2,479McQue's. Avery looked good for the occasion and she had meant to. She would never admit it to herself, but she was pleased with her appearance. While showering, she had planned on wearing her usual jeans and v-neck top. However, she constantly heard Michelle's voice at the back of her head. "You're going to a bar with four men, Avery. Act like a real woman!"
Michelle had never actually said those words, but Avery knew that her former roommate would be saying it now, if she could. However, Avery couldn't help but remember their last conversation. When Michelle had called her back earlier that month, she had warned her about living with Jack. She told her to keep herself guarded, because Jack could be unnerving if you let down that guard.
Avery shook off these thoughts as she spun around once in the mirror. Her strapless top accentuated her shoulders, and the navy blue color complemented her creamy skin. Her makeup applied and hair straightened, she was ready.
"Hey Beauty Queen," Pete called from the living room. Avery rolled her eyes. "If you feel like gracing us with your presence…"
She didn't answer, but grabbed her purse and keys and headed toward the boys. Brandon was the first to see her and he shot her a smile.
"Well look at you," he said, "You didn't have to get all dressed up for me."
Avery returned his smile as the other boys turned around. Colin was avoiding her gaze, but Jack made it a point to look her over. She shot him a pointed look before returning to Brandon. "It's not for you, Brandon," she answered sweetly. "I'm lookin' to pick up a man tonight." She smirked, but Pete drowned her out with his guffaws.
"Let's go then," Brandon said as he led the pack out the door. Jack held the door open for them, and Avery ducked under his arm to get through.
"Cute, real cute," he whispered to her before letting the door swing behind him. She bit her lip to hold back a grin, but was unsuccessful. When they got to McQue's, it was relatively busy for a Sunday night. The boys flashed their IDs to the man at the door and he nodded them in. Avery took out her ID and showed it to him. He placed his hand in front of her and stopped her.
"I'm sorry, Miss, you have to be 19 to get into this bar."
Avery stopped and looked at him befuddled. "You're kidding, right?"
"Afraid not."
She looked to the boys for help. Pete had turned around to wink at her, but did not alert anyone else to her predicament. She shot him a ferocious look. "Listen, Miss, you're holding up the line," the man told her.
"I'm here with my friends," she pointed ahead to the guys.
"And they're nineteen," he answered patiently. Avery was very near stomping her foot before Colin finally noticed she was missing.
"Colin!" she called out. He turned around to see her stuck at the door. It took him a moment to realize the cause of her detainment. He snickered to himself before striding up to the doorman.
"Lester, can you let this one slide? She won't be drinking tonight," he said, chumming up to him.
Lester looked doubtful, but finally gave in. "Alright, Little Lady, head on in."
"Thank you," she nodded curtly. "Sorry for the trouble."
Colin laughed as he ushered her to the bar. He had his hand on her back, and the mere contact made her shiver. At the bar, Jack, Pete, and Brandon had already ordered drinks. McQue was willing to look past the drinking age limit for his "special star."
She ordered a coke and prepared herself for the jokes.
"Bartender, make sure you don't let any alcohol slip in there. She's a young'n you know," Pete quipped. Avery laughed along with him though the joke was hardly funny.
The place was nice enough, a sports bar with multiple big screens displaying various sports games. However, as they were seated at the bar, she was stuck on the end sitting next to Colin. He wasn't big on conversation. Jack was at the opposite end. She chanced a quick glance at Jack, but Colin caught her.
"So," he swiveled his barstool to face her. "What's it like living with Jack?"
Avery forced a smile, but she had begun to feel cautious around Colin. He seemed unsettled by the news that she and Jack were around each other so much. "I don't know," she laughed. "You lived with him first."
"Yeah but me and Jack, we're alike," Colin answered. He was talking with his hands, a usual gesture for him when he drank. To this statement, Avery peered at him skeptically. "But you guys are…different."
"I suppose so," Avery answered taking a swig of her soda. Colin was getting at something. He had never been all too smooth when he was trying to get around to a point. And that made her upset. "Is there anything you want to say?" she asked bluntly.
"No," Colin chuckled to himself. "I guess not. So are you seeing anyone new these days?"
Avery wrinkled her nose in thought. "You know I'm no expert on these things, but am I supposed to tell my ex-boyfriend about my love life?"
