12. Gavin
Gavin
Doolies is packed. Everyone came out to celebrate the big news. Although, me offering to buy everyone’s first round probably had something to do with it too. I make my way to the bar and pull out my credit card.
“Hey, Jones.” I smile at the bartender who regularly helps us. “Can you put everyone from the station’s first round on this card? But keep the tab open for Alexa, Dani, and me please. And let me grab our usuals before the masses take over.”
“Sure thing, Gavin,” he says, taking the card and heading off to start making our drinks.
I turn around, resting my elbows on the bar behind me as I lean back and take in my coworkers.
They’ve claimed every table in the center of the room, crowding around Dani and Alexa, talking their ears off about the announcement.
According to Mr. White, it’s been a long time since the station even earned an Emmy nomination, let alone brought one home, so this is a huge deal.
My gaze catches on Dani. If there was a blackout, her smile could light this entire room.
She looks so happy. Happier than I have seen her in a long time.
Even before Sam left, the spark I remember her having was missing from her smile.
This is the first time in the last month or so since I’ve been here that I’ve seen it.
“Here you go,” Jones says, breaking my trance. I spin to find three drinks on the bar top.
“Thanks, Jones. I apologize now for the hoard of orders you’re about to get.”
“No worries. Just tell them to tip well.” He winks.
“I got you, my friend.”
I grab the drinks and start to walk to the tables our group’s taken over.
“Tab is open, ladies and gents,” I yell over the various conversations. “Go grab your drinks, and don’t forget to leave your appreciation for our buddy Jones in his tip jar over there!”
Almost everyone stands at once and makes their way over to the bar.
“I got these for you,” I say, sliding Alexa’s and Dani’s drinks across the table.
“Much appreciated.” Alexa grins, while Dani adds, “Thanks!”
I lift my whiskey glass. “Cheers to—”
“Kicking ass and taking names!” Alexa interrupts, her voice full of energy.
Dani laughs, and I can’t help but smile at the sound.
“Works for me,” I reply, and we clink glasses.
We spend the next hour talking logistics about the awards.
The ceremony is in Las Vegas in about six weeks.
I let them know that I’ll coordinate with Mr. White, getting us flights and hotels.
I have a feeling the station will be willing to spend the money, considering the marketing this kind of nomination will bring, even more so if they win.
Dani’s phone starts to buzz on the table. She glances down. “Oh! It’s Sam. I’m so excited to tell him the good news!” She picks it up and starts to walk towards the exit, away from the loud noises. “Hey, baby…”
“You know. If they wanted to extend his tour, it really wouldn’t be the worst thing,” Alexa says while taking a swig of her drink.
I raise my eyebrows. “You really don’t like him, do you?”
“I don’t like how he treats her. Almost like she’s his property. And what’s worse is sometimes it feels like she doesn’t even see it. Was he like that when they were friends?”
“He’s always been…” I think carefully about my next words. “Close to the vest with her.”
“Ugh.”
“I’m gonna use the restroom. You alright on your own for a few? I feel like she’s going to be out there for a bit.”
“Pshh, honey. I’m an Emmy-nominated reporter now. I’m gonna milk that and find me a man tonight. I’ll be just fine.”
I laugh and roll my eyes. “I don’t know what I was thinking.” I stand and leave Alexa to do her thing.
After I finish up, I make my way back towards our table and see Alexa chatting with someone.
I’m not surprised she already found a guy.
Alexa is gorgeous and smart, and any guy would be lucky to have her.
I don’t see her in that way, because let’s face it, I’m completely gone for her unavailable friend.
And yes, I realize how unhealthy that sounds.
My plan is to just grab my coat, and come up with an excuse to head out, so Alexa can enjoy her evening.
As I get closer, I recognize the man she’s talking to. He’s tall, with brown hair that’s shaved on the sides, but longer on top.
“You son of a bitch,” I laugh, placing my hands on both the man’s shoulders from behind. Alexa is sitting in the chair directly across from him, shooting daggers at me with her eyes.
“Gavin, do you mind?” Alexa growls.
“I would ask if this is your jealous boyfriend,” the man deadpans, “but I know this fucker might as well live the life of a priest.”
“Better than sleeping my way across Pennsylvania,” I quip.
“Wait… You guys know each other?” Alexa points her finger between us.
I move to take the empty seat at the table. “Alexa, meet my brother, Emmett.”
