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“She was here on the porch with us for a while but left when all the ladies went to get ready for dinner.”
“Left? Where did she go?”
“I don’t know. Maybe for a walk? Maybe to help Roberta? Or maybe to check out Pony Cottage. Did you fix it yet? I don’t remember what she said.”
“Oh, ok. No, the cottage isn’t fixed yet.” And I have no plans to fix it for now. I can’t allow Ava to sleep so far away, but no one needs to know that. “I’m going to see if I can find her. I’ll see you at dinner.”
I decided to start with Roberta first. I dash into the kitchen. “Roberta? How’s dinner coming?”
“Great. You hungry?”
“Starving! Smells great. Have you seen Ava?”
“Yeah, she was just in here helping me. I think she went to freshen up.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back in a few to help!”
“I’ve got it covered, but thanks, Travis.”
I raced to the private quarters of the house. There she was, standing in the living room, looking out the window.
“Ava, there you are.” She turns toward me, the glow from the window illuminating her.
“Yep, here I am,” she says.
I walk over to her and take her face in my hands. “I’m glad you’re ok.” Then, I kiss her.
17
AVA
One minute, I’m looking out the window at the beautiful meadow, trees, and grass that seem to go on forever. The next minute, I’m kissing Travis. I don’t even know how it happened. Or what to say. Woah, it was amazing. I try to soak it in. This could be a one-and-done kind of thing.
I step back. I don’t know why. I never wanted it to end. I don’t know why I chose to end it.
“Wow.”
Travis looks as stunned as I am. He leans in and kisses me again. This time, he has one hand behind my head while the other falls to my waist, pulling me against him.
“Sorry. Wow.” He pulls away this time. “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Don’t apologize. That was amazing–but what was that for?”
“I don’t know what came over me. I just–you were just–I’m just happy to see you’re ok.”
“Why wouldn’t I be ok?” I ask.
“I don’t know. No reason. I just. I guess this pretend boyfriend-girlfriend thing got to my head.” He backs away. “I’ll see you at dinner.” He turns and rushes away.
“What in the world?” I touch my lips. Did that really just happen? I’m stunned. I can’t move. I want more. “Wait!” But he’s already gone.
I sit down on the couch to compose myself. I feel lightheaded and dreamy. I take a few deep breaths, grab my makeup bag, and head to the bathroom to touch up my face. There’s a knock at the door.
“Ava?” Mia’s voice sends waves of disappointment through me. I was hoping it was Travis coming back for more.
“Yeah? I’ll be out in just