All Your Perfect Imperfections

Chapter Four

-Avery-

After a successful first week of work, Devin and I were headed to his dad's house for dinner. I'd talked with Logan quite a few times already, but it had always been about work. I was a little nervous about spending an evening with him in his home. He'd been nothing but nice so far, but it was a lot of pressure trying to impress him as both a new employee and as his son's boyfriend.

Aside from that, I was looking forward to seeing Devin's childhood home. I've never been in a house on Mercer Island. It was one of the wealthiest areas in Washington, and that was apparent after we passed one large house after another. Devin finally turned into a driveway, and when we pulled up to the house, my mouth fell open. The house was enormous. Beyond it, I could see the gleaming blue water of Lake Washington.

"You grew up here?" I squeaked.

"Yeah," Devin said, shrugging.

The house was a cornflower blue color that popped against the greenery surrounding it. Some of the leaves were already beginning to change as summer faded and autumn began to take hold.

As we stepped inside, I marveled at the ornate staircase in the entry. The walls were painted a warm mocha color that leaned more toward lavender than brown. I'd anticipated the décor and furnishings being elegant but cold, like many of the mansions I'd seen in pictures on real estate sites, but Logan and Devin's house had a warmth to it.

We walked through to the back of the house and I saw a large deck overlooking the water. I had known Devin grew up in a waterfront house on Mercer Island, but I was stunned to see the size of the house and how incredible the view was. All this for two people! And now, it was only Logan in this big house.

Despite their house feeling more like a home than others of its size, I still couldn't imagine living here. It would feel like living in a luxury hotel, and I'd be afraid to touch anything. Once again, I felt out of my depth. I'd never experienced so much wealth in my life.

"Hello, Avery!" Logan said, coming inside from the deck.

I tried to be polite and pretend I wasn't shocked by my surroundings. "Thank you for having us over for dinner. You have a beautiful home."

Logan smiled and motioned for me to follow. "Come out and sit on the deck. There's a nice breeze and the lake is spectacular today."

Devin brushed past me. "What are we having?"

"I've got fish and veggies about to go on the grill. Are you okay with that, Avery?"

"It sounds amazing," I replied. "Is there anything I can help with?"

"No, no. Sit down and have Devin get you a drink."

I sat in one of the cushioned deck chairs, still afraid to touch anything. The view of the lake was incredible, and I watched as boats lazily drifted by. Some were smaller motorboats, but a couple of them were yachts that looked like they'd have more living space than any of the apartments I'd lived in.

Devin hovered in front of me and handed me a glass filled with orange and pink liquid. "You look like you need this."

"What is it?"

"Don't worry, I didn't add that much alcohol. You'll like it."

I took a sip. It was light and fruity. "Thank you. You know, for understanding that I don't want to be drinking much in front of your dad," I said, keeping my voice low.

"It's just my dad. He won't care."

"Devin, how about you show Avery the rest of the house?" Logan called out. "It'll be another ten minutes before the food is ready."