Free Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras Page A

She got up to look inside of the private room that was off to the side. There was already another study group in there working.
    “Ava?” When she returned, a guy she didn’t recognize was standing next to the table where she had been sitting.
    “Yes? I’m sorry, do I know you?” Ava studied him. He was sort of non-descript looking: skinny, brown hair, glasses, wearing a Wolfenson College sweatshirt. He seemed like your average college student. She probably did know him, and she felt bad that she couldn’t remember.
    He put a stack of books down on the table and stuck out his hand. “I’m Barry Templin. Max sent me. He apologizes, but he’s not going to be able to make it. He thought I could help you study today instead … as your tutor.”
    Ava rubbed her forehead. Surely she misunderstood. “Not going to make it? Are you sure? Last night he said he’d meet me here.”
    Barry nodded. “Yes, he called me this morning and asked if I could take over as your tutor. We met earlier so he could show me where you and he left off. He asked me to give you this.” He handed Ava a sealed envelope with her name on it. “He also told me he’d be paying for your sessions.”
    Ava took the envelope out of Barry’s hand. “Forgive me, Barry. I just … I’m afraid I don’t understand. Are you telling me that Max won’t be tutoring me at all … ever?”
    “I don’t know about ever,” Barry responded, “but at least not through these final exams. At least that’s what it sounded like to me. Don’t worry, I’m a math major. I’ve been tutoring statistics students for quite a while now. I’ll get you through this exam without any problems.”
    “Thanks, Barry. Would it be okay if we skipped today? I think I’m coming down with something actually.” Ava sank back into her seat. Not tutoring me anymore?
    “Sure, no problem.” Scribbling his name and number on a sheet of paper, Barry then handed it to her. “Just give me a call when you’re ready to schedule something. It was nice to meet you.”
    “Nice to meet you, too, Barry … and thanks.” She watched as Barry collected his books and walked off before opening the letter from Max.
     
    Dear Ava,
     
    I know you probably hate me right now, and I don’t blame you. I’m pretty upset with myself actually. I made a promise to you when I agreed to tutor you that we would keep everything professional, and I totally crossed that line last night—the same way I crossed the line with you the day Suzanne walked in on us. As your mentor and tutor, I had a responsibility to you, and I failed you. I know how important passing this class is to you, and I promise I won’t distract you from that again. Good luck. Barry is a great tutor. I know you’ll have no trouble passing the exam.
     
    All the best,
    Max
     
    Ava read the letter twice. Coward. He had no problem flirting with and kissing her last night. Why the sudden change? Barry said he contacted him this morning. Didn’t Max say he had an early tutoring session with Megan? Did she have something to do with his sudden change of heart?
    Ava looked at the text message from this morning she had yet to answer.
     
Ava, so sorry about last night. Please say you’ll let me make it up to you tonight. Dinner at La Trattoria? Thomas
     
    Ava read the letter one more time. She looked back down at her phone and began typing:
 
Sounds perfect, Thomas. See you then.
     
     
    Chapter 18
     
    “Holly! Why are you telling Tessa that I’m dating two guys at once?” Ava yelled into the phone “She’s sixteen for God’s sake. She looks up to us … me in particular. Dad would kill me if he caught her running around like that. Hell, he’d kill me, too.” As the oldest sister, Ava felt a responsibility—particularly to Tessa, who was still in high school. Leave it to Holly to open her big mouth. Of course, Tessa thought it was the coolest thing ever, judging by the text Ava received on her phone on her way back from