Love Resolution

“Thanks for taking care of the room,” Avery told Bryan as the taxi turned off of Harbor Drive and onto the short side street that led back to the Half Moon Inn. “And for the clothes.” She plucked at the zipper pull on the Del sweat set she wore. “I’ll pay you back when I get my wallet.”

“No you will not.” He gave her an unwavering look. “I was just helping out. That’s what friends do.” He swiveled his body toward her, knee up on the seat between them. “Talk to me, Red. You haven’t said more than two words since Marcus left.”

“I’m sorry.” Her leg bounced as she glanced down at her clasped hands. “I’d hoped to have had more time to prepare for this than I’ve been given. I’m not ready to deal with it all just yet.”

“Yes you are.” He covered her hand with his own. “You’re badass. I’ve seen you in action. You’ll be fine. Just don’t let them talk you into doing anything you don’t want to do, ok?”

She nodded.

“Our bus leaves in an hour. My offer still stands.”

“I know…thanks.”

“Ok.” He leaned his face closer to her as the taxi pulled to a stop in front of the hotel.

Offering him her cheek, she tilted her face up toward his, but unexpected camera flashes over Bryan’s shoulder drew her attention, causing her to turn more fully in his direction. His lips collided with hers.

She tried to draw away, but Bryan stopped her, holding the back of her head in his hands. His grey green eyes searched hers. “Honestly, I’ve wanted to do that since the first time I saw you lusting after my guitar in Seattle,” he confessed. “And I think maybe you did, too. I want it even more now. Stop me if I’m wrong.” He brought her face back to his, his fingers flexing loosely against her hair. She could have easily pulled back. Maybe she should have. But she didn’t.

His warm lips touched hers again. There wasn’t anything incidental or fleeting about this kiss. This kiss had purpose. This one sizzled. He brushed his mouth softly across her slightly parted lips. Their breath mingled. His tongue touched hers. He tasted like cigarette smoke, something that might have bothered her before.

It didn’t now.

He released her. Her eyelids fluttered open to find him staring intently at her. She wondered why he had stopped.

“You had one of the chocolate mints from the room.” He ran the rough pad of his thumb across her bottom lip. “I want a lot more of that if you’re offering, Red, but…” He trailed off, angling his body in front of the back window and motioning with a hand over his shoulder. “I’m not sure how public you want all this to be.”

She gasped. The car was surrounded by photographers. In the heat of the moment, she had completely forgotten where they were. Ducking her head to his chest, she realized he was right. She had wanted him to kiss her. There was something between them. Physical attraction, for sure. But how much her need for affirmation after what Marcus had done factored into it, she wasn’t certain. Currently, things were way too mixed up to sort out.

She lifted her head to try to explain. “Bryan, I…”

“Let’s get out of this taxi,” he cut in, tapping her on the nose and reaching into his jean pocket. He peeled off a couple of bills and handed them to the driver. “Thanks, man. Keep the change.” He angled back to her. “If you don’t want any more pictures taken, I suggest you put your hood up.”

She lifted it over her head and took the hand he offered her.

“Ready?”

She nodded.

“Let’s make a run for it then.”

They dashed through the pack of paparazzi, ignoring their shouts and questions. Once inside the lobby, Avery lowered her hood. Bryan studied her expectantly.

“I’d better go,” she said.

“I know.” He reached out with both hands and smoothed down the hair on either side of her head. “I’ll see you in Phoenix. You call or text me if you need me. Promise?”

She nodded.

“Alright, then.” He turned and with his long legged stride soon disappeared around the corner.

“Ah-hem. Miss Jones?” The front desk clerk waved a white envelope in her hands. “Miss Daniels left a message for you.”

“Thanks.” Avery took the envelope. She tore the seal and quickly scanned the brief note. She smiled grimly. “Which way is room 122?”

“To the right and all the way down to the end of the hall,” the clerk told her.

Thong sandals flip flopping on the floor, she made her way rapidly to the room. When she reached the door, she pressed her lips determinedly together, not knowing who else might be inside. The door flew open after one knock.

“Avery!”

Her friend engulfed her in a tight hug before dragging her into the room. The door closed behind them and Sam spun around, leveling her with a disapproving stare.

“Why’d you run away? Everyone’s been worried sick. Marcus destroyed his hotel room. Mary’s on the warpath and Trevor’s been on his feet half the night trying to calm everybody down.”

Avery sighed and sank down on the foot of the bed, head buried in her hands.

“I’m sorry.” Sam sat down beside her and gave her an apologetic sidelong glance the moment she raised her head. “I’m a little worked up. Stress and too much caffeine. Can we start this over?”

Avery nodded.

“Are you ok?”

Avery shook her head sadly.

“Oh, Avery.” Sam held out her arms.

She shifted to let her head rest on her friend’s shoulder. Sam’s chestnut curls tickled her nose.

“I don’t know what to say to make it better.” Sam stroked her back. “But I want you to know that I’m totally on your side. Why Marcus would do something like that, I have no idea.”

“I think it’s pretty obvious.” Avery lifted her head. “Anyway, I only came back because he informed me in no uncertain terms that I had obligations to him and the band. That I missed a meet and greet, for instance.”

“Yes. I rescheduled that to tonight. I told the press that you had the flu. Not that anyone bought it. The story’s kinda all over the news.” She winced. “That tramp sure loves to hear herself talk.”

“Great.” Avery’s face reddened. “How pleasant.” Sarcasm oozed from her words. She let out a long weary sigh. “Before I talk to Mary, I need you to tell me exactly what my obligations are. I’m not going to let Marcus bully me into doing anything more than my contract demands.”

“Ok, Avery.” Sam took her hand and squeezed it.

Avery managed a watery smile in return.

“You don’t have to do the thing tonight, if that’s what you’re asking. Not technically. You only have to attend seventy-five percent of those.”

“Good. I’m not up to that. I will be, but I’d prefer not to smooze just yet.”

“I understand, and I’m here for you.” She smiled gently. “And I’m not the only one. Ray’s been asking about you and Trevor’s been on the phone keeping Justin and your dad up to date. And even though Mary seems mad as hell on the outside, I can tell that she’s mainly just worried about you.”

“I hope you’re right.” She grimaced. “I’m not looking forward to talking to her, but thanks for the encouragement and the heads up. I’m lucky to have you as a friend.”

“Luck had nothing to do with it. I believe we were put together for a reason. And,” she patted Avery’s knee and beamed, “now that you’ve got me, you’ll never be able to get rid of me. I’m kinda like a grass burr stuck to your shoelaces. Ask my sister.”

“I’m glad. I could use a little stability in my life.” She squared her shoulders. “Ok, before I start making phone calls, I need you to find out one more thing.”