Page 34 of Never Say Never
We make our way from the elevated VIP area to the bar where the ladies have settled.
My eyes stay locked on Avery, who still hasn’t noticed I’m here.
“This is what I’m talking about, Ty,” I hear Nate say, trying to keep his voice quiet but after two beers not succeeding. “Partying with famous people, it opens doors.”
Shit, is he talking aboutme? A sick feeling rises in my stomach—is he hanging with me just to use my name? I was already getting a bad vibe from him tonight.
I stop mid-pace, reconsidering whether I want to introduce them, but we’re now only ten feet from the Surge crew.
As if on cue, Avery’s head twists my direction, and yup, she sees me. Her eyes go wide, and then she starts curling her lips up.
I take a step to close the gap between us when suddenly a voice comes from a few feet over.
“THERE’S MY FRIEND RAWLEY.”
It’s Sarah, and a beat later her long arms are wrapped around me in a hug. “Hiiiiii.”
I’ve hung out with her maybe five times, but it’s enough that I can tell there’s some alcohol in the mix tonight. She’s extroverted but usually pretty even-keeled. Still, she’s devoted to her boyfriend, so I know the hug’s a friendly one.
“You having a good time tonight?’ I ask, unable to keep my amused tone at bay.
She steps away out of our embrace, giggling. “Sorry, it’s just nice to see a familiar face. Plus, we’re on a post-win adrenaline high.”
“The two glasses of wine with dinner is helping too,” adds her teammate beside her. I recognize her but can’t place the name.
I peek over at Avery, who’s watching us intently, surprise on her face. There was no way for her to anticipate that Sarah and I knew each other well enough for me to earn that hug.
“We’re celebrating winning our opener,” Sarah explains. “How are things going so far with the Waves?”
“We”—I gesture to the other guys, not bothering with their names now that I’m reluctant to introduce them—“just finished rookie minicamp.”
“Nice.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Avery approaching.
“Congrats on the game,” I say to Sarah.
The teammate next to her notices Avery and extends her arm. “Come here, Parker.”
Avery steps firmly in our cluster, looking a little unsteady.Ahhh, I wonder if she indulged at dinner too? Or maybe it’s just those heels?
“Heyyyyyy there,” she says, extending her words like Sarah did, and very much not sounding like her normal crisp self.
There’s my answer.
“Parker here came off the bench to get ten points and four assists.”
I grin in Avery’s direction. “Awesome. Worth celebrating, for sure.”
The bartender interrupts us before she can reply. “Here’s that round of shots, ladies.”
“Rawley, do you and those guys want a shot too?” Sarah asks.
I answer before the others can respond. “Nah, you enjoy. We’re sticking to beers tonight.”
“Smart,” says one of the other women, then elevates her voice so the whole team can hear her. “This is the last drink tonight, friends. I’m shutting us down after this.”
“Yes, Amari,” more than one in the group responds before they all drain their shots. Several of the women let out a whoop or cheer as they set down their empty glasses.
