My brain goes on high alert as he bounces on it a few times. “Why are you checking the bed? You’ll be sleeping in another room.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“It’s a rock star’s wedding party. Don’t you think his little sister will be dying to have some fun? I’m just checking what noise this bed will make if someone’s banging her so I don’t storm in with a gun midshow.”

I’m stunned for a minute by his crude remark. “From what I heard, she’s too shy,” I murmur.

“Haven’t you read Fifty Shades of Grey? It’s always the quiet ones.”

I burst out laughing at his stupid comment. “Have you read Fifty Shades of Grey, Gavin?”

“I read a variety of things,” he replies with a straight face, making me laugh some more.

“You’re…a real surprise. I never expected you to be so funny.”

“I can be hilarious if you arrange some food for me. I have a healthy appetite.”

“I’m not surprised at all. Follow me, funny guy, and I’ll show you the way to the kitchen.”

“There’s no better sound than that,” he mutters, making me giggle some more.

“This is Suzie.” I introduce Gavin to our head chef. “If you love food, then she’s the most important person you want to meet here.”

“After our mouse,” he corrects me.

“Of course,” I confirm.

“We don’t have mice, boy.” Suzie turns around and goes behind the counter. “My kitchen always gets an A-plus, even on surprise health inspections.”

“He’s talking about the groom’s sister,” I provide before Suzie starts pulling those inspection documents. She can get carried away in defending the standards of her kitchen.

“The groom’s sister’s name is Mouse? What’s wrong with these rock stars? Why do they always use such crazy names? What happened to names like Autumn”—she nods toward me—“Winter, Summer…”

“Got it,” Gavin says. “You love the seasons.”

I giggle and wonder how Gavin manages to make jokes while keeping a straight face.

“Careful, boy. I’m the one with the food.” Suzie places a plate filled with pasta Bolognese onto the table and then sprinkles some shredded parmesan on top.

Gavin looks between the food and Suzie and does a mock salute. “Good point, ma’am. Fairly noted. Can I take this with me?”

I’m surprised by his question. Is this mountain of a man really asking our permission?

But when he’s still waiting, I nod. “Yes, you can take it to the dining room.”

Once he’s gone, Suzie smiles. “I like him.”

36. Autumn

36

AUTUMN

I enter my room early tonight, making sure I don’t fall asleep again on the cold office floor. I take off my boots and am about to change when there’s a knock on the door.