Page 87 of You're So Vine
The front door of the Durant mansion is shut, and I stop, expecting to have to knock. But Ava pushes it open, waltzes right in. I hesitate, but not too long because she’s almost out of sight. This place is so big that if I don’t have a guide, I might never see daylight again.
I follow Ava into a spacious living room. My first impression is that it’s been decorated by someone with good taste and a big budget. But I don’t get a chance for a good look around because the room is full of people, and they’re all staring at me.
“Mom, Dad,” says Ava, “this is Cam Hollander. My boyfriend.”
Boyfriend is right. I feel about sixteen years old, turning up to take my girl to the prom. Being scrutinized with a cold eye by a father who knows exactly what I’ve been doing with his daughter and is of the opinion that medical castration should be the norm, not the exception.
What makes it worse is that Ava’s dad has blue eyes just like hers, only glacial. And a mouth set in a line so straight you could rest a spirit level on it.
He holds out his hand. “Mitchell Durant.”
I take it and try to match the pressure he exerts. Not too hard, but firm enough to show he’s no pushover. Ava’s dad is the same height as Nate, about six feet. Shorter than me, but right now I feel like I’m shrinking under his gaze.
“Good to meet you, sir,” I say.
“And I’m Ava’s mother, Ginny.”
Thank God, a friendly face. Ginny Durant is a fine-looking woman, with blonde hair that looks expensive and a smile that’s pure sunshine.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Cam,” she says, taking my hands and giving them a squeeze. “We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for Ava.”
“I’m grateful for everything you’ve donetome,” Ava mutters quietly enough so that—hopefully—only I can hear.
“It’s my pleasure, ma’am.” Could be speaking to both of them. Though Ava would object to being called “ma’am”.
“And, of course, you know Nate and Shelby,” says Ginny. “Have you met my middle son, Danny, and Shelby’s brother, Jackson, who’s our guest?”
I think I hear Mitchell Durant harrumph, but he could just be clearing his throat.
“Cam knows everyone, Mom,” says Ava. “So could you please,pleaseoffer him a drink?”
“I’ll get drinks,” says Nate. “Beer, Ava?”
“No, thanks.” She makes a glum face. “Doc told me no alcohol.”
“Finally,” says her father. “Alcohol is a destructive poison. Your body would be better off with Class A drugs as long as they were pure.”
Nate brings me beer in a glass and hands it over with a murmured, “Let the games begin.”
Ava starts chatting away to her mom. My gaze wanders over to Danny and Jackson lounging in the corner. Jackson nods coolly and with a hint of “fuck you”. My blood rises. If he gets into it with me tonight, swear to God, I’ll—
“Puff?”
Shelby’s in front of me with a plate.
“Salmon and dill,” she adds. “Delicious but crumbly. Here. Take a napkin.”
I do my best to juggle the beer glass, napkin, and canapé. This is why I don’t socialize. It requires a level of multi-tasking that I am one hundred percent not up to.
And this, of course, is the exact moment Mitchell Durant decides to engage me in conversation.
“Nate tells me you were in the army?” is his opening.
“Yes, sir,” seems a safe response. “Infantry.”
“See combat?”
“Afghanistan.”
