Liam’s jaw twitched. My tone hadn’t disguised that my unrecognizable words to him were harsh ones.
The front door opened and closed, and then Nikko sauntered into the kitchen. “Mornin’!”
“Are those your new tour shirts?” My eyes lit up, scanning Nikko’s chest with the band’s album cover printed across it in red ink.
Nikko nodded, squeezing Milton’s shoulders. “Tic designed ’em. Fans of A Quiet Peril have never looked so good.”
Liam looked up at me from under his brows. “They’re notnew. They were new six months ago.”
I ignored his retort and smiled at Milton, who had a faint look of pride in his eyes. “Can I get one?”
“For sure. We have a bunch downstairs.” Milton nodded his buzzed head toward the basement door. “I can grab you one later. White or black?”
“Give her a white one.” Nikko stuck his tongue out. “Maybe we can get her in the pool later.”
“You guys have a pool?”
Liam tossed his fork down on his empty plate. “We’re not going to make any money off of our merch if you guys keep giving them away to people.”
Milton narrowed his eyes. “She’s not just people. And we’re doing just fine.”
Liam slung his arm over the back of his chair. “I’m just saying.”
“Nikko’s been the one giving away all our shit anyway.” Danny pointed.
Nikko held his hands up. “Hey! Having hot girls strut around with your band name on their tits is great advertisement.”
“Agreed,” Lexie chimed. “All the more reason to give Avery one.”
“I’m just doing my job, guys,” Nikko added.
“Is sleeping with them part of the job too?” Danny chuckled.
I noticed Milton’s pinched face was still set on Liam as he stood. “What’s your problem, man? It’s a fucking shirt.”
“It’s fine; I can buy one. I wasn’t expecting anything for free,” I said, trying to make light of the situation.
Liam flicked his eyes up at me. “Yeah, except for rent, right?”
Milton made a loud clanking noise when he dropped his dishes into the sink. “Ignore him. I’ll get you one, Avery.”
My phone chirped.
There’s a parking spot next to mine.
“Shit. Shit. Shit,” I repeated, remembering I was in a hurry.
“Uh-oh. Late for breakfast?” Danny teased as I ran out of the kitchen, gripping a tumbler full of hot coffee.
If I could’ve reached him from the front door, I would’ve thrown my sandal at his face. I was already going to breakfast without underwear. What would one less shoe be? Instead, I threw my middle finger up at the wall between us. Liam saw from his place at the table, and I swore I almost saw a smile touch his lips.
Not even ten minutes on the road, and my phone rang—seven o’clock on the dot.
I answered, touching the screen on my dash. “Hi, Mom.”
“You’re usually here before me. Where are you?”
I exhaled, turning onto the freeway. “I’ll be there soon. I’m running a bit late.”
