Chapter 18: Chapter 18

AVERY

“Hey, little sis,” Josh says when I open the door.

He pulls me into a hug and squeezes me a bit too tight. Normally, I’d pull away and complain, but I haven’t seen my brother in two years. I realize how much I’ve missed him.

“Josh!” I exclaim, pulling back. “I’m so happy to see you! Where’s Madison? Did she come with you?”

“She’s at the hotel checking in, but I wanted to see my sister first,” he explains, ruffling my hair.

My smile stretches from ear to ear. His dark blond hair looks a bit longer and more untamed than it was the last time we were together, like he hasn’t had a chance to brush it yet.

“What’s this news you have to tell me,” I pry, poking him in the shoulder. “Have anything to do with the amazing Madison?”

He shrugs. “I’m not sharing till later. Now, go get dressed. We’re going to brunch.”

***

Madison is already seated at a booth when we walk into the diner. It’s a cozy place, with warm, light-toned walls and rustic decor, still buzzing with diners.

“Avery!” Madison squeals, rushing over. Her cherry-blonde hair swishes as she moves. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Before they moved to Florida, Maddy and I used to get together for weekly dinners. We’d laugh over embarrassing stories about Josh, and she’d ask for advice on how to handle him when he was in a mood. We even planned her dream wedding, if Josh ever got around to popping the question.

~Maybe that’s why they’re here. Is there going to be a Morris-Crane wedding soon?~

There’s a loud laugh, and we turn as Olive rushes through the door.

“Hope I’m not late. Got a break between classes, and Maddy told me to join if I could.” Olive hugs Madison and Josh before we all settle down into the booth. “So, what’s the big news?”

“Damn, girl. Can’t we get something to eat first?” Josh chuckles, scanning his menu.

A gum-popping waitress comes over to take our orders, notepad in hand and pencil tucked behind her ear. She leaves and returns a moment later with our drinks.

“Okay, we’ve all ordered, Josh,” Olive says with an eye roll. “What’s up?”

Josh smiles and shakes his head, taking a big gulp of his drink. Olive narrows her eyes at him. She hates waiting.

“There’s plenty of time for that later,” Madison says, patting Josh’s hand. “What have you been up to lately, Avery?”

I sigh. “Just working at the clinic and trying to finish my degree~.” And playing dangerous games with my brother’s best friend.~ “Nothing too exciting.”

“You should be doing more than just answering calls and making appointments by now, girl,” Olive interjects. “Why hasn’t he made you his veterinary assistant yet?”

“The clinic isn’t big enough for that.” I smile. “And I need to finish my coursework.”

“Isn’t the clinic like busy every day?” Olive presses.

“Yeah, usually.”

“Just ask him, Avery. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“What’s this?” Josh asks, looking back and forth between us.

“Avery’s clinic needs to hire another vet. She really wants it, but as usual, Avery isn’t going to ask for it,” Olive answers, rolling her eyes.

“Oli, I’m not qualified and it’s not mine to ask for,” I retort. “Dr. Collins needs someone capable.”

“You are the most capable candidate he could ask for. You’ve been at that clinic for over a year now. You need to speak up before he hires someone else.”

A pang of unease settles in my chest.

~She’s right. The clinic needs help, and if I don’t speak up, Dr. Collins could find someone else. Can I stomach the idea of losing my dream job?~

“Noted,” I say, shifting my attention to my brother. “So, what’s the reason for your visit, big bro?”

Madison throws a sly glance his way, and they smile at one another.

“You’re getting hitched! I knew it!” I exclaim, slapping my hand on the table.

Madison chuckles. Her wide, beaming smile says it all.

Our food arrives and Josh uses this as an opportunity to divert the conversation.

“Oh, look, it’s time to eat.”

I glare at him over my plate of scrambled eggs, home fries, and toast. He just chuckles and shovels a forkful into his mouth.

“Fine,” I grumble, picking up my fork. “I’ll let you have your moment, but I know I’m right.”

Conversation shifts as we enjoy our meal. When the last morsel is gone and our check settled, Josh grins.

“So, you guys got plans for tonight?”

Olive and I glance at each other before shaking our heads.

“Good. I made reservations for dinner downtown. Wear something nice,” he says as he and Madison slide out of the booth. “See you at seven.”

We watch as they walk out of the door.

“He’s so obvious,” Olive mutters. “Like we don’t know what’s going on.”

***

I’m starving by the time Olive and I walk through the doors of the restaurant. We looked the place up beforehand and it’s a fancy spot, so I’ve decided to wear a long, emerald-green bodycon dress that accentuates my figure.

If it turns out to be as memorable a night as we think, I want to look my best. And if Reed is going to be here, like I suspect, I want to look stunning.

“Wow, this place is so posh,” Olive exclaims.

A maître d’ dressed in a classic tuxedo stops us at the door. “Reservation?”

“Yes. It should be under Morris.”

He checks his tablet before stepping around the podium. “Right this way, ladies.”

We follow him down an aisle of tables draped in teal satin. The restaurant is alive with the sounds of chatter and clinking glasses. The bar is filled with well-dressed patrons sipping cocktails, and a woman in a red velvet dress is playing a white grand piano at the back of the room.

