“It’s an acquired taste. My Gramps has a cellar full of exotic wines. He spends a fortune on it.”
“Let me share a fun fact,” Avery said, leaning in.
“I’m curious.”
“I worked as a wine connoisseur for three years, traveling to different countries for wine-tasting events. I met my late wife at one of those events in Italy, and that’s when I quit to build a home.”
“That says a lot about you… in a good way. Don’t ask me to explain,” I warned with a smile.
“Okay, no questions,” he laughed.
“Good. You said you wanted to talk.”
I wanted to get to the point of his visit before we got too sidetracked.
“Licia, I know you have a boyfriend, but I can’t stand the thought of you being unhappy. I feel it in my gut.”
“Who said I’m unhappy?”
“Aren’t you?”
Touché.
I couldn’t deny it. I was sad, but hearing Avery say it out loud was a different story.
“Let me love you the way you deserve to be loved. Just say the word, and I’ll bring the world to your feet—no games.”
“Avery, I appreciate your sincerity. I really do. But the truth is, I’m in a rough place with Kevin. I’ve tried to let go for years, but I can’t get him out of my head or my heart. It’s like he’s taken up all the space.”
Tears threatened, but I blinked them back. I couldn’t afford to be that vulnerable in front of Avery.
“This might be a loss on my part, but I can be your rebound guy.”
“I can't do that to you. Avery, you don't deserve to be treated like that. I just want to be happy, not break someone else's heart in the process.”
“Hey, listen. I love you and I want you to be happy. So, let me make you happy or at least try.”
I chuckled, “how do you intend to do that?”
“Go out with me…officially.”
“Avery…”
“You will never know, until we give it a shot. So, what’s it going to be? The ball is in your court.”
I bit my lips together. “Can I think about it?”
“You sure can.”
I was about to respond when the door swung open, and Joey burst in like a whirlwind.
“Licia! You won’t believe what I—” She froze when she saw Avery, her eyes widening. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know you had company.”
“It’s okay, Joey,” I said quickly, trying to ease the tension. “Avery, this is Joey. Joey, meet Mr. Avery.”
“Oh! The famous Avery,” Joey said with a grin, her usual spunk returning. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
He raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Is that so?”
