Camera Shy (Lessons in Love, #1)(118)
“Sir, we’re being told to move. I can’t park here much longer. Should I circle the block again?”
“No, we’re all set,” Finn calls back and we hear the driver’s door open then slam shut. No doubt he’s making his way over to let us out. Finn keeps his eyes on me. “Finish your sentence, sweetheart. What is it?”
What is it?...
I’m scared.
I grab my clutch and fish through it before I pull out a pack of gum. “Nothing. But here, you should take a piece.” I hand over a single stick. “I promise I’ll return the favor later.”
He chuckles as he pops the gum into his mouth. He winks at me playfully, clearly trying to mask his disappointment in our conversation.
“Damn straight you will.”
34
Avery
I thought my costume was a little risqué, but in comparison to the women here, I look dressed for the presidential inauguration. There was one woman who was basically just wearing a tiny G-string and stickers over her nipples. I would’ve asked what her costume was, but she was a little busy with the security guard’s tongue shoved halfway down her throat.
Suspicions confirmed—Cass’s birthday party at this gentleman’s club is a giant orgy waiting to happen. The decorations are superior. Everything is dark with colorful strobe lighting. There’s confetti and glitter with giant balloons the size of my body. This party must’ve cost tens of thousands to decorate alone. I’m in shock—at the luxury…and the nakedness. But Finn looks unbothered like this is all business as usual.
I find it hard to believe one person has this many friends to invite to a birthday party. It’s quite apparent this event is more of a publicity stunt than anything. I’m assuming this room is filled with minor celebrities, big-name influencers, pro athletes, and trust-fund babies. But it’s not like I’d recognize anybody. I bet if Palmer were here, she’d be pointing out people left and right.
Although, nobody seems as infamous as Finn. From the moment he walked through the doors, he’s been getting attention like he’s walking the red carpet.
We entered together, my hand weaved firmly in his. He ushered me away from all the staring and leering and quickly led me to a VIP section, which is roped away from the mass mob of partygoers on the dance floor. Where clusters of people are packed at the bar, waiting half an hour for one beer, Finn, myself, a few of his friends, and Cass, the birthday girl, who only stayed at the table long enough to give Finn a quick hug, me a kiss on the cheek, and tell me she loved my costume. I didn’t even get to wish her a happy birthday she was moving so fast.
It’s clear as crystal that Finn has an entire other life that I’m not familiar with. Everyone knows him. Everyone knows his name. Everyone has been asking where the hell he’s been and where Nora is tonight. He ignores the question each time, just politely responds and introduces me, instead. But after the bullshit I pulled in the limo, the pretend girlfriend game is over. Finn has been introducing me as his date, but now there’s a wall between us for sure. I hurt him with my hesitance about moving.
I hurt myself with my hesitance. Fuck.
But can you blame me? I look around and see everything I’m not. I wanted to be outgoing and fun for Finn, but I am so damn uncomfortable right now. All I want to do is leave, go home, take off this ridiculous costume, and wipe off all this makeup. I want to get in sweatpants and cuddle with Finn on the couch. But the way Finn’s smiling and enjoying himself—does he want that? I just told him to be himself and not the version of himself he thinks he has to be for me, and now here I am, wondering if we’re compatible after all.
When I really think about it, Finn and I have nothing in common. He’s incredibly fit and works out daily. I consider making my bed, exercise. Finn can cook everything. I make cereal and dip. Finn dresses like a supermodel and the only thing I’ll ever buy designer is sweatpants. How long can you keep up a fa?ade to be with someone before you can’t take it anymore? For Mason, it was four years…
I don’t think I’ll last half that long with Finn.
I don’t like it here. This club. The music is too loud. There are too many women openly flirting with the man who is clearly here with me. The strobe lights are giving me a headache and all these drinks are too fucking strong.
I am just not cool enough for Vegas.
I rise from my seat and lean down to whisper in Finn’s ear, “Hey, I’m going to run to the bathroom.”
“Okay,” he says, rising as well. “Let’s go. I’ll show you where it is.”
“No,” I insist. “Stay, I can find it.”
He grabs my wrist and holds me in place. “Avery,” Finn says warningly. “Not by yourself—”
“Finn,” I warn right back. “Don’t treat me like a child. I can go to the bathroom by myself.” Plus, I don’t need to pee. I need some space. I need to think. I need to be away from you and all this chaos for a moment.
His eyes are locked on mine and I know he’s having a mental debate between respecting me and protecting me. I run my fingers tenderly across his cheek to help ease his clenched jaw. “I’ll be right back, baby.”
It’s the baby part that makes him relax. He releases my wrist and kisses the back of my hand. “Please come right back.”