“This place is insane,” Olive gasps. “I’m not sure we can afford a salad here.”

I nod my head as we spot Madison. She’s wearing a shimmery gold dress that fits her perfectly. It’s stunning, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was made just for her.

“Avery, you look amazing,” she says, pulling me into a hug before stepping back to take me in.

“Me? Look at you, Maddy. You look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine. One of your designer friends?” I ask and she nods. “Where’s my brother?”

“He had to make a call, but he’ll be back soon,” she says, turning to Olive. “You look fantastic, Olive.”

“Thanks,” Olive replies as we take a seat. “Waiting for a few more?”

“Yes. Reed, and my brother, Casey, are on their way,” Madison says, waving a hand.

Josh saunters over, tucking his phone into his blazer pocket.

“Welcome, welcome,” he says, bowing dramatically before tapping me on the nose.

I hate when he does that. I’ve missed him, but I haven’t missed that at all.

“Josh, you’re dressed up more than I’ve ever seen you. This has to be your engagement announcement dinner,” Olive says, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair with a smug, I-told-you-so look on her face.

Madison giggles. “I told you we wouldn’t be able to fool them.”

Josh sighs and plops into the chair next to me. “Can’t I have one surprise?”

I pat him on the back. “For what it’s worth, this dinner is a lovely idea. It’s nice to see you taking cues from your future wife. You’re going to be a great husband.”

Josh grins and leans over to whisper, “Maddy suggested the gifts, but the dinner was all my idea.”

I look around the table. “There are presents?”

Josh grimaces. “Damn. I wasn’t supposed to mention that. That was another surprise.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell.”

“Good,” he says. “But enough about that. How have you been? We haven’t really talked since I got to the city. How’s work?”

“Work is okay, but Olive’s right. I want to do more than just answer phones. I haven’t been able to get through my last few courses or ask Dr. Collins about a residency.”

“You will. You’re so close to being a vet.” He looks away, pausing for a moment like he’s not sure how to ask his next question. “Been hanging out with Reed since that day at the gym?”

“Not much,” I say, trying not to shift in my seat. “We text now and then. I showed him a bit around the city. He doesn’t really know many people here.”

~Except for his mystery girl.~

“Just be careful around him.”

“Josh, relax. You don’t have to scare off all the boys anymore, big brother. None of them are interested in me anyway,” I mumble.

His eyes narrow. “Just looking out for you, Avery. Don’t want a guy with the wrong intentions around you.”

“Reed doesn’t have any intentions toward me.” ~At least I don’t think he does~. “Speaking of your best friend, where is he?”

Josh shrugs. “He said he’s running late.” His gaze catches on something over my shoulder. “Ah, here’s my best man.”

I turn to glance at Reed, and my mouth goes dry. Reed Everett in casual attire is a sight to behold, but Reed in formal wear is just not fair. That man should come with a warning label for being too attractive.

His navy-blue suit hugs his body like a tantalizing tease, the high-end fabric highlighting the muscles and strength hidden beneath. My fingers twist the napkin in my lap as he approaches, flashing me a smile that practically melts me to my seat.

~Oh boy. This might be trouble.~

Josh rises, holding his arms out to embrace his best friend.

“Reed! Welcome, brother.”

“Sorry I’m late,” Reed says as he turns his attention to Josh.

“No worries. Glad you made it.” Josh laughs and then settles back beside Madison. “You remember Madison.”

Reed nods and takes the empty chair next to me. He gives me a sideways glance, his gaze drifting from my face down to the rest of me. His jaw flexes as he swallows.

“You look amazing, Avery,” he whispers as a handsome man with cherry-blond hair approaches.

Madison rises to greet him, giving him a big hug before turning to the rest of us.

“Everyone, this is my brother Casey,” Madison says, proudly introducing her sibling to the table.

Casey Crane looks a lot like his sister. They both have the same light-gray eyes, the same model-like features, and even the same hair color. Casey is a bit taller with broader shoulders and a more muscular frame, but the resemblance is undeniable.

“This is Olive,” Madison says. “You’ll grow to love her as much as we do.”

Casey chuckles, extending a hand to Olive. “Hello.”

“Hi,” Olive responds softly, staring at Casey.

I shoot her a questioning look.

~That was weird. Is she feeling okay?~

“This is Avery, Josh’s sister,” Madison continues.

Casey offers a warm smile and a handshake. “Nice to meet you, Avery. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

His handshake is firm, yet friendly.

I return his smile. “Nice to meet you too, Casey. All good things I hope.”

He laughs and nods his head. I can feel Reed’s gaze on me as I let go of Casey’s hand.

“And this is Reed, Josh’s best friend.”

“Nice to meet you, man,” Casey says, extending his arm.

There’s a bit of tension as they shake hands before Reed lets go and settles back in his chair.

“Yeah, you too.”

“Now that you are all here, and pretty much know the big news,” Josh says, glancing at Olive, who smirks, “I guess it’s time we made it official.”