Free Schooled in Revenge by Jesse Lasky Page B

plan?” Cruz asked. “Just barge into the big shindig on May first and confront these assholes?”
    “That’s exactly what we do,” Reena said. “Force a confession.”
    But Ava knew it wouldn’t be that easy. The Starling Gala was only two days away, but that didn’t mean they were ready. They needed a plan. A real one.
    She stared out the window, solemn and resolute. Even as the ground approached, it was hard to believe she was actuallyback in Napa. Just eight weeks earlier, she’d been departing for Japan, nervous and unsure what her training with Takeda would entail.
    But as the plane touched the ground, bumping across the grassy field, she braced for something even scarier.
    Coming home.

CHAPTER NINETEEN
    “I just can’t believe you’re really here. It’s so good to see you, Ava.”
    Marie led them down the upstairs hallway. Her hair held more salt than pepper, the age lines around her eyes more deeply etched than they had been the last time Ava had seen her. But she still had the same warmth that made Marie’s Inn a prime destination for the B&B set.
    “I just appreciate your fitting us in on such short notice,” Ava said, hit with a wave of nostalgia as she took in the familiar wallpaper, the artwork on the walls…
    “Don’t be silly,” Marie said. “The season hasn’t started yet. And I always have room for you.”
    She had been surprised to see them and even more surprised when she saw the plane sitting in her backyard. Still, she’d ushered them inside without hesitation, forcing them to catch their breath on the big sofas in the main living room while she brought them water and iced tea.
    She stopped at the second door, bending to fit a key into the lock. The door swung open. “I’m afraid I only have three rooms available right now. I hope that will do.”
    “It will be fine,” Reena said. “We appreciate your hospitality. Cruz and I can take this room, if that’s all right.”
    Ava gaped. Where had this newly polite person come from and what had happened to the real Reena?
    “Of course,” Marie said, waving them in and handing Reena the key. “I serve coffee and pastries in the dining room starting at seven.”
    Cruz reached out to shake her hand. “Thank you.”
    They continued down the hall, leaving Jon in the next bedroom before coming to the last door.
    “I guess this is us,” Ava said to Jane as Marie opened the door.
    Jane stepped into the room, her eyes traveling over the homey, vintage décor. “It’s beautiful.” She looked at Marie. “Thank you.”
    “It’s my pleasure,” Marie said. “Get some rest now. You look like you could use it.” She hesitated. “Ava… I owe you an apology. It was wrong of me to assume—”
    “No apology necessary. It was a totally understandable assumption,” Ava said.
    Marie shook her head. “Sylvie was like a mother to me. Your mom, one of my closest friends. I should have known you would never willingly sell Starling.”
    Ava took her hand. There was very little left of her old life, very few people who had stood by her. But Marie was one of them. She may have been upset when she’d heard about the sale of the vineyard, but she was here now when Ava needed her.
    “It’s okay,” she said. “It’s in the past. I’m here to move forward.”
    Marie leaned in, lowering her voice like she was afraidsomeone would overhear even though the hallway was empty, the doors closed to the other rooms. “I see him sometimes, you know.”
    “Charlie?” Ava avoided Marie’s eyes, some of the old shame creeping in. “Lucky you.”
    “William Reinhardt, too. Not that I get out much anymore. It’s not like it used to be. All the parties and events seem to attract a different crowd these days.” Marie looked around again. “I heard that he hires a different girl to be his date for every party.”
    “Reinhardt?” Ava was not surprised. “Probably because no one would be his date for free.”
    Marie nodded her agreement.