“We’re twins, actually. He may be the…” He holds up his fingers in air quotes. “Older one, but clearly I got the good looks,” Emmett adds, winking at Alexa.
“There is no way you two are related,” she says.
“If we had a dollar for every time we’ve heard that,” Emmett starts.
“We could both retire and move to an island where we would never have to hear anyone say that again,” I continue for him.
Alexa just stares at us, confusion across her face.
Emmett leans into me and whispers, “I think we broke her.”
“She’s just processing.” I turn to my brother. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming for a visit?”
“I wanted to surprise you. Surprise! I stopped by the station first and they said you left for the day. You’ve mentioned this place before, so I took a chance before heading to your house. Then I saw Alexa here and got distracted in my quest to find you.”
“Oh, why thank you,” Alexa replies, the compliment apparently bringing her out of her shock.
“So, besides my awesome arrival, what are we drinking to tonight? Looks like a party in here,” Emmett says, taking a sip of my drink.
Before either Alexa or I can respond, there’s a loud shriek behind us.
The three of us turn to find Dani only a few feet away, bouncing up and down like a little schoolgirl.
“Are you really here right now?!” She’s grinning from ear to ear.
“Get over here, girl, and give me a damn hug.” Emmett beams as he gets up and meets Dani’s run halfway. She throws her arms around his neck, and he spins her around, holding her tight.
“How’d you know it was me?” he says, putting her back on her feet.
“Please—I would recognize that haircut on that frame anywhere,” Dani laughs.
“Dani, you have to stop ogling my body. I know you want me, but we can’t.” Emmett gestures towards Alexa and me. “Think of the children.”
Dani doesn’t stop laughing. God, I love that sound.
She loops her arm into the crook of his elbow, leading him back to the table.
Dani and Emmett have always had a special bond.
The first time they met, it was instant friendship, and the closer Dani and I got when we were together, the more platonic soul mates they became.
People thought it was weird how close they were.
Always spending time together, hanging off each other, texting.
But I never had to worry about those two.
I knew what they had. And honestly, it was good for Emmett to have something like that in his life.
When Dani and I broke up, Emmett was there for me, but I knew he was struggling. He lost someone too. I told him he should reach out to her and stay in her life. Of course, he refused. Weirdly, the breakup brought us closer together in the end.
Once everyone’s seated, Jones shows up with four bottles. “Looks like a reunion is happening over here. This round’s on me. Sorry it’s only beer, ladies. I know you prefer your cocktails.”
“Aw, Jones! You’re the best! Free alcohol is free alcohol,” Alexa cheers.
Dani nods in agreement.
“Thanks to your boss for keeping us in the black tonight.”
“Well in that case.” Emmett pulls out a twenty-dollar bill and places it in our favorite bartender’s front shirt pocket with a wink. “This is for you then.”
Jones smiles in appreciation and walks away. Emmett leans to the side, clearly to get a better view of Jones’s ass.
“I need to come visit more often if that’s how they grow them out here. Between the seasoned-looking lumberjack behind the bar, and the vision here at the table…” He gestures to Alexa. “I may never leave.”
I can’t stop the groan that escapes. My brother, ladies and gentlemen.
“Anyway.” Emmett shakes his head to clear his thoughts. “Cheers to…” He holds up his beer. “What celebration did I crash anyway?”
“Alexa and Dani here got their first Emmy nomination.” I grin.
“Damn! That’s amazing!” Emmett whoops. “Cheers!”
We all clink our beers and take a sip.
“I knew you would get one of those statues one day, D,” Emmett continues.
“It’s just a nomination.” Dani blushes.
“Nah. I’m sure you guys are going to win. It’s you.” Emmett bumps his shoulder against Dani’s. “And if she’s the producer, I take it you’re the reporter?” he asks Alexa.
“At your service.” She smiles.
“Oh, I hope so.” He smirks.
Alexa giggles into her beer.
“Anyway,” I say, desperate to change the path of this conversation. “How’s Sam?”
“Ah, yes. How is the soldier?” Emmett grumbles into his beer.
Dani turns to him. “Marine. And I guess Gavin’s filled you in on everything.” She turns to face the rest of us. “He’s good. Busy. They’re doing a lot of extra patrols right now.”
“I’m sure he was excited about your nomination.” I muster up a smile.
“Uh, yeah—” Dani hesitates. “For sure.”
“Dani, what’s up?” Alexa lifts her brow.
“It’s nothing. I’m sure I’m just reading into things.”
