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"Yes, ma'am. At your service."
"I mean, I guess we could also stay inside. It’s a pity to have this huge suite and not make use of it. Especially the bed. But I’ve never seen the city." She tapped a fingertip against her lips. "Decisions, decisions.”
She was adorable, fighting with herself.
“Nah, a tour it is," she finally exclaimed.
I changed much faster than Avery—I kept my jeans on but switched from my sweater to a shirt with cuff links. I wore them so rarely that it felt strange buttoning them up.
I was happy that I was going with her tonight. Avery was strong, and I had no doubt she could kick ass on her own, but I wanted her to know she could count on me.
I had yet to talk to her about the clinic. I’d spoken to the CEO again, and he’d finally agreed to let me talk to the board. But when I spoke with them, it didn't go well at all. They said that since they’d already approved the opening of a pro bono clinic in Maine, there was no point doing one in Chicago too. Bottom line, it just wasn’t feasible for them.
No matter what my brothers said, I’d prefer a pro bono clinic attached to a big hospital. But I didn't want to go to fucking Maine.
“I’m ready,” Avery exclaimed, coming out of the bathroom. She twirled once, smiling from ear to ear. “What do you think?”
She looked stunning in her black dress. It was short and showcased her perfect ass. The caveman inside me was satisfied that her cleavage was well covered by what seemed to be a scarf attached to the dress—I was clueless about stuff like that.
“Babe, you look gorgeous. But you’re going to freeze, especially in those shoes.”
They were silver heels that looked damn sexy, but they’d be no use outside.
"No, I've got my puffy coat. I’ll be fine."
The second we stepped outside the hotel, her teeth started chattering.
“Babe, you’re cold. I’m not allowing this.”
She cocked a brow. “Allow? Is that the doctor tone coming out?”
I cleared my throat, adjusting my voice. “I don’t want you to get sick. Let’s do a cab tour.”
She laughed but nodded. “You’re a genius.”
I nodded at the doorman, who flagged a cab for us. Once inside, I instructed the driver to go around all the major attractions in the area. We drove by Central Park first.
“Oh my God, the Christmas tree is already up,” Avery exclaimed when we passed Rockefeller Center, pressing her nose against the window. “But it’s not lit.”
“Nah, I think the tree lighting ceremony is sometime after Thanksgiving.”
We then passed the Empire State Building. The driver kept pointing out landmarks, but I could tell Avery wasn't truly here with us.
"You're thinking about the party, aren't you?" I asked her.
"Yes. I'm sorry.”
"Don't worry. The tour is about to be over anyway. We have to be at the party in twenty minutes."
Obviously, we ran into traffic, so we arrived thirty minutes late. Avery was fidgeting, but she held her chin high as I helped her step out of the cab.
“You know what?" she said with a glint in her eye. "It's actually better that we’re a bit late. We get to make a grand entrance this way. Hopefully everyone is already here. I can't wait to see the look on Sophia's face.”
I liked her when she was feisty.
We walked arm in arm and entered through the main door. The shop was small and, in my opinion, not impressive. It looked like any other shoe shop. There were small tables everywhere with champagne flutes. The shop also had jewelry on display, and I had to admit, it looked damn good.
Avery stiffened.