Colin looked pensive. "Well, I suppose I should advise you not to discuss your love like with future ex-boyfriends. But for now, I'm just Colin making conversation with a good friend."
Avery beamed at his sincerity. The situation almost made her laugh. "You first," she quipped. "The girl's must go crazy for a guy in uniform." She playfully slapped him in the shoulder, but she doubted he even felt it.
"You did, didn't you?" he raised his eyebrows at her. Avery smirked. She looked like a little girl with a secret. "What?"
"I hate to tell you, but I didn't even know what a quarterback was before I met you," she made a face. "But dating you was very informative," she added.
Colin laughed unbelievably, a little surprised by the innuendo. "Okay, Okay. But as far as dating anyone? My schedule's intense. Football's my life right now. Not a lot of chicks want to be second to a ball game."
Avery shrugged. "Hey, at least you're upfront about it." Colin nodded. He had to be fair and right now he didn't have time for extra distractions.
"What about you?"
She smacked her lips together amusedly. "I'm not with anyone now. I did venture out on two very exciting dates," she said dryly.
"Didn't work out?"
"No." She wasn't going to expand on that information. It was difficult to explain and she wasn't fond of the idea of telling Colin about John. A change of subject was needed. "Hey, Colin, I've got to go use the restroom," she said before edging out of her seat. "Watch my drink, will you?"
He nodded before returning his attention to the television. Instead of entering the ladies room, she made her way to the back hallway and leaned against the wall. She just wanted everything to be straightened out. She felt as if she was lying to Colin, but at the same time she didn't think she had done anything wrong. The dissidence was stressing her out.
While staring pensively at the floor, Avery sensed a shadow come over her. She raised her head to meet a piercing blue gaze. Speak of the devil.
"Let's talk," Jack nodded towards the women's bathroom and pulled her elbow in that direction. He entered the bathroom behind her, locking the door as they did so.
"Well," Avery laughed nervously, "This is nice." She fell back against the door and puckered her lips, surveying the room. There was a tampon dispenser to her left and a sink below a yellowing mirror across from her. She was gazing at the sole dilapidated stall when Jack stepped in front of her and placed his arm against the wall, blocking her view. She was nervous and she wasn't even sure why. Scratch that, she knew why. It was the same reason she wasn't meeting Jack's gaze right now. She was preparing herself for rejection.
"About last night," Avery started timidly. She wasn't sure how to go about this. She didn't imagine there were too many people who'd been through this situation before. Small town girl is crazy for her millionaire roommate. There's a possibility of a relationship, but that's put on hold for the return of girl's ex-boyfriend…and said roommate's best friend.
Oh the irony.
"Uh oh," Jack said stepping closer to her. His hand left the wall and cupped her chin. "I hope this isn't the awkward morning after speech," he said mockingly. "Because we didn't even go all the way last night."
Avery met his eyes with a glare, and she hit his chest with a weak thump. He backed away and his hypnotizing effect left with the distance. "Hey, cut me a little slack here." She hated her short stature. She was always looking up at him. Jack returned her stare calmly.
"Okay, Avery. Let's talk about last night," he said. Suddenly, his attitude became light and he batted his eyelashes. "I think I like you, Avery. I really do." His high pitched tone was scarily similar to her own voice. She couldn't help but laugh, and as she did, Jack wrapped his arms around her. "There you go, lighten up."
"Fine," she said with her arms still wrapped around him. "I'm just worried, you know."
"About what?" Jack asked genuinely concerned. Avery laughed bitterly and rested her head on his chest.
"I don't know," she paused. "For starters, I was a little worried about you."
Jack placed his hands on her arms and stared at her. "Are you serious? Worried that I was looking for a one-night stand? Avery, usually you don't randomly hookup with a girl you're going to see day after day after day after…"
"Okay, I get it," she smiled. "It's just with your dad and the paparazzi and I've always thought you had this thing for Belle Henderson." Jack stared at her unbelievably. "Right, not the point," she said. She had to tell him her main concern. "Oh yeah and Colin's your best friend."
Jack shook his head. "C'mon Avery, you cut me some slack. You don't think I have to worry about my dad and the paparazzi. And your ex-boyfriend? How do I know you don't still have feelings for him?"
