“I’ve read your blog and watched your videos and I have to say I’m impressed,” Lola said.
Avery was thrilled that someone of Lola Corbin’s stature would be interested and find her work good. “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”
Lola waved away the comment. “I’ve used many of your suggestions, and they’re great. Seriously.”
“Well, I bet I can learn a lot from you too.” After all, the woman was on stage, photographed for magazines, and lived a life in the spotlight, so she had to always worry about her appearance.
“We can trade knowledge,” Lola said with an easy grin.
“I’ll take you up on that.” Avery glanced around the large room. A baby grand piano sat in one corner, the sofa was a gorgeous cocoa color, and behind her was yet another mural, this one an abstract of colors washed across the entire wall.
“Your taste is so eclectic,” Avery said.
Lola laughed. “That’s Grey’s word. I’m sure you mean it’s all over the place and what the hell were you thinking when you decorated the joint!”
Avery shook her head. “No … well, maybe. A little.”
“I can’t help it. I like what I like. So it’s a good thing Rep doesn’t care about things like decor.”
Avery leaned back against the comfortable cushions. “He cares about you, so the rest doesn’t matter.”
Lola curled one leg beneath her. “Is that how you are? If you’re in love, nothing else matters?” Her blue eyes pinned Avery in place, and the question had her choking on her drink.
“Sorry. I tend to speak my mind,” Lola said, mirth in her gaze and not a hint of true remorse in her voice.
“Yes, I can see that. I take it you’re asking about my feelings for Grey?” Avery decided to confront the innuendo head on.
Lola shrugged. “He’s my family, and I want him to be as happy as I am. And I know, no matter how many years have passed, you’v
e always been important to him. I just want to make sure you’re not going to hurt him in the end.” Her tone was light, but the warning in her message was clear.
“Wow. You really don’t hold back.” Avery rubbed her bare arms, chilled by Lola’s sudden possessiveness.
Despite the fact that she was Grey’s best friend, Avery had let her guard down and relaxed around her. She’d invited her out with her closest friends, only to find herself cornered and pushed.
“Look,” Avery said, wanting to be perfectly clear. “If anyone’s in danger of getting hurt, it’s me, so don’t worry about your best friend.” She heard the sharpness in her voice, but she couldn’t bring herself to take it back.
Lola let out a long breath. “I like you, Avery, I really do,” she said, her tone softening. “I’m just looking out for Grey. He’s been like a brother to me, and it’s what I always do.”
“Well, Grey can look out for himself. What’s going on?” Grey himself asked, stepping into the room, his gaze darting from Lola to Avery.
Avery glanced at Lola and managed a smile. “Not a thing. Just girl talk.”
She placed her glass on a coaster and rose to her feet. “I’m going to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.”
She needed a few minutes to compose herself before she had to face Lola and Grey and the subject of their relationship, because if she knew Grey, he wouldn’t buy her story or let things go until he had answers.
Grey watched Avery leave the room before turning on his best friend. “What the fuck did you say to her?” he asked as Rep walked into the room.
“Don’t talk to her like that, man.” The large football player strode up to his woman and wrapped an arm around her.
He leaned down and asked, “Tell me, baby, what’d you do?”
Grey bit the inside of his cheek. Rep might look out for Lola, but he knew her well too.
“It’s like Avery said, it was girl talk.” Lola blushed but held firm.
Grey cocked an eyebrow her way.