Page 156 of Bottle Shock
Gavin steps closer, wearing a satisfied smile. “My family can cover work, and I’m pretty sure Chicago has schools if we end up staying longer, and,” he pauses, coming forward to cup my jaw, “you’re everything. You and me and Lily, that’s all I need.”
The lump in my throat is impossible to swallow down.
He didn’t just show up. He’s staying.
“Gavin,” I whisper, voice breaking.
He rest his forehead against mine, breath warm against my lips. “You didn’t think I’d really be able to stay away from you this long, did you?”
“I didn’t want to ask you to uproot everything,” I admit. “I didn’t want to be selfish. Especially because it’s only for a little while.”
His thumbs sweep across my cheekbones. “I’m a wreckwithout you.” He pulls back, grinning. “Besides, a little adventure never hurt.”
Lily grabs my hand and starts tugging me away from Gavin. “Everyone is staring,” Lily groans, her cheeks bright pink.
Gavin laughs. “Lily Bear, are you embarrassed?”
“Yesss,” she drawls.
Gavin and I exchange an amused look.
“Get used to it, bear.” He ruffles her hair and she squeals, ducking out of reach.
I bite my lip to keep from laughing, but it’s useless. One look at Gavin and we both lose it.
“Can we go now?” Lily huffs, grabbing my hand again. “Let’s show her the apartment.”
Gavin slides in on my other side, his hand finding mine, fingers curling. Lily’s smaller hand is still tugging on my other, impatient and proud.
The three of us walk down the Chicago sidewalk, hand in hand, off to start an adventure.
We spend the next six weeks living like locals and tourists and a family all at once.
We take Lily to the Field Museum, where she runs from exhibit to exhibit, getting us kicked out.
We ride the L, Lily hating every minute of it, saying she prefers to walk than to be on a smelly train.
We eat hot dogs by the river—well, Lily and I do. Gavin refuses, claiming they have too many additives.
We watch improv shows, plays, stand-up, ballets, even the opera.
We walk the city at night, my hand tucked into his pocket because it’s cold and because I can.
On my final night on stage, I step into the spotlight knowing I’m choosing to leave this time.
Not by force. Not running. Not failing. Choosing.
And when I walk off, Gavin is there, waiting.
Like he always is.
Like he always will be.
CHAPTER 43
Scottie
WINE DADDY
