by Jamie Beck
Avery’s mind raced in several directions while processing the possibilities. “Why is Andy confiding in you instead of me?”
Matt shrugged, his expression softening in response to her distress. “Guilt and shame have him gun-shy. He’s also worried exposing the extreme partying could actually hurt his criminal case.”
Could it hurt Andy? Avery felt her forehead crease. She returned her attention to Matt, who seemed to be studying her reaction. If only it were anyone other than him delivering this news.
“So why are you breaking Andy’s confidence?”
“Andy says you think Grey Lowell doesn’t plan on taking your family to the cleaners. Unlike you, I’m not convinced that guy’s a selfless hero.”
Avery felt a smug, if inappropriate, sense of satisfaction when she heard the jealous bite in Matt’s voice. “I never said he was a hero, but Grey isn’t the bad guy either. And if he did have a case against the bar, his lawyer would’ve already pressed it.”
“They haven’t filed suit yet, so they haven’t taken Andy’s deposition. All they have is the police report and some eyewitness testimony from the scene of the accident. As far as I know, Grey and his lawyer have no idea what went down that night beyond where Andy was drinking. But you can tell Grey.”
Avery sat back and crossed her arms again, watching Matt, whose eager grin reminded her of a puppy begging for a treat. “What are you hoping to gain from this, Matt? Because you telling me sure isn’t going to sit well with my brother.”
“I’m just trying to be a good friend. You deserve the truth, especially if it keeps you from losing the house I know you love. And I’m convinced Andy will start feeling better once it’s all on the table.”
The pair engaged in a silent showdown. She could hug him for his help, but she couldn’t afford to let him slip behind her defenses. Thankfully, Andy showed up before she said anything further.
“I’m all set.” Andy, now fully dressed in khakis and a button-down shirt, smiled at them, unaware of what they’d been discussing. He glanced around the room and then teased, “Hey, no broken glass. Are you two friends again?”
Matt stood, his expression blank, and nodded at Andy. Unfortunately, her brother’s poor joke provoked a flash of anger that short-circuited Avery’s patience. Before outing Matt for breaking Andy’s confidence, she glanced at him apologetically, although he knew her well enough to have predicted she’d tackle this news head-on.
Turning to Andy, she quipped, “I didn’t have time to throw anything. I was too intrigued by a story about a certain bachelorette party.”
She noticed Andy blanch before he scowled at Matt, who braced for an argument. No matter how much she might like to see Matt tossed out on his ear for other reasons, she wasn’t about to let her brother attack him for telling her something Andy should’ve admitted weeks ago. “Andy, why didn’t you tell me this sooner? More importantly, why didn’t you tell Grey?”
Andy closed his eyes, breathing out through his nose. “Because I’m worried about my criminal trial.”
“How does the bartender’s recklessness hurt your criminal case?” The cobwebs cleared from her brain, allowing rational thought to prevail. “The blood tests are conclusive, so the lawyers and judge already will know exactly how drunk you were. There’s no hiding from that evidence.”
“I don’t know, Avery. I’m not as smart as you, okay?” Andy’s hands were on his hips as he began pacing behind the sofa, head bowed. “I’m scared. I don’t want to be in jail for one day, let alone years. Telling everyone I’d been throwing back endless shots probably won’t help my cause. Besides, Jonah didn’t force those drinks down my throat.” Andy paled as he raked his hand through his hair. His green eyes creased with worry when he looked at Avery. “If Grey files a suit against the OS, everyone in town will start talking again. They’ll say I’m trying to blame someone else for my mistake. Mark and Cindy have been decent to me since this happened, but if their bar gets dragged into this mess, I’ll have two more enemies.”
