Picture Perfect

Chapter 34

TONI'S POV:

As Gavin explains the rules, I figure I should be safe. I've not done too many things that would cause me to drink needlessly. Chris is smiling at me and truth be told, I'm smiling back at him too. I'm happy we're going to make a go of seeing each other. I'm still curious as hell as to why Harry ended things abruptly and by text. When I left this morning, my gut told me things were going to end this way - I had a strong suspicion something was going to happen but the question I want to know is what. Guess it really doesn't matter; it was never going to be anything long term and I know it.

Chris leans in to me and asks "So, do you think you're getting off free?"

I shake my head and reply "No, I have no doubt I'll be drinking but something tells me you guys will be drinking a lot more than I will – you are the rock stars not me. I'm just the boring photographer."

Robin laughs. "Toni, I think you underestimate Gavin. He's been dying to get you into a game for the last couple years. I swear he's been working on questions for when the opportunity finally arose; just saying" he grins.

Corey laughs as well. "That he has. I think you're in trouble, Toni" he tells me.

"Great" I moan. "Gavin, just remember – I'm supposed to be working when I arrive tonight okay? No getting me so drunk I can't work."

"I make no promises, Miss Toni" he smiles evilly. He sits next to me and places his hand on my cheek as he gleefully tells says "But I will promise to take care of you."

"Uh, I don't think so, Gavin. I'll be taking care of her and that means she won't be getting drunk" Chris tells Gavin as he places me on his lap in a protective fashion. I have to admit, I like this protective side of Chris.

"Aw, c'mon, Chris. I won't do anything to hurt Toni. You know I love her as much as you all do. Come on, let's play."

Chris stares at Gavin and after some time passes, determines the situation is safe enough to allow the game to begin.

GAVIN'S POV:

Make no mistake, nothing would make me happier than finally getting a chance to get together with Toni. I find her very attractive, but more than that, she's funny and she gets my sick sense of humor. I'd never get between her and Chris; God knows Chris really digs her. They have history and I get that. She's so sweet and that asshole should never have been with her. I wasn't kidding when I said I should have had someone seriously fuck with his future. I know people who could and would have done it had I told them. He hurt her emotionally. She was always so sure of herself. Right now, she's second-guessing herself and it's because of him.

I don't know the specifics. Chris couldn't find out and Nico won't divulge that information if she knows. What am I saying? If she knows? Nico and Toni are thick as thieves. Nico is the only person Toni would confide in and Nico would never tell a soul.

As I place the airline bottles of alcohol on the table, I shoot her a smile and a wink. I will fuck with her and Chris; just a little.

"Okay, so who starts?" I ask.

Corey raises his hand and says "I'm starting and we're going counter clockwise. Never have I ever farted in an elevator and pretended it was not me."

I groan while the others laugh and point at me

"Once, just that one time and it wasn't my fault. We had to eat from that row of food trucks and I picked a bad truck. We were on the way back up to the suite of the hotel."

"Doesn't matter, you did it – that poor old couple almost died. Drink" Corey tells me.

I drink a mini bottle of Jameson and throw the bottle in the trash bin.