I softened, my eyes welling with tears.
He lowered his voice. “I went through a bad break up six months ago. I get it. I was a mess.”
My heart pounded against my ribs. “We’re not breaking up.”Yet. “It’s complicated—that’s all.”
He gave me a sympathetic smile before he added, “I get it. You’ll get through it. But let me be a friend. Sounds like you could do with one.”
I sighed, my hand slapping at the tears running down my cheeks. “Just friends?”
He saluted me, a small chuckle leaving him. “You bet. Just a friend who understands…complications.”
Hope replaced the unease. “That would be nice.” As my mind tried to make sense of the whirlwind that was my life, I guessed it wouldn’t hurt to get a guy’s perspective on matters of the opposite gender.
CHAPTER22
Riley
The back end of the restaurant lit up like an American Fourth of July as I stepped through the stage with my guitar in tow. Strobing lights, white disco balls, and amps the size ofBello A&G Italiano’skitchen had been added to the place since I’d been here last. I had to give it to Avery: the guy took care of his restaurant like he would his firstborn.
A lot had changed over the last few days. I sighed, my mind reeling with all the shit that had gone down in a measly couple of weeks. Seth’s death, Hal’s threats, and my complicated relationship with Sienna. That wasn’t even including how strained things had become at home with Jarryd and April. Not that they were mad, but they were anxious about my father taking my rejection personally.
I forced my shoulders down and smiled when a couple of chicks raised their glasses in my direction. I’d agreed to come back for the first time tonight, but truth be told, my heart wasn’t in it. It would be a miracle if I made it to the first break without packing my crap and calling it a night.
I adjusted the microphone and settled on the black stool, one foot resting on the metal bar underneath it, while my fingers played a couple of chords. Based on how the sound came screeching out, even the instrument would have rather stayed in bed.
“God, someone forgot to tune their precious cargo.”
Turning sideways, I met Avery’s eyes and gave him a tired smile. “New strings. It had a bit of an accident last week. I never got around to tuning her.”
He stepped up onto the stage and placed his palm on my shoulder. “How have you been?”
I shrugged. “All right. Keeping out of trouble.”
“That’s good. Jarryd must be worried about you.”
I narrowed my eyes, my fingers having almost tamed the new cords. “What makes you say that?”
“‘Cause the last time I saw him here on a Friday for one of your gigs was the night we opened.”
My gaze trailed his, and within three seconds, it had landed on Jarryd leaning against a wall on the other side of the building. “Shit.”
“Is that a bad thing? Something going on between you?” Avery asked, his curiosity piqued. “He seemed all right when we spoke.”
Don’t spill your beans now, and definitely not here.“Nope. All is good. Not sure why he’s here. Maybe he was keen on checking out the new venue.” I thrusted my chin towards the extravagant additions. “It’s all pretty flash.”
Pride covered Avery’s face, his eyes glowing with something new. “It’s pretty awesome if you ask me. I don’t know how I got to be such a lucky bastard.” A massive grin curled his lips when he spotted Grace talking to Jarryd. “The restaurant has taken off beyond comprehension. Nutrify is about to break international records…” His tone warmed. “And tomorrow, I’ll be married to the most amazing woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Riley, I’m fucking undeserving of all this, but you know what? I’m gonna take it and run.”
My heart pumped a little harder for him. A mix of genuine happiness laced with something else. A little envy.I hope one day I can be so lucky.“I’m happy for you, mate. Envious, I won’t lie. But so ecstatic that it’s all falling into place for you guys.”
Avery chuckled. “Don’t worry, buddy. You’ll be next. I’m sure the universe has a lovely girl out there in store for you. You just have to meet her.”
My throat tightened. Like a coward, I ignored the comment. It wasn’t like I could tell him I’d slept with his sister, despite my noble intentions. My blood iced, my heart throbbed, and my mind was desperate to get out ofhereand lock myself into my room with a litre of Jack Daniels.
Fake it until you make it, brother.When the guitar was finally tuned, I laid it sideways across my legs. “I can’t believe tomorrow’s the big day.”
He sighed. “I know, right?” He ran a hand over his stubble. “I suppose I’ll have to clean up a little more for my wife.”
I laughed at the smitten look on his face. “Jeez, mate. You’re whipped all right. Make sure you’re not late either.”