“Hey, if Jonah was reckless and broke the law, maybe the OS should be sued. Surely it is more responsible for the fallout than the victims. At the very least, Jonah’s behavior contributed to your accident. He should’ve stopped pouring shots or called you a cab. He did neither. Now Dad, Mom, me, even Grey, we all stand to lose, and none of us have any blame in this situation.” Avery shook her head, fueled by a fire in her gut. “I know you’re scared. But you’ve got to face what’s coming and let the chips fall. The people who love you will stand by you and help pick up the pieces. Jeez, you know this, Andy. I know you know this.”
Avery wiped away the tear streaming down her cheek. Now that she’d unleashed her repressed anger, her heart ached to see her brother shaken and ashamed. She glanced at Matt, bewildered by the mix of gratitude and irritation his presence stirred.
Before either man uttered another word, she hopped off the stool and ducked into her room.
Once safely inside, she leaned against the door, pressing her cheek and palm against the cool wood. Her body trembled slightly while she drew deep breaths to slow her heart rate. Andy and Matt’s rising voices penetrated the walls, prompting her to crack the door open to eavesdrop. Maybe it was wrong, but curiosity grabbed hold of her.
“What an asshole move, Matt. I can’t believe you threw me under the bus just to score points with Avery.”
“I told you to tell her over the weekend. It’s Wednesday. How long were you going to let your sister worry? Don’t be mad at me because you’ve been too much of a chickenshit to do what’s right.”
“Back off, man. You can’t judge me after the way you dumped her and took off. Now, suddenly, you’re back using every trick to win her forgiveness?” From where Avery stood, it sounded like Andy banged his fist against something hard. “Don’t destroy my relationship with my sister just to fix your own.”
“I know I fucked up last year. It’s why I can’t sit back and watch her suffer just so you can put off coming clean.” A brief silence ensued. “Believe it or not, I’ll always love Avery, and I’ve always been your friend, too. I know you, Andy. In the long run you’ll feel better once you do the right thing, even if it seems impossible right now.”
Avery’s heart hammered against her ribs as she quietly closed the door.
If Matt was right, this information might help her family and Grey. She didn’t believe in frivolous lawsuits, but it sounded like Jonah’s recklessness broke the law. Heck, he intended to get that poor woman fall-down drunk in order to get her into bed, and to hell with the danger he created for others.
She hugged herself, wondering whether or not Mark and Cindy had been nice to Andy simply to make it more difficult for him to speak up. She hoped not. Then again, anything was possible when livelihoods were at stake.
Avery mulled over her options and decided she’d grill Andy this evening, in private. Feeling more settled, she pushed off the door and finished getting dressed for work.
By the time Grey finished therapy two days later, Avery’s stomach acids had practically stripped her stomach of its lining. Previously, he’d asked that they not discuss his legal issues. With the exception of the one time she’d asked him about Andy’s insurance settlement, they’d worked together without discussing the lawsuit. Today, however, she’d break that streak.
She had to risk it. Had to persuade him to investigate the claim against the OS. Long shot or not, the outcome could be a win-win for both of them. Yet the fact that she’d never previously taken an “ends justify the means” approach pinched her conscience.
He sauntered toward her wearing his impish grin, towel wrapped around his neck, looking relaxed and happy. His trusting manner intensified the hideous brew churning in her stomach. She could barely look him in the eye.
After swiping a handful of Jolly Ranchers from reception, he threw one into his mouth and pocketed the rest.<
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“Have time for a quick lunch, or do you survive on Jolly Ranchers alone?” She shook her head at his sugar addiction.
“Lunch?” He flashed a crooked smile then snapped her thigh with his towel. “Think we can manage a friendly lunch without breaking all the rules?”
She slapped his shoulder, wishing his boyishness weren’t so attractive. He stood so close she could smell the potently sensual combination of sweat and musk-scented soap. She stepped back, feeling off-balance.
Sexual tension gripped her body. The thin sheen of perspiration highlighting his rippling muscles did nothing to weaken the sensations. With each small movement, his deltoids and traps flexed, sending her body temperature through the roof.
