Love Resolution - By Michelle Mankin Page 0,14

finds out we broke the rules.’ So for a while, he was quiet, but then he really started whining. So, Stephen finally tells him, ‘Here. Go in this cup,’ and hands him his empty. Of course, Marcus didn’t want to, but in the end, he didn’t really have any choice.”

Avery glanced over at Don, who was tearing up in an effort to restrain his mirth.

Dwight grinned. “So, he’s whizzing in the cup, eh, and it’s getting pretty near the top, so Stephen starts whispering, ‘Shut it down!’ And Marcus is saying, ‘I can’t! I can’t!’”

Don couldn’t help himself, bursting into laughter.

“These teenage girls behind us were snickering. Marcus finally managed to stop, but the cup was filled to the brim.”

By this time, everyone at the table had joined in the laughter, except for Marcus.

“You have to admit, it’s a funny story, little brother.”

“Laugh now, bro.” Marcus gave Dwight a look. “I’ll get you back for this.”

“Oh, lighten up,” Dwight said wiping tears from his eyes. “I still wonder what the usher thought when he picked up that warm cup after the show. Don’t you?”

Avery grinned at Marcus and leaned over and kissed him. “I think it’s cute,” she muttered against his lips that were pressed into a humorless line.

“You would,” he said mouth quirking up into a reluctant half smile. He turned to the table. “Ok. Ok. You guys have had your fun. Let me take a look at the menu and try to figure out what I’m going to have for dinner.”

“Just go easy on the liquids,” Avery said with a smirk.

“Cold Snake is playing at the Venue tonight,” Justin told Avery, leaning over the back of her chair while Marcus paid the bill.

“No way!” she exclaimed. “Why’re they playing at such a small place?”

“I heard they’re testing out some material for a new album.” He glanced at Marcus. “I was thinking of going and I wondered if you guys wanted to come with?”

“Go with him if you’d like,” Marcus said. “I’d rather not. I’ll spend some time with my parents. Take Ray with you, though.”

“I don’t want to keep Ray up that late,” Avery said with a frown.

Marcus sighed. “Avery, it’s his job to keep you safe.”

“I know but not twenty-four seven.”

He put his hand on top of hers. “Humor me, Ace.” He lowered his head and whispered in her ear. “It’ll make me feel better.”

“Ok,” she reluctantly agreed, turning her head to brush her lips across his. “Don’t wait up.” She pushed back from the table and preceded Justin out of the restaurant.

“Never gonna go to sleep…” Justin began.

“Always wanna dream,” Avery joined in. “Tonight you’re mine to keep,” they harmonized making the hostess smile as they walked out the front door.

“I love that song,” Justin said, opening the door of the Mercedes for Avery. She scooted in and made room for him to climb in beside her.

“It’s one of my faves too,” Avery commented and patted Ray on the shoulder. “We’re going to the Venue.”

“I know. Marcus already texted me. I’ll have you there in a few.”

“Thanks, Ray.”

“No worries.”

With a nod, Avery settled back into the back seat, rubbing her hands together. “It feels so cold tonight.”

“Lot colder than Los Angeles, that’s for sure,” Justin replied, gazing at her for a moment. He smoothed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You look just like her, you know.”

“Like Mom?”

“Yeah. More and more the older you get and with your hair shorter like this.” He glanced away, continuing in a quieter voice, “I still miss her.”

“Me, too. Every single day,” Avery whispered, tears threatening.

“She had this way about her when she was with you, that made you feel as if you were the most important person in the world to her. The center of the universe.”

Avery nodded. “Do you remember how she would always bake a special cake on our birthday?”

“Uh-huh.” His expression turned wistful. “The last one was a train cuz I liked them and it had Cinderella as the conductor because you were in your big princess phase.”

“And remember how she always made up a little rhyme and sang it to us. Today your eight, make it great…” Avery sang, stopping when her throat constricted with emotion.

Justin turned in his seat and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “She was a great mom.” He pressed his lips together and stared at her. “A real special woman,” he said voice low and intense. “Like you, sis.”

Avery closed her eyes and laid her cheek down on