Collide (Collide #1)(125)

"All-out sibling rivalry," he answered, motioning one of the waiters over. "I revel in any chance I get to make him look like a clown."

"You're too much," she laughed.

Gavin smiled mischievously. "I know, but he deserves it."

The waiter approached the table with a bottle of expensive bubbly in tow and a towel draped over one arm.

"What would you like to drink?" Gavin asked.

Knowing she and Gavin didn't mix well with liquor, Emily figured she would keep it light. "Actually, I'll just take an ice water."

He creased his brows. "Are you sure?"

With an answering smile, she nodded.

After ordering himself bourbon on the rocks, Gavin leaned back in his chair and looked at her. "I'm happy to see you're no longer sick."

"Thank you. That was a rough few days."

"I'm sure it was," he replied, knowing they were hard enough for her without adding illness to it. "I stopped by the restaurant to check in on you, and Fallon said you'd already left."

"I know. I meant to call you, but it completely slipped my mind. I'm sorry about that."

"No need to apologize. I just wanted to make sure you were doing alright."

"Well, thank you for checking on me," she smiled and placed a napkin over her lap. "I truly appreciate it. But I'm okay, honestly."

She may have smiled, but Gavin couldn't see a trace of happiness in her eyes. Throughout the evening, he kept the conversation with her on lighter topics, staying as far away from anything that had to do with Dillon. Gavin learned that, although her teaching position was supposed to be full time, it fell through, and she would only be working part time as a substitute for now. Either way, she seemed happy about it. He ribbed on her a little more regarding his Yankees making it into the World Series, promising her that by the end of her lifetime he'd turn her into a certified fan. She begged to differ, but nonetheless, it made her laugh, and that's all that mattered to him.

After everyone enjoyed dinner, Gavin's parents approached the table. The stately couple's arms were locked together, their faces flushed from dancing and champagne.

"Olivia," Chad said with a smile. "My beautiful wife's given me permission to dance with you."

She cocked an incredulous brow. "Oh, has she?"

"Indeed, she has," he laughed, reaching for her hand.

"Are you sure, Lillian?" Olivia smirked and stood up. "I just may steal him from you."

"He's a very debonair man," Lillian smiled, her green eyes shimmering with delight. "He just might sweep you off your feet, kiddo, so I'd be careful."

"Can't say I'd disagree with you on that," Olivia laughed and strolled over to him. "Come on, old man. I'll show you how we younglings do it."

Chuckling, Chad placed a kiss upon his wife's cheek and led Olivia out onto the dance floor.

"You look beautiful this evening, Emily," Lillian said, taking a seat next to her. "I hope you're enjoying yourself."

"Thank you, Mrs. Blake, so do you. And I am enjoying myself. Everything's spectacular."

"Tsk-tsk," she laughed, patting Emily's hand. "Remember, Mrs. Blake makes me feel old. But I'm happy you're having a good time."

Emily smiled. "Thank you, Lillian."

"You do look beautiful tonight, Mom." Gavin rose from his seat and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I may have to keep an eye on you to make sure no other man steals you away from Dad."