Honestly, she’d always had more control over her hormones. Maybe she shouldn’t be his therapist any more. Richard Donner had returned last week, so Grey could switch now. But she would miss him. And, despite this schoolgirl nonsense in her head, she knew she hadn’t compromised his physical therapy. She’d given Grey the best, most aggressive therapy possible.
“A simple yes or no, please,” she said, and forced a smile. While she couldn’t deny wanting to spend time with him outside the clinic, today she had an ulterior motive.
The lawsuit. Hopefully he’d realize the benefit to both of them and be grateful she’d decided to ignore his request.
“Where to?” he asked, and once more she was struck by the sudden softness those gray eyes could display.
“Coyote Deli? We can take sandwiches to the park.”
“Okay. Sounds great.” He held the door open for her and then followed her to the deli wearing a heart-melting grin. In that moment, she suppressed a sudden urge to kiss him. The way he easily broke through her defenses surprised her—discomfited her, too.
Twenty minutes later they were sharing the same park bench where they’d held hands weeks ago, finishing their subs and learning more about each other. Unlike a lot of guys she knew who liked to boast and tell stories, Grey proved to be an attentive listener.
Avery’d just finished telling a story about the time Emma had dragged her to the eldercare center where she volunteered on Sundays. While visiting residents, they’d found Mrs. Cooper crying on her deceased husband’s birthday. Intense emotional upheaval always made Avery uncomfortable, but Emma had gently handled Mrs. Cooper’s grief by getting a cupcake from the café, singing “Happy Birthday,” and saying a group prayer in her husband’s honor. By the time they’d left her room, Mrs. Cooper was smiling.
“Emma sounds like a real sweet girl. A true friend, too.” Grey smiled.
“She’s both, unlike me.” Avery grimaced.
“Why do you say that?” Grey’s expression grew more serious.
“Sweet isn’t a word I’d use to describe myself. I’m too blunt, too . . . driven, maybe?” Avery shrugged. “I don’t know; I’m just not soft and approachable like Emma.”
“I think you’re probably a very good friend. Blunt is just a harsh word for honest, and honesty takes courage. Honesty and courage are important in any relationship, friendly or otherwise.” He crumpled up the tissue sandwich wrapping and stuffed it into the paper bag. “And you don’t have to be soft to be sweet. It was sweet when you drove me home in the rain, and when you bought me those skis. It was sweet when you asked me to join you for lunch despite the whole ‘ethics’ situation.”
Avery’s guilty conscience must’ve shown all over her face, because Grey’s expression transformed from hopeful to concerned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She knotted her fingers.
“Avery.” He reached over to untie her fingers, his typically friendly expression turning anxious. The instant he touched her hands, her body reacted with a flash of heat. “You look like you’re about to give me bad news. Is this about my knee? Did you ask me to lunch to soften the blow?”
Avery inhaled slowly. “No bad news. In fact, I think it’s good news. But in the spirit of courageous honesty, I need to discuss something you’ve declared off-limits.”
He held up his hand, shaking his head. “Not the lawsuit, Bambi.”
“Wait, it’s not what you think. It’s not about you and Andy, at least not directly.” She watched Grey’s shoulders tense as he folded his arms in front of his chest. The warmth in his eyes was replaced by an impatient stare—one brow cocked—issuing a “proceed with caution” warning.
She drew another deep breath before plunging ahead. “I’ll just get right to the point. Have you and your lawyer discussed suing the Outpost Saloon?”
Grey’s brows gathered. “No.”
“No, you haven’t discussed it, or no, you won’t talk to me about it.”
“No, we haven’t discussed it.”
“Oh.” The bloom of renewed hope unfolded. “That’s probably because he doesn’t have all the facts about what happened before Andy got behind the wheel. I just learned some details that might give you grounds to sue the bar.”
Optimism continued to blossom when he didn’t cut her off. Maybe once she told him the story, her suggestion would resolve everything. And maybe then something more than friendship could develop between them. The unbidden thought temporarily distracted her until Grey cleared his throat.
