Love Resolution

Lips flattened, blinking back tears, Avery watched Marcus walk away, an arena’s security guard falling into step behind him. Being on the receiving end of his wrath so many times today had her reeling.

“He’ll get over it,” Sam said sympathetically, squeezing Avery’s arm. “He’s just mad about the show and taking it out on you.” She sighed. “Why do we always seem to be hardest on those closest to us?”

Avery managed a watery smile.

“He loves you, Avery.”

“I know, but I’m worried about him. I think maybe…” she stopped, reluctant to discuss his drinking in public. “I should go after him.”

“Maybe.” Sam mused, wrinkling her nose. “But I don’t think so. He doesn’t seem like he’s in a receptive frame of mind right now.”

Avery sighed, bouncing her folded index finger against her bottom lip. “You’re probably right.”

“Come on. We’ll only stay for a little while. It’ll be good for you to get away from all the stress. And I think you’ll have a good time.” She took Avery’s hand. “Let’s get JR.” Her chestnut curls bounced as she led Avery through the crowd and reached JR’s side.

“Hey baby.” JR turned to Sam, leaning down to nuzzle his nose against the side of her neck. “You smell good.”

Sam blushed. “Avery and I are ready to go.”

“Cool.” He glanced around. “Where’s Grumpy?”

“He’s not coming,” Avery replied.

“His loss.” He put his arms around both of them. “I’m gonna have the two prettiest women in the town all to myself.”

“Wait.” Avery stopped in her tracks. Remembering Marcus’ parting directive, she ducked out from under JR’s arm. “I need to find Ray.”

“You looking for your bodyguard?” A deep voice asked behind her.

“Yes.” She turned around, looking directly into a pair of grey green eyes.

“He’s standing by the side door.” Bryan gave her a lazy smile, inclining his head.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” He gave her the once over. “Heard you killed it tonight, Red.”

“Thanks. You didn’t see?”

“No,” he said drawing out the o. “I was busy with… Mandy, Denise, and Derinda.”

“Hey Bullet. Come back.” A cute brunette with a dimpled smile stumbled up. “Uh-oh.” Her hand went in front of her mouth. “I don’t feel so good.”

“I told you to lay off the alcohol,” he chided. “Mandy, why don’t you go sit back down with your friends and talk to Dizzy for a while?” He turned her around and pointed in the direction of the rhythm guitarist.

“Alright,” she agreed in a pouty voice weaving back to the others.

“Nice,” Avery said with a raised brow watching her. “Three girls? Really?”

He gave her a wolfish grin. “Why should I choose when I don’t have to?”

“How do you even keep all their names straight?”

“I don’t know. I’m good with names. Like a lot of things.” He shrugged. “But I save nicknames for the important ones, Red.”

JR cleared his throat.

Avery jumped. For a moment she had completely forgotten anyone else was there. Embarrassed, she introduced them to the Tempest guitarist.

“Where are you guys headed?” Bryan asked.

“Club Classic,” Sam answered quickly, missing Avery’s zip-it gesture.

“Maybe I’ll see you there later,” he told Avery, peering down at her through hooded eyes.