The waitress arrives and breaks our spell. We both lean back into our seats and tell her what we want for dinner, although my appetite is not for food any longer. When she leaves, another waiter arrives with a bottle of champagne. I look at Gavin in surprise, wondering when he ordered this. The waiter pops the cork, pours the bubbly in the flutes, and hands them to us before leaving.
“Are we toasting to your successful trip to Los Angeles?” I ask, excited to toast to him and his continued success.
“No, darlin’, we’re toasting to the future of us.” He holds up his flute and I follow his lead. “And we’re toasting to the record labels on Music Row. If it weren’t for them, we would’ve never met at the Bluebird Cafe.” We clink our glasses together and watch each other sip our champagne. So engulfed are we in each other that we don’t see someone approaching our table.
“Gavin, is this your cute little niece from Austin?” a high-pitched voice interrupts us, and I turn my head to see none other than Tori Langston standing at the edge of our table. I almost spit out my champagne but manage to gulp it down without choking.
She stands next to Gavin, her hand settling on his shoulder as she checks me out. I ignore the animalistic anger that takes over me at seeing her touching my man. She’s wearing a very low-cut, long-sleeved, red silk jumper that shows off her ginormous fake breasts. A black belt cinches her tiny waist, accentuating the curves of her hips. She’s a beautiful woman with her jet-black hair, striking blue eyes, high cheekbones, and filled in lips. I can see from the outside why Gavin was attracted to her, but I’m a little surprised how they managed to date for as long as they did without her true colors coming out sooner. Maybe Gavin was just blind to it or maybe she’s just that good of an actress.
“You know damn well this isn’t my niece,” Gavin grits out while grabbing her wrist to remove her hand from his body. His grip on my hand tightens and his whole body becomes stiff, like he’s ready to chase me if I run. All the warmth I saw seconds ago in his eyes has been replaced with malice, and he doesn’t even try to hide his hatred for her.
“Well, aren’t you going to introduce us then?” Tori’s laugh is filled with fakeness, the sound of it causing Gavin’s jaw to clench in anger.
“This is my girlfriend, Alyson. Now that introductions are made, let me ask you to kindly stay the fuck away from us.” There’s a dangerous tone to his voice, and I can tell he’s having trouble keeping his cool.
“Gavin,” I softly warn, squeezing his hand for comfort. While I know he doesn’t want to give her the time of day, I don’t want him making her mad enough to lash out and jeopardize his career. Yes, he’s made a name for himself as a songwriter and most people in this town know how psycho she is, but she’s still the daughter of one of the most powerful men in Nashville.
She continues with her boisterous laughter, acting as if Gavin said the funniest thing in the world. “Oh, Gavin, come on now. I thought we were letting bygones be bygones. And besides, I can’t just stay away if we’re nominated for an award together.” She turns her attention back to me and asks, “Will you be there at the award nominees’ luncheon next week?”
I feel Gavin squeeze my hand and I look at him, a silent apology for not telling me blaring from his eyes. I know the nominees were announced before we met, and I remember hearing “Thief of My Heart” was nominated for Song of the Year. I don’t know why he hasn’t mentioned it to me. Maybe he assumed I would be there for work. I refuse to let her see she’s put doubt into my head as to why he hasn’t invited me to attend with him.
I put on my poker face and smile coldly at her. “Of course I’ll be there.” I hold her stare, hoping she’s reading loud and clear that she will not intimidate me.
“Great,” she says with insincere enthusiasm. “I’ll see you both next week then! Nice to meet you, Alicia. See ya around, Gavin.” She gives a wink before turning on her heel and walking toward a group of people across the restaurant.
I shake my head at her immaturity of calling me a different name. I know she’s only doing it to get a rise out of me, but that petty behavior does nothing but make me pity her for being such a bitch.
“Aly, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot about the luncheon,” Gavin says as soon as Tori is out of earshot. His eyes search mine, trying to make sure I’m not upset.