Page 96 of Memories By the Shore
Damn.
Melanie’s face reddens, and then she takes a hard swallow andreplies, “So did we.”
This isn’t going well, but what should I expect?
“Look—” I begin, but I’m quickly dismissed.
“But not anymore,” Avery replies with a condescending tone.
I should be nervous by this exchange, but every single nerve in my body lights up with each of Avery’s comebacks.Fuck. I missed her.She’s tame, but there’s an intoxicating little spark and confidence in her now.
“Listen, I don’t know who you are—” Melanie snaps.
I jump off my seat, positioning myself between them. “Okay, okay—”
“Wine for everyone!” Marv rushes over, carrying four glasses on a black tray.
I turn to him. “One moment, my friend.” Then I shift to Melanie. “It was great running into you, Melanie. I’ll see you around sometime.”
Her hand flies to her hip. “That’s how this is going to be?”
“Melanie,” I say, lowering my voice. “We’ve discussed this.”
From the corner of my eye, a subtle smirk on Avery’s face tells me everything I need to know about where we stand.
Melanie snatches one of Marv’s glasses of red wine, takes a hefty swig, and then flashes me a glare before stomping out of the restaurant.
“Please come back for our buy one get one pasta deal next time!” Marv smiles wide. “More for us.”
“Thank you, but the lady and I need a few moments alone,” I tell him, removing two glasses and handing one to Avery.
“Of course,” he says. “Your takeout will be ready soon. And please, everything is on the house.”
“You’re the best, man.”
Lowering her eyes, Avery stiffly climbs into the chair next to me. “Again, stalking me, Mr. Collins?”
I smile. “Sorry about the Melanie situation.”
Her eyes fall to the glass in front of her. “No need to explain.”
Leaning in, I take two fingers and gently pinch her chin. Tilting her head until we make eye contact, my expression slowly changes. “Melanie and I are not currently sleeping together.”
Avery jerks her head away, scoffing it off. “You don’t need to explain, Jasper.”
“But I do. I want you to know,” I say. “We went out a few times, but it was casual.”
“How long?”
“It’s been a few months,” I admit.
She lets out an audible sigh, pausing for a moment before speaking. “Okay.”
Her response catches me off guard. I don’t know how I wanted her to react, but I’d assumed I’d at least be able to get a read on it. “Okay? That’s it?”
“That’s it.” Avery’s lips purse together as she swigs the cabernet. “So, what are you doing here?”
I look away, hiding the grin on my face. “I came for you.”
