GAVIN
Patrick’s invitation turned out to be for a party. I walked in expecting to be sucked into an awkward conversation about Petra and Cory but was pleasantly surprised to see other people there. It looked like Patrick’s entire team was in attendance, milling around the spacious apartment with drinks in hand.
It was late in the afternoon, so a larger get-together wasn’t unheard of. I looked around for Donovan but didn’t see him. Maybe he was caught up with something else, or maybe he was on his way.
Patrick answered the door with a smile and a drink. Cory seemed even more relieved than I was that this wasn’t an interrogation. I kept my mouth shut but felt guilty about it. Pat wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary. He wanted to protect his little sister from three people he knew weren’t always perfect gentlemen.
I was the one who had run interference for Cory back in the bakery. It was my fault that the two of them had connected. I did it because that’s what friends do when their buddy has his sights set on a woman, but still, it didn’t sit right.
I accepted the drink and gave Pat a hug. He walked us through the apartment, introducing us to members of his team. There was a game on in the living room, and a group of men were sitting around, yelling at the TV screen.
A few women gathered in the kitchen, sipping wine and talking about anything other than baseball. I guessed they were players’ wives or girlfriends and that they were used to the social scene.
Cory disappeared a few minutes after we arrived. He pinned down the shortstop and was pumping him for information about the next few games. Patrick got sucked into a conversation with one of the ladies, leaving me alone to navigate the party.
I was struck by the magnificence of his place. In all my travels, I had only seen an apartment that big once or twice. Most of the people I interacted with were average Joes, living and working out of smaller spaces. I guessed that Patrick’s career was very lucrative, otherwise how would he be able to afford such a grand apartment?
Walking out to the balcony, I took in the scene. We were high above the ground floor, with a sweeping view of the city. I took out my phone to snap some pictures. I wasn’t being paid for my photography anymore, but you never knew when a cityscape would come in handy. I might use it for one of my PR projects, or I might pair it with other images later on.
The only camera I had with me was on my phone. Technology had come a long way, and I was able to get some good shots. Still, if I had my real camera with me, it would have been better.
I was lining up my next shot when I heard the balcony door slide open. Turning to face my new companion, I was shocked. It was Petra, looking fresh as ever, with a drink in her hand. I don’t know why I wasn’t expecting to see her. This was her brother’s party, after all. She probably spent a good deal of time hanging out with ball players, and it wasn’t like she worked twenty-four seven.
“Is the bakery closed today?” I asked stupidly.
“Closed on Sundays,” she confirmed. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine,” I said. “Just getting some shots of this view.”
“He’s got a great place,” she agreed. “Far better than mine.”
“Better than mine,” I commiserated. “I guess his gig pays well.”
“You’ll get there,” she replied. “You just landed.”
“I don’t know,” I hesitated. “Rent in this city is pretty steep.”
“Unfortunately.” She took a sip of her beer and joined me at the edge of the balcony.
Together, we looked out over the city for a moment. It was comfortable, as if we were just two friends enjoying the view. Then my guilt took hold, and my thoughts returned to the illicit connection I helped to facilitate. It wasn’t just Patrick’s back that she was flirting around behind. I distinctly remembered that night at the bar, seeing her in Donovan’s arms. I knew things that both Pat and Cory would be interested in hearing about, and it didn’t sit well.
“Can I ask you something?” I prefaced my accusation.
“Sure.”
“Are you interested in Cory or Donovan?” The question was so blunt I almost winced.
She was silent for a long moment before telling me the truth. “I’m not sure. I like them both for different reasons.”
“Does Cory know?”
“No. And I’m not ready to tell him.”
“Don’t string him along,” I requested. It seemed like a small thing to ask, but I knew that there was more to it. She wasn’t an evil person, and she didn’t want to hurt anyone, but she was skating on thin ice.
I thought about what Cory had said at the club, how he was well aware that they weren’t exclusive. He even left the door open if I wanted to throw my hat in the ring, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to step into such a crowded field. Both Donovan and Cory had made their intentions known. If I made a pass at her, it would just muddy the waters.
“Don’t tell him yet,” Petra pleaded. “I’ve got some things I want to work out.”