Part 29 (1/2)
”Can't do what?” I fold my arms across my chest. I don't like the sound of this.
”Stand off to the side and pretend you aren't mine. When I'm at a G.o.dd.a.m.n event like this, I want you by my side and my arm around you. I want the world to know you're with me.”
”Is this about that cameraman? You want Zach to know I'm with you.”
His voice deepens and gets louder. ”No, not just Jack...Zach...or whoever the f.u.c.k he is...” Fury flashes in his eyes, and he takes a deep breath. ”I want every f.u.c.king man in that sound stage to know.”
”You know I didn't go all postal on you when I saw you with that woman who had you cornered forever.”
”She was old enough to be my mom. It's not the same.”
”Don't tell me I can't feel anything when an attractive woman looks at you that way.”
He throws his hands in the air. ”Well, this bulls.h.i.+t plan of Dylan's sure is working out great. I should've never agreed to it.”
”You aren't even trying, Max. d.a.m.n.”
I brush my hair away from my face and set my wine gla.s.s down on the table next to us.
”You know what? This is an important business event for me. Do you really expect me not to speak to any men tonight, so you won't be jealous? Do you even understand how ridiculous that is?”
He doesn't speak, but his jaw flexes as he clenches it.
I take a step closer. ”Do you have so little faith in me?”
He drops his head and turns away. He folds his arms and jams the heel of his boot on the asphalt.
I silently wait for what feels like a minute before he mumbles something.
”What, Max?”
He straightens and turns around. ”I have faith in you.”
”Then, please, treat me like you trust me.”
He rakes his fingers through his hair and takes a deep breath. When he finally meets my gaze, I see resolve in his eyes. ”I'll try.”
”Good. I'd appreciate that. Can we go back inside now?”
”Actually, I think it's time for me to leave. I know my limit, and I've reached it. I'm going home.”
I study his expression. He seems firm with his decision. ”Okay. Can you handle it if I go back in?”
”I'll do my best. That's all I can promise, Ava.”
”Fair enough. I'll call you when I get home.”
”I think I'll be painting in the studio. So text me, okay?”
I slide my arms around his neck. ”Thank you for trusting me, Max.”
He wraps his arms tightly around me, but I can feel the tension in his body. ”I'm really trying to do the right thing.”
”I love you for that.” I give him a smile.
When he steps away, a stormy darkness clouds his expression; his resolve looks like it's crumbling. He pivots on his heel and trudges to the valet stand with his hands jammed in his jacket pockets. I don't take a step until his car pulls away.
With a complicated mix of emotions, I return to the party. It feels weird to go back inside without him.
A moment later, Zach is by my side. ”I've been looking for you. I thought you'd left.”
”Sorry. I was outside.”
”Travis Williamson is looking for you. Do you want me to introduce you?”
A lump rises in my throat. Everything feels like too much too soon. I start to lose my motivation when I hear my grandmother's voice in my ear. ”Carpe diem, Ava!”
I smile. ”Sure.”
I'm wary as we approach the man, who I a.s.sume is Travis. Everything about him is polished...from his smooth tan to his s.h.i.+ny expensive-looking shoes. He smiles, showcasing his bright white teeth as he steps forward with a flash of recognition in his eyes.
”Ava!” He shakes my hand firmly. ”It's the girl of the hour. So great to finally meet you.”
”It's great to meet you too, Travis. Thanks for inviting me. This is a terrific party.”
”I was anxious to find out for myself why everyone is talking about you.”
I feel my cheeks turn pink. I have no idea why this man is pouring it on so strong, but I get the feeling I'll find out.
A group of the network people join us, including the host for their show on art auctions. I hold my own in the conversation, but after engaging in several discussions, I feel myself fade. It's curious too, because Travis doesn't engage me. He watches my interactions with the others. I have no idea what his agenda is.
It's been a very long week, so I decide to leave, instead of waiting until I'm really wiped out.
I turn to Travis. ”I need to take off, but I wanted to thank you again for the invitation.”
”Let me walk you out, Ava.” He takes my elbow, leading me away from the group.
”That's kind of you. Thank you.”
We have an easy path to the exit since it's getting late and the crowd has thinned out. He takes my ticket and hands it to the valet before turning to me.
”I'm sorry we didn't have more time, Ava.”