Free Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras Page B

the library:
 
Way to work it, sis! Two guys in one weekend? Me and Hol want to know your secret.
 
    “Well, it’s true. You did go out with two different guys this weekend. So who’s the lucky guy tonight? Or are you giving yourself the night off?” Holly teased.
    “Thomas,” Ava mumbled. “But, I’m not dating two guys anymore. It’s just Thomas.”
    “Why, what happened?” Holly asked.
    Ava really didn’t want to relive the entire experience, but she knew her sister wouldn’t let up until she explained.
    “Wow, that’s rough,” Holly offered after hearing the entire sordid story. “Well, at least you have a fall back guy. I always say you need a fall back guy. That’s what I was trying to explain to Tessa with your example. See? You just proved my point.”
    “Do me a favor, and leave my love life out of your discussions with Tessa, please, okay? In fact, let’s leave my love life out of discussions all together. Let’s talk about you. Wasn’t there some guy you were chasing? What happened with him?”
    “Jared? He’s so cute, Av, but I don’t even think he knows I exist. At least not yet. I’m still working on it, though,” Holly replied. Ava could see Holly’s smile through the phone. She knew her sister so well.
    “Oh, I’m sure you’ll figure out a way, Holly. Anyway, I’ve got to go get ready for my date. Be good, you hear me?” Ava ordered.
    “Always,” Holly replied.
    ~~~
     
    “I think I’ll pass on the alcohol tonight,” Ava said when Thomas offered her a look at the wine menu.
    He laughed. “So how’s the studying coming along?”
    “It’s good … I guess. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about statistics, would you?”
    “Wretched subject,” Thomas replied. “Why would you torture yourself with that rubbish?”
    “It’s not by choice, trust me. It’s required. I’m embarrassed to even tell you how many times I’ve already attempted to pass it. Luckily, I think I’ve finally got it this time. Max was able to—” Ava stopped herself short. Just saying his name out loud was unsettling to her.
    “Max was able to? What?” Thomas asked.
    “Oh, nothing. He was my tutor. I was just going to say I think I understand most of the concepts this time. At least I think I understand enough to pass. That’s all that matters, really. I’m past the point of trying to get a good grade. All I want is to be done with it already.”
    The waitress brought over Thomas’ glass of wine and Ava’s water.
    “Well, here’s to passing then,” Thomas stated, raising his glass.
    “Yes, to passing. And to not talking about statistics anymore tonight,” Ava added, lightly tapping Thomas’ glass.
    “So I spent the day at the gallery with Cynthia today,” Thomas said.
    Ava smiled. She loved that he got the hint and promptly changed the subject.
    “How did it go? I missed being there yesterday.”
    “We seem to have mostly everything in order to open on Friday. There are so many little details. Well, look who I’m telling. Of course you know all about that. I don’t think artists really appreciate how much behind the scenes work goes into each one of these openings. Cynthia spent hours showing me everything from menu items to the colors you and she chose for the bloody tablecloths. It was exhausting.
    Ava shrugged. “All the planning is part of the fun for me, I guess.”
    “Well, I’m just glad I’m the one behind the camera most of the time. I could never do the spectacular job that you do. I guess we make a good team then. Speaking of, I’d love to take some photos of you one day. Your face has beautiful lines.”
    “Oh,” Ava replied, putting her hand to her cheeks. She could feel the heat radiating off of them. “Yes, I would like that. I’ve never been photographed by a professional photographer. Maybe after the opening.”
    “It’s a date then,” Thomas announced, smiling. “This is turning out to be such an exhilarating week for me! It’s been ages