Page 14 of Hats off to Love

And that’s when it hits me. I jerk out of his reach, swat his hand away, and glare at him.

“So that’s it—this is your game. You think if you act a little bit civilized, I’ll cave and agree to be your date? Touch me here, sit by me there, talk to me like I’m an actual person and not a splinter in your ass—you think two weeks of good behavior will instantly replace twelve years of bad?”

“I’m not playing a game,” he says flatly in that haughty tone of his.

“You forget I’ve known you since zits and braces. Nice try.”

His jaw tenses as his face drops into a scowl, and at that moment the waitress brings over his soup and eggroll, along with my lunch and Molly’s.

I turn away from him, pretend to ignore him, and start eating. Of course he’s got me so riled up I can’t even taste my food. Worst lunch ever. I should have just stayed at the shop.

His gaze lingers on me for a little longer, and man do I wish I knew what he was thinking. None of this makes any sense.

He makes no sense.

Eventually he removes his arm from behind me and begins eating as well.

Good riddance.

6

Molly and I are standing behind the counter when a large SUV pulls up in front of the door to the shop at exactly two o’clock. Adrenaline and nerves are racing through me as I’m about to meet Avery Layne. Part of me feels like I need to pinch myself because this can’t be my life.

Yet here we are, and Molly is in no better shape than I am.

A tall woman in all black gets out of the passenger side, looks up and down the block, and then walks through the front door. She eyes both of us, as I’m certain we look like a couple of deer standing in direct headlights, and asks, “Ms. May?”

I raise my hand like I’ve just been called on and forget to say hello.

The woman nods then proceeds to walk back outside and open the back door of the SUV. Avery slips out, and Molly gasps.

My sentiments exactly.

Everyday Avery (versus performance Avery) is in what looks like sweatpants and a hoodie, with her long blonde hair all wild and curly. She says something to the person in the car and then the door closes.

“Do you think Will Ashton is in the car?” Molly whispers. “Do you think she was talking to him?”

“Let’s pretend he was, but I’m not sure I could handle both of them in the same day,” I whisper back.

The same woman who was in the front passenger seat again opens the door to the shop for Avery to come in and then stands there to prevent anyone else from coming or going. My jaw drops.

“You have a female bodyguard?” I ask.

Yes, folks. These are the first words that spew from my mouth when given the opportunity to meet a celebrity. My face heats, and I’m certain it is flame red.

Avery grins. “I do. And let me tell you, no one wants to cross her.” She makes her way to where Molly and I have moved out from the counter and are now standing next to the tables.

“That. Is. Amazing,” I tell her.

“Her name is Blair. She’s been with me for a few months now.” She turns her head over her shoulder and very obnoxiously says, “And I love her.”

Blair shakes her head like Avery is crazy but smiles anyway.

Turning back to face us, she looks at me and says, “You must be Rosie. It’s nice to meet you.” She holds her hand out, and I take it as if I can only move in slow motion.

I’m. Touching. Avery Layne.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say with a voice that’s much steadier than I feel.