down.
“I’m fine.” I plaster on a megawatt smile. “Let’s eat some food.”
Maven walks in without bothering to knock, and I hang back in the foyer as she makes her way deep into Maverick’s home. A row of shoes are lined up against the wall, and I spy Reid’s black Converse in the mix. The pair he laces up when he walks me down to the Metro when it’s late and dark, so I don’t have to make the trek alone.
The sight of them loosens the tension I’m holding, and I slide off my sneakers.
“Hi.” A tall redheaded woman leans against the wall and offers me a tentative smile. I recognize her from the wedding and a few of the photos Maven has posted online. “I’m Emmy, Maverick’s fiancé.”
“Hi,” I say, smiling back and connecting the dots. “I’ve heard so much about you from Maven. I’m Avery. Thank you for letting me crash your night.”
“I can’t believe we haven’t met,” she says. “You’re a lawyer, right?”
“No, I work in social?—”
“I’m kidding.” She turns on her heel and walks down the hall, motioning for me to follow. I trail behind her, gaping at the artwork on the wall and the decor that probably costs upwards of six figures. “I know exactly what you do. I love him to death, but Reid is fucking insufferable sometimes. I can’t believe I don’t know your social security number or your mother’s maiden name from how much he talks about you.”
A laugh races out of me. “I’m glad we agree on the insufferable part.”
“Everyone is in the living room, and the food should be ready in a few minutes. Can I get you something to drink? Beer? Wine? Liquor, if that’s more your speed?” Emmy rounds the corner into a kitchen made of marble countertops and sleek appliances. She swipes her martini off the island and knocks a grape off the charcuterie board. “Whatever your heart desires.”
“Do you have whiskey?” I ask. “I’ll take one. Neat.”
Emmy reaches for a crystal decanter that might cost as much as my rent. “We’re going to get along just fine.”
We make small talk as she fixes me a generous pour of the amber liquid. She slides it my way and knocks her glass against mine.
“Cheers,” I say, taking a long sip. “Oh, shit. This is the good stuff.”
“Don’t ever date a man with expensive taste. One minute you’re buying brand name olives, and the next he’s chartering a plane to Spain just so you can have the freshest pick of them straight from the tree.” Emmy hums out something that mightbe a laugh and drags her fingers across her lips, a reluctant smile forming there. “I love him though.”
“When’s the wedding?” I ask, staring at the huge diamond on her finger. “Does your hand get tired from carrying around that rock?”
“Next year, maybe. We might elope. Can’t decide.” She shrugs, unbothered by the lack of planning. “And it does, to be honest. I wear a silicone one when I’m at the rink, and I forget how heavy this is. It’s too damn big.”
“C’mon, Emmy girl. You don’t have to brag about me to our guests,” Maverick says, popping into the kitchen and dropping a kiss to the top of her hair. “June Bug is here tonight. Let’s keep this family friendly.”
She sighs and curls up against him, her cheek in the crook of his neck and a content grin finally settling on her mouth. “Your ego knows no bounds.”
“Hey, Avery.” He turns his attention to me and smiles. It’s intimidating, one only an extremely good-looking man could pull off without looking like a total asshole, and Maverick does it effortlessly. “Feels like I’ve known you for years, but it’s nice to finally meet you for real.”
“Thanks for letting me join your dinner. I know I’m not a member of the Stars or the Titans, and I appreciate you opening up your home to outsiders,” I say.
“Nah. You’re family. Doesn’t matter who you work for.” He rubs his hand up and down Emmy’s arm. “Does Reid know you’re here?”
“No.” I take another sip of my drink and play with my necklace. I’m going to need more liquid courage to get through the night. “I’m not sure if he knew I was going to be here at all, honestly.”
“He knows. He’s a little preoccupied right now,” Maverick hurries to tell me. “If you go down the hall to the right, you’ll find him.”
“Is this one of those Naked Man things?” I ask. “Am I going to walk in there and see him posing on a couch with his dick out?”
