“But is it obvious?” I ask.
“Only to anyone paying attention,” she says.
“Okay,” I nod. “That can’t be very many people, right? I mean, most people are paying attention to the bride and groom or fixated on all the free food and drinks.”
“Of course, of course. Why would anyone be ogling the attractive father of the groom?” She winks, and I sigh. “Speaking of drinks. I’m getting a mimosa before Ben’s sister drinks the pitchers dry. You want anything?” she asks.
“Yeah, I’ll come with you. I suppose I can at least pretend there’s vodka in the cucumber water,” I mumble, and she smiles, linking arms with me as we wade through the tables of people.
We hit the bar first for Josie’s mimosa. The bartender is a young blonde with a cute smile that tells me he could be trouble. He smiles at Josie. “Just a mimosa?” he asks. “I could make you anything you want.”
“Well, considering it’s ten in the morning, I think I’m going to stick with spiked OJ,” she smiles.
“Maybe later, then?” he asks.
“Yeah,” she smiles again. “Maybe later.”
“I’ll come find you,” he winks and we walk away.
“What was that all about?” I ask, looking back at him. He’s still staring at Josie and I smile. “He’s cute.”
“He’s one of the groomsmen,” she says.
“One of Ben’s friends? Then he’s trouble.”
“I could go for a little trouble…” she smirks and we both snigger. Over at the main table, the bride and groom are laughing about something, and a crowd is gathering. Josie pulls out her camera.“I'd better go capture the chaos,” she says, and I smile as she walks away. Meanwhile, I head for refreshments.
As I dispense a glass of infused water into a cup, I feel Gavin standing behind me before I even turn around.
“You have a fun family,” I say as I turn around. Sure enough, he’s close enough that if I’d started walking, I would have run right into him.
“I like to think so,” he says. “Not a mimosa fan?” he asks, nodding down at my cucumber water.
“I kind of stick to that five o’clock somewhere rule in the time zone I’m in,” I answer with a smile. Then I remember what Josie says and make a point to dial it back a notch, though it’s not without trouble. This man makes it hard to act casual, especially with how close he is to me.
“Funny thing though, I don’t see you partaking much even in the after-hours,” he says, also smiling. But I mean, what’s wrong with that? Just two grown adults with mutual friends and mutual interests smiling during a conversation.
“You caught me,” I say. “It makes me feel bloated.”
Gavin laughs at that, which, if I am being honest, is what I was going for. “Impossible to believe, but whatever you say. So, brunch was a success. What’s next on the docket?”
“You tell me,” I say. “You own the place.”
“I hired you to plan the week. Every single detail,” he says, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
“Skiing,” I answer, ending the game of footsie since we both know the answer.
“Ah yes, skiing. You got your skis and boots rented yet?” he asks, and a laugh bubbles out of me.
“Oh, I don’t ski,” I tell him, looking down at my tablet.
“But it’s a ski resort,” he says with a grin.
“I’m also standing in a room with an open bar, and yet, I don’t have a drink in my hand. It’s a sneak peek at my rebellious side. Cherish it; it rarely makes public appearances,” I say, taking a step towards the door.
But Gavin steps in front of me, walking backward. “What about your adrenaline junkie side? Any chance she’ll poke her head out of the snow or, in your case, the sweater dress today?” he asks, and I give him an annoyed look.
“Really? Insulting the dress again?” I ask.
