She rifled through the paper and tapped her finger on an ad. “You have to take this pole dancing class. All six weeks.”
I studied the ad. Pole dancing. It didn’t sound fun, except I didn’t plan to lose. My intel was solid. One of Dad’s friends was a coach with the team.
I smirked at her, catching Avery’s eye. She didn’t look too upset at the thought of pole dancing. Maybe she’d enjoy the benefits if I lost this one. I might even be able to convince her to go with me. That would be a bonus.
“Pole dancing it is. You lose, and you have to wear a fake Justin Bieber tattoo for two weeks.”
I held up my hand before she could agree. “I choose the tattoo and placement.” I winked. “It will be visible.”
Avery and my mother groaned.
Mom shook her head. “Will the two of you ever outgrow this?”
Sitting back, I laughed. “Nope.” I ran my finger down Avery’s cheek. “Besides, the last bet got me Avery. I doubt Caitlin is gonna get so lucky while she’s sporting her Bieb’s tattoo.”
Caitlin snorted. “I hope you enjoy humiliation, Daniel.”
“Bring it on.”
Janett laughed. “I love how you two get along. Now tell me how you and Avery met, and what a bet has to do with it.”
Beth held up her hand. “Oh, me! Pick me! I want to tell this story!”
Everyone laughed over her enthusiasm.
Avery narrowed her eyes at her friend. “My parents,” she warned.
Beth waved her off. “Don’t worry, Avery. I won’t mention how the two of you tongue dueled five minutes after meeting each other.” Dramatically, she covered her mouth. “Oops.”
In that moment, I saw the distinct resemblance between Avery and Doug. Both of them looked scandalized, their eyebrows so high up on their forehead it was comical.
Janett only laughed and picked up her coffee
mug. “Well now, this I want to hear.”
Doug crossed his arms. “Yes, do tell us, Beth.”
I saw the twinkle in her eye, and I leaned back in my chair, draping my arm around Avery’s shoulders. Beth was so going to hang us out to dry on this.
I caught Avery’s hand and snagged the mint from it before she could reach her mouth. Her mint eating habit was addictive. I knew she had plenty, and there was no way I could take it the way I preferred. Even with my parents there, her father would erupt if I stole it from her mouth. This would have to do. She frowned at me, then fished another from her pocket.
We sat, crunching away, as Beth regaled Avery’s parents with the story of how we met, and I wondered if I would ever get off Doug Connor’s shit list.
Avery
I waved goodbye to my parents as their car pulled away from the curb. I stood there long after the car had turned the corner, feeling the same sadness I always did when they left. A week was never long enough, and the time had gone by too fast. An arm wrapped around my waist, and Daniel’s full lips pressed a kiss to my forehead.
“You okay?”
I peered up at him, offering a sad smile. “Yeah.”
“They’ll be back in a few months. They agreed to come for Christmas.”
“I know.”
“I know, you’ll miss them.” He tucked me a little closer. “I’m here, Avery.”
I nuzzled his shoulder. “Yes, you are. Alive and kicking.”