“Why don’t you let us decide that,” Emmett says. “Spill.”
“No offense, but you three aren’t the best people to come to for advice when it comes to Sam. I know none of you like him. All of you have admitted it. Hell, I had to stop Gavin and him from practically having a throwdown in the station parking lot his first week here.”
Emmett’s face lights up and turns to me. “You did?” He puts his hand on his chest. “I’m so proud.”
Dani holds out her hand, tilting her head. “See?”
“Putting our feelings for the guy aside,” I start. “We care about you. And if you’re feeling unsure about something, we want to be there for you.”
Dani sighs. “Fine. When I told him about the nomination, it’s almost like he didn’t hear it.
He said ‘that’s great, babe’ and went on to tell me about something that happened on base.
I get that what’s going on over there is important.
I work in the news industry. Of course I get it.
But all I get is a ‘that’s great, babe’?
No ‘congratulations,’ or ‘I’m proud of you. ’ Nothing.”
She sounds so defeated. The tone in her voice sends a knife to my gut. I would punch Sam if he was here. This is a huge deal for Dani, and Sam should be worshiping her for the amazing accomplishment this is.
“I don’t think you’re overreacting or reading into things,” I say. “You’re allowed to be upset.”
Dani offers me a tentative smile.
“Douche,” Alexa chimes in.
“I’m with Alexa on this one,” Emmett adds.
Dani rolls her eyes. “Helpful as always, guys.” She finishes off the rest of her beer. “I’m gonna head out. Emmett, how long are you in town for?”
“Just the weekend. Enough time to annoy twinny here before making my great escape.”
Dani and Emmett make plans to meet for breakfast tomorrow, and she heads out for the night. Alexa leaves shortly after, and I have to keep Emmett from following after her.
“She would eat you alive,” I say to him as Alexa makes her way out the door.
“And the problem with that is?”
I smack him across the back of the head.
We keep drinking in silence as the question I’ve been waiting for all night comes.
“So, when are you going to tell her?”
My head swirls at the thought. “I’m not. Not yet at least. I can’t.”
Emmett bends down to get closer to me, lowering his voice. “Are you fucking kidding me? Do you see how that asshole is treating her? I’ve been here only a few hours, and I can see it’s not right. She needs to know.”
“I know. But if I tell her, it’s only going to make things a thousand times worse.” Holding on to this secret for the last decade literally makes me sick. “I’ve gotta figure out another way for it to come out without Dani getting hurt in the fallout.”
“You have enough connections at this point. Can’t someone help you?”
“I’m trying. But even a single wrong step will set Sam off, and Dani’s life will be ruined.”
“Don’t you think she’s strong enough to know what’s going on at this point? Tell her what the asshole did. You guys can figure this out together. I’ve been telling you to tell her for nearly ten years. If you had just done that in the beginning, she never would have gotten with him!”
“You think I don’t know that?!” I raise my voice, then close my eyes to try to steady myself. “I’ve been kicking myself every day for letting him get between us. And then to find out they got together out of it?” I shake my head, my chest tight. “It kills me.”
“I’ll drop it for now. But I see a strong woman who’s in an unhealthy relationship with the actual guy who caused her to want to crawl into a hole and die. Because as far as she knows, she still thinks that guy is you.”
“Wait, what?”
Emmett’s face is solemn.
“I didn’t tell you this, but I reached out to Dani after you ended things.”
“Why would you keep that from me?”
“Because you were so devastated and determined to protect her or whatever. The last thing I wanted to do was add to that by telling you I was still talking to her.”
“How bad was she?”
“It wasn’t pretty. I almost flew out here just so she had someone. But after a few phone calls, she asked me to stop reaching out. Said it was too painful to have me in her life. I reminded her too much of you. I was tempted to tell her everything, but I didn’t. It wasn’t my place.”
My hands shake as the weight of the truth hits me. I always thought he chose to end his friendship with Dani for me, but she cut him out because of me.
“I’m so sorry, Emmett. My choices ruined so many lives.”
“No!” he exclaims. “That jackass did this. You were just trying to protect Dani and still are. But it’s time to accept it’s not working anymore. Think we can get her to ‘Dear John’ him?”
Leave it to Emmett to find a way to lighten the situation. I somehow manage a small chuckle. “From your lips.”
“We’ll figure something out. Now let’s get out of here. I’m exhausted and need my beauty sleep. I’ve got a date with your woman tomorrow.”