When he remained silent, she relayed the story about the bachelorette party, Andy’s friends, the delinquent bartender, and then explained the laws against knowingly serving intoxicated people more alcohol.
Grey stared at her, saying nothing. She met his silence with an exasperated flailing of her arms. “Grey, this gives you another source of recovery—one I assume has adequate insurance.”
Her heart raced as she awaited his response. But Grey didn’t smile with relief. In fact, she detected no reaction whatsoever. The flowering hope she’d embraced withered. The chirping birds and buzz of insects grew louder as she felt his physical and emotional withdrawal.
Grey’s eyes narrowed. “You surprised me today, A-ver-ee.”
Apparently not in a good way, according to his tone. “How so?”
“Seems this friendly lunch was just a ruse to butter me up so you could break our agreement about not discussing legal matters.”
His distrust stung, even if he was at least partly correct. However, his opinion had to take a backseat to saving her house and her parents’ retirement fund.
Then Grey frowned and glanced at his feet, speaking softly. “I’m disappointed you let me believe this lunch was about friendship instead of just being straight with me or, better yet, having your brother contact me. Makes me wonder if you really want to help me or are just trying to save yourself and your family.”
Her throat ached when she swallowed. “Why can’t it be both—helping my family and you at the same time?”
Grey studied her, holding her gaze. “Do you believe the bar is more responsible for my injuries than Andy?”
“Not more responsible. But it seems to me it might be equally responsible. The law might agree, too. And now you have two potential sources of recovery. Isn’t that what’s most important to you?”
Grey should be thrilled about the possibility of recouping his losses without forcing her out of her home. Yet her whole approach sat like a jagged stone in his gut. For the past thirty minutes, he’d been riding a high, believing they were taking a step away from a professional relationship and toward something personal. Then reality smashed his hopes. Nothing caused his brain to shut down as fast as wounded pride.
“Did your brother send you to talk to me?”
“No.” Avery wrinkled her nose. “To be honest, Andy didn’t even tell me the story.”
Grey tilted his head. Something was off. “Then how’d you find out?”
“His friend Matt.”
Andy’s friend, my ass. When Avery blinked at him with those pale eyes, a hot streak of misplaced anger scorched him.
“You mean your ex, Matt, don’t you?”
At least she had the grace to blush when busted for her continued attempt to share only what she wanted him to know to suit her own agenda.
So Matt was playing her white knight, using whatever he could to get back in her good graces. This whole suggestion was really his chess move, not hers.
He rubbed his hand along his jaw. “So your brother was going to leave you twisting in the wind?”
She glared at him, the gold streaks in her blue eyes flaring to life. “He wouldn’t have let it go indefinitely. He’s just terrified that ‘bachelorette party boy’ won’t play sympathetically to a judge handing out a sentence. And he’s not eager to make more enemies in town by dragging others into his mess.”
“But you don’t mind that second part.” Grey tipped his chin.
Avery pushed off the bench, thrusting her index finger toward him. “You know what, you can drop the attitude. I’m giving you important information that can help you. And no, I don’t feel bad about looking out for myself and protecting what’s mine, especially since I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not suggesting anything illegal or unethical, either.”
She took a step closer and pointed in the general direction of the OS. “That bar owes a duty to the public. Its bartenders shouldn’t be overserving wasted patrons to increase their chances of getting laid, and then letting those same customers go home without calling a cab. If a judge concludes the OS has some liability here, that’s not my problem, and honestly, its not Andy’s either. And I’ll gladly defend my position to anyone who thinks otherwise.”
Grey glanced at the ground again. Everything she said was true. No doubt he’d call Adler and discuss it with him. He had no wish to hurt Avery, but he wouldn’t go after someone else just to spare her.
And what if Andy cooked up this story to throw the blame elsewhere and she simply bought into his lies? What if Grey ran down this rabbit hole and ended up with nothing except a whole bunch of enemies in town?