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As we stepped inside the room, Britney said, “So, you’re joining us and not running back home to have sex tonight.”
“Britney, you’re funny,” Avril said, holding my hand tightly.
Charlie waved for us. “Sit, sit.”
Whatever happened next, I hoped it would take my mind off Avril’s kiss, which had been unexpected and like nothing I’d ever experienced. I wasn’t sure what had happened, but I was sure of one thing: I wanted her.
Chapter Nine
Avril
* * *
At work, they absolutely believed that somehow, I was dating Kir, a trillionaire with a family who had access to anything. It seemed we were the toast of Manhattan, and for once, I loved the spotlight. Our drinks came, and I had my usual Moscow mule. Kir stuck with a gin and tonic. I committed that detail to memory.
Once we had our drinks, Kir asked his brothers, “What brought y’all to the city tonight?”
Xerses told him, “We have a meeting with Warren and Pedar tomorrow.”
My eyes narrowed on Roman and Xerses. “Concerning buying AO Data?”
Roman asked, “How did you know?”
I felt completely at ease with his family. “I work as an analyst there. I have an interview for senior analyst.”
I saw Britney smiling at me, and I winked at her. That night, the shy version of me was missing.
Xerses asked me, “Do you like working there?”
I shrugged and sipped my drink. “I… I like that my health insurance let me put my sister on the policy.”
Kir inhaled. “You never mentioned that was the reason.”
I faced him and the rest of his family, and my friends faded out, like we were completely alone with some background noise. “The reason for what?”
He pressed my hand. “Why you weren’t just quitting and finding another job.”
I smiled wider. “I… can’t have a gap in health insurance. I spent so much time focusing on paying for treatments that I never looked back.”
Then the world blared back into focus as Xerses said, “Maman said your sister had cancer. We’re all sorry.”
I lowered my head and stared at the drink. “Let’s not bring the party atmosphere down.”
Britney asked, “When are you inviting us over to see your new place, Avril?”
I gazed at Kir. It was really his place that I was crashing in. My hand trembled. “I’ll…”
He placed his hand on mine and said, “She wants to unpack some stuff on her own, but in two weeks, you’re all invited. I’ll set up a small party.”
I met his brown-eyed gaze. “Thank you.”
Kelly asked, “So, do you two have any upcoming plans?”
Kir said, “This weekend is obviously my brother’s wedding, but next week, we’re heading to Cancún so I can show her how to jet ski.”
Hope bounced in her chair. “That sounds fun. We should do that, Charlie.”
Kir bumped into my side. “You can invite your friends if you want.”
