18
AVERY
JACK: forget to tell me something?
As soon as I see his text, my brain goes “oh shit.” I totally should have given him a heads-up about Rawley. It just didn’t connect at first that it would bethisbig, big enough to be on his radar.
AVERY: I’m so sorry. It happened fast.
JACK: It’s totally fine, I was teasing.
We talked over text pretty often when I first got to Orlando, but with the regular season starting, and him getting situated in New York, our chats petered out.
AVERY: How is NYC?
JACK: I’ve got no complaints. Our family apartment here is ridic, and no one else is using it.
AVERY: So you’re planning parties there every night?
JACK: More like dragging home law firm work to do into the wee hours.
Ugh. Even as an intern? I don’t know how he does it.
JACK: You doing okay, really?
AVERY: Yeah. Everything is all right with the team.
AVERY: And Rawley, it’s still new. Obviously. I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you.
JACK: You don’t owe me anything, Aves. He’s treating you well?
AVERY: Yeah, he’s a great guy.
JACK: That’s all I need to know.
We text a little bit more about his new job, and then our conversation fades off. Not a bad thing, because Rawley’s picking me up at seven, and it’s already six fifteen.
I scramble around to get ready, and for some reason, I’m feeling antsy.
Notably, I put in actual effort as if this is a real date. Knowing we’ll be photographed proves to be motivation to apply a full round of makeup and break out a dress and heels.
Rawley’s on time again, and when I open the door, his face lacks any clear emotion. But then his eyes roam the length of my body, and he breaks out a huge grin.
“Looking good,boo.”
A laugh bursts out of me, knowing what he’s up to. “Rejected. You’re not calling me ‘boo.’”
“Man, you’re hard to please.” He shakes his head, the smile not leaving his face. “You ready for the big show?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
Suddenly, the tension I felt getting ready is gone. I grab my bag and leave my car keys. He’s going to do the driving tonight.
Once I step outside, Rawley takes my hand.
“There shouldn’t be any cameras here. You don’t need to do that.”
His eyes drop to my feet. “Those heels are high, and I didn’t want you to struggle with the stairs.”
