“Glad to have you back.”
“We have a lot of catching up to do,” she said, eyeing the tall, broad, imposing-looking bodyguard by Avery’s side.
Avery grinned. “We do, but not now.” She wasn’t going to discuss her love life and especially not her sex life in front of Rick. “I have many other things to tell you. I met with Dr. McCann this morning.”
She patted her bag, her calendar secure inside. “We have dates for the kids to choose their dresses, and another for the fittings, so we don’t wear the kids out.”
Ella nodded. “I can’t wait to go visit them. It’s been awhile, and I want to see their faces in person. See how they’re doing.”
Avery nudged her side. “I’m sure they’ll love to hear about your adventures on the island.”
Ella grinned. “I brought back fun gifts for them too.”
“That’s so sweet.” But no surprise to Avery. Ella was a good person. “And don’t forget I have to give you the dates for everything. I need you there.”
Avery met Ella’s gaze. She’d hated booking things without her friend there, but Dr. McCann was leaving on vacation tomorrow. It had to be done today.
Ella waved a tanned hand through the air. “I’ll make it work. My boss is flying high after this successful assignment. It’ll be fine.”
They walked to the carousel and waited for Ella’s luggage. “Your bodyguard is hot,” Ella whispered.
“Are you interested?” Avery asked, thrilled her friend seemed to be actively looking at a man, not keeping her feelings hidden as usual.
“No,” Ella said too quickly.
Avery blew out a frustrated breath. She was tired of the evasion and lies. “Who is he?” Avery asked her friend. “Who’s got you tied up in knots, and why are you hiding things from me?”
Ella grasped Avery’s shoulders and met her gaze. “Maybe one day I’ll be able to talk about it,” she said. She looked over her shoulders and scanned the metal carousel. “Oh, look! My duffel.” She pointed to a black bag with a huge pink bow.
A lucky diversion this time.
Rick rolled his eyes at the huge decoration that marked the bag before plucking the luggage off and gesturing for the women to walk beside him. They followed him toward the car, and both did their best not to laugh as the big, strong man wheeled the bag with the tacky pink ribbon on the handle, mumbling about the indignities of the job as he walked and kept an eye on everything around them at all times.
The next stop was their apartment, so Ella could pack clothes for moving into Grey’s. On the ride, Ella went on about her trip to Turks and Caicos and the photo shoot, the crazy photographer, and the models. Avery loved her stories, and even Rick seemed mildly amused.
Until they pulled into the parking lot and exited the car, only to run into Avery and Ella’s neighbors.
“Hi, Gary,” Ella said.
Avery smiled at the man.
Rick tried to keep them moving indoors, but Gary liked to talk. He always had. He was prematurely bald, not bad-looking, just not Avery’s type. He was in his thirties and lived with his girlfriend in the apartment next door, and they’d always been nice, good neighbors.
“I’m sorry to hear the papers are dredging up the past,” he said, looking at Avery.
“What?”
Even Rick tuned in now, stepping in closer.
“What do you mean?” Ella asked.
Gary’s cheeks burned red. “I’m sorry. I thought you knew.”
Avery believed him. Gary wasn’t a gossip. He was a solid neighbor and decent man. “Tell me what you know,” she said.
“This morning’s paper. They’re rehashing your father’s dirty laundry. The second-family story.” He glanced away, unable to meet Avery’s gaze.
Since that story was old news, Avery just knew there was more. “Gary, please. I’d rather hear it from you than some stranger.”