He had a point. The mere tingles she felt at Colin's touch had scared her. But she had to remind herself that they had had something special. He hadn't been gone long enough to allay those emotions. She could never imagine herself with Colin again, however. But Jack – he had a hold on her…something she couldn't describe. The way he connected to her was funny. She wasn't only attracted to him, but she trusted him.
After a long pause, Jack cleared his throat. "Avery?" he sounded nervous for the first time. "You don't still have feelings for Colin…right?"
She snapped out of her trance and sent Jack a look that said it all. "No," she shook her head. "Never again." A look of brief relief came over Jack. He perked up and opened his mouth to speak once again, but there was a loud banging at the door.
"C'mon, some of us need to use the bathroom," a brash older lady shouted.
"Just a sec," came Avery's strangled reply.
Jack grinned at her response. "Any more doubts I must quell for you?" he asked. He had once again stepped toward her. His scent was cluttering her mind and she was unable to think. He began to trail kisses along her jaw line.
"Sometimes," Avery said shaking her head. Jack continued his trail down her neck. "Sometimes you just make me feel so…"
"Enamored, loving…hot?" he finished for her.
"Like an ass," she said drolly. Jack stopped and smirked at her.
"Avery Susan Sanders, I must agree with you." Avery gaped at him and he continued. "But what Ass is complete without its Jack?" he asked. Then, he kissed her. She knew he could feel her smile against his lips and he only continued. He pressed against her and cupped her neck. Avery's arms slid under his own and gripped at his shoulders. They ignored the shouts from outside.
And there, in the rank, rundown bathroom at McQue's, Jack Shanahan admitted he was crazy about Avery Susan Sanders.
After nonstop knocking, the couple was forced to exit. Jack gave her a quick squeeze around the waist before leaving her side and returning to his barstool next to Pete. She, on the other hand, slid in right next to Colin. She was still blushing and grinning as he swiveled in his barstool to face her.
"Want to dance, Ave?" he asked abruptly. She attempted to respond, but could only sputter. He pressed on, "This is your favorite song, isn't it?"
"Yes," she answered slowly as a classic rock song floated from the jukebox. She tried to shoot a plea for help to Jack, but Colin intercepted the glance. "Okay, let's dance," she said reluctantly. As he led her to the dance floor, Avery felt her stomach drop. This was exactly what Jack had just talked to her about. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin her absolutely perfect day.
Colin took Avery's hand in his and placed his arm around her waist. They were standing awfully close and Avery didn't like it. She attempted to put some space between them.
"You feeling okay?" Colin started as they swayed slowly to the song.
"Of course, why?"
"You were in the bathroom a while," he said. Avery's cheeks burned. That certainly wasn't a conversation starter.
She shrugged. "There was a line."
Avery felt the tension between them. Colin wasn't behaving friendly, as his demeanor usually was. The music quickly picked up pace and Colin swung her around. When she turned about, she found herself closer to Colin then intended. He didn't let her put space between them this time. "It's weird," he replied. "Jack was gone for a while too."
Avery panicked. Colin was beating around the issue, she could feel it. But she didn't know if she was ready to admit to him that she and Jack were together. After all, it had only been made official a few minutes earlier. In fact, she didn't feel right telling Jack's best friend. She searched for Jack, but his barstool was empty. The music's pace had picked up full speed, and couples surrounding them tapped their heels wildly to the beat. Colin stared intensely at Avery. Finally, she stepped away from him.
"Just ask me, Colin," she stated forcefully.
"Fine," he said heatedly. "Are you with Jack?"
Avery stood frozen in the center of the dance floor. When she couldn't stand Colin's intense gaze for another moment, she nodded slowly. Before he could respond, Jack came to the rescue
"Colin, we need to talk," he said gently to his friend. Colin set his mouth in a firm line and shook his head.
"I'm out of here," he said. With that, he turned on his heel and left McQue's.
Jack didn't waste a second as he trailed after him. Avery was close behind until Jack stopped her. "I should be the one to do this. He's my best friend."
She wanted to protest…go with him and take some of the heat from Colin so Jack wouldn't have to face him alone. But in her heart she knew this was between Colin and Jack. Once she and Colin had broken up, she had no part in his life anymore. She nodded slowly, started to apologize, but then thought better of it. Jack nodded back before leaving McQue's also. As much as she hated it, Avery could only sit and wait.
Jack slowly got into the passenger seat of Colin's SUV. He could sense his friend's silent seething as the pair sat in silence. Jack would give him all the time he needed.
"This isn't right, Jack," Colin said after a while. "My best friend and my ex-girlfriend? It's just not right."
"I know," Jack replied. "And I'm sorry. I should have told you."
"I've only been gone two months and you move in on my ex. C'mon, it's not just that you didn't tell me."
Jack understood the implication and was shocked that Colin would imply such a thing. "Colin, I was never with her when you guys were together. But I can't help how I feel for her."
"Neither can I," Colin shot back suddenly. He banged his fists on the wheel, frustrated that he had finally admitted his problem. Jack was surprised once again and taken aback by Colin's outrage.
"You still have feelings for Avery?" he posed the question slowly. Colin didn't need to answer. His silence told Jack that his accusation was true.
"I didn't know, man. You know I would have never…"
"Forget it," Colin cut him off. "She's still my ex."
Jack nodded. His mind was racing; he felt torn. As he and Colin sat in an uncomfortable silence, he forced himself to make a decision. "Colin, you're my man, you know that. I'm not going to let this ruin our friendship. If you don't want me to be with Avery, then I won't."
Colin was visibly affected by the comment. He, too, had his friendship on the line with this decision. If he told Jack he didn't like him with Avery, Jack could resent him. If he told him it was okay, he'd be lying. Then again, Colin was only in town for one more day. Then he went back to Dallas to live out his own life, leaving his two friends to feel the weight of his decision.
"I don't know," Colin said running his hands through his hair. "I don't know what the hell to do."
The wait inside McQue's was agonizing. Avery paced beside the bar while Brandon and Pete stared silently into their drinks. They knew what the disturbance was about, and neither had a thing to say. At least Pete had had the decency to keep his mouth closed for once.
All the while, Avery bit her nails as she waited for some sign of resolution. Things shouldn't have to be this hard, she repeatedly thought. It was a relationship, for God's sakes. It wasn't as if she had committed adultery in a marriage. She just wanted to be with Jack, and Colin was making that impossible. She wanted to resent him, but his anger was justified. However, the way he had treated her on the dance floor had caused just a twinge of anger within herself.
What was even worse, she was standing idly by as her ex-boyfriend decided the fate of her new relationship. She hated that feeling of helplessness. The dread began to form in the pit of her stomach as Avery considered the possibility that Jack would choose his friendship with Colin over Avery. In fact, the possibility was very real. Wouldn't she stick by a best friend? Didn't men have a saying about that? Bros before hoes, that's what the boys at her high school had always said. She groaned at the expression.
That fact of the matter was, she liked Jack. No, scratch that, she really really liked Jack. They had only been officially together for less than an hour, but in her heart she knew it had been longer than that. She began to reminisce on her first encounter with Jack. It had amused her, despite his numerous attempts afterward to irritate her. She hadn't seen it then, perhaps she hadn't wanted to, but Jack had always been the good person she now knew him as. She thought about the time he had driven her to Edamont in order to plead Colin's case after their embarrassing encounter at Berry's. She recalled, too, how Jack had placed a substantial tip on the table after he had proceeded to embarrass her. Then there was the time he had volunteered for the dunk booth at the Edamont Sweet Corn Festival, and the time he had called her afterward to make sure she was still okay.
Oh God, Avery thought dismally, I think I might love him.
The realization didn't hit her as hard as expected. She didn't even try to talk herself out of her emotions, realizing that it seemed trite to admit love so soon. All these emotions just confused her, and eventually she took a seat. A while later the bar door opened, and the three friends immediately turned to see who had entered. Jack approached them and Avery did all she could to read some sort of sign on his face.
"What's up guys?" he asked as he placed an arm around Avery's waist. Brandon looked surprised and even Pete seemed a bit shocked before he began to emulate a gagging sound.
"Well," Brandon said slowly, "we were going to ask you the same thing."
Jack nodded. "I guess there's really not a whole lot to say," he said nonchalant. The boys stared at him, waiting for him to say more, but Jack was going to play coy. "We'll talk later. Right now, Ave and I are going to take a cab back to the room and meet you guys later." With that, he winked at them and pulled Avery from the barstool. When she stared at him, doe-eyed and beautiful, Jack knew that everything would be worth it.