“We have a stocked cooler near the tables over there.” She takes a step closer, her eyes crinkling with each word. “I want to add that you’ve been a great addition today and to the team in general. It’s just that there are times I can’t help but feel that you seem like you’re someplace else.”
“I don’t want to make excuses, but I do have ADHD.”
“Yes, and we were well aware of your neurodivergence during tryouts. Yet somehow that never seemed to get in the way. The distractedness seems to be a more recent thing.”
“I’m so sorry. I… I’m really excited to be here.” I tighten my ponytail and beam at her, hoping it covers whatever sins she’s decided I’ve committed.
“Then make sure we know that.” She smiles and waves to someone passing through on the trail before turning back to me. “I also wanted to pull you aside because Larissa mentioned earlier that your business sometimes takes on clients for housesitting, and the last time we spoke privately you mentioned your living situation.”
I nod, a cold sweat breaking out at my hairline.
“I have a neighbor who's been looking for someone towatch her family home in the suburbs while she visits her property in Aspen. I think she’s hoping for someone to stay for at least a few months. I’ll have to ask for specifics.” She shrugs, flicking a wrist to move the story on. “She’s hoping someone can water the garden, deadhead the asters, all that. She has a pretty expansive fish tank too. The lady is obsessed with those things. She asked me to help out, but I’m simply swamped. I was hoping maybe I could pass your information to her.”
My heart leaps. Did she just say I would bepaidto live somewhere? I’m not proud of lying to Larissa, but if it’ll get me into my own place—at least for a few months—it might have been worth it. I can finally move out of Ty’s like we planned. It’s another temporary situation, but it’ll be enough for me to get some money together and maybe even find my own apartment once the job’s over. The predicament makes me feel both excited and incredibly guilty that it’s been born of a lie. “That sounds awesome. I have business cards in my car. I'll grab one when we’re done here.”
She smiles wide, backing away. “Great. I’ll let her know I’ve found someone to save the day.”
I give her a little wave as I start back toward the rest of the group.
“And Avery,” Stacey calls after me, stopping me in my tracks. “Try to keep your focus up, okay? I know how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are.”
I swear her eyes travel over to where Ty and the other guys are huddled up, but I can’t bring myself to follow her gaze. Gluing on what can only be a suspiciously bright smile, I say, “Of course. You’re right. I will. Thank you.”
My phone buzzes as I rejoin Larissa near a trail. I fish itfrom the tiny pocket in my spandex pants. Ty’s name flashes across my screen. My face heats, and I shove it back into my pocket.
Risky move, Ty.
For the final few minutes of our cleanup, I avoid glancing his direction. The last thing I need is for Stacey to pull me aside again because she’s pinpointed the source of my distraction. So when everything ends, I drive Larissa home, letting her rule the aux cord. She plays something whiny by Callum Porter, which I immediately veto, so she flips on a safe option. Lena Lux’s first album. It’s a classic.
We sing along as I do everything I can not to think about getting pulled aside by my choreographer at my first promo event. Or think about how lying to Larissa may have gotten me a paid gig. Lately, Avery Hinkley has been built on secrets and half-truths. And luck.
But doesn’t luck always run out eventually?
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
TY
For the second time today,I’ve let Ramiel rework my calendar. Which was sparse, anyway, and consisted mostly of reading in my room and hanging out with Dolly. This is how I find myself sitting in a corner at The Malted Mule for a karaoke night, celebrating Maleko Aleki’s birthday. He’s already drunk, waiting for his turn to sing, and following his girlfriend around as she wraps up her waitressing shift. Maleko loves this place so much, he’s made a point to date the staff. I’d say not to mix business and pleasure, but I’ve never intentionally been a hypocrite.
My chest tightens at the thought of Avery. I texted her after I saw her get pulled to the side by a superior. How could I not? Her brow was knitted in a way that signaled distress, and there’s no way her choreographer didn’t notice too. She’s the reason I’m here. I need a distraction from the fact that she never texted back. She’s not always “on top of” texts—so to speak—but I can’t be at home withher. I don’t know what I’d do if she were just down the hall choosing to ignore me.
I’ve been nursing a beer for almost an hour, following around Ramiel like some lost little puppy. So far no one seems to mind that I’ve tagged along. We drift behind Cole, carving a path through Maleko’s birthday guests, and I take in the space as we move through the dive bar, unsure of where exactly they’re leading me. I can see why they all come here so often. Even with the person howling on the stage, there’s something about the low lights, the scent of grease and hops hitching a ride on the AC… If a bar were to be labeled cozy, this would be the one.
We stop here and there, and I cling to my beer like a lifeline. It’s always nice to have something in your hands when you’re out somewhere and rampant with nerves. A football, a book, a certain hazel-eyed girl’s hand. Avery occupying any more space in my head simply isn’t possible. Cole and Ramiel get lost in a conversation with some lady I’ve never met, but Ramiel says he invited her and introduces her as some librarian or something. I can tell Rami’s got a thing for her, and I can respect that he’s chosen someone who makes a living surrounding herself with books. When they get lost in a conversation I’m not a part of, I’m grateful when my phone buzzes. I’m even more grateful when I pull it out and see Avery’s name.
Avery
Yeah, I’m good. I’ll be fine
Me
Everything okay?
Avery
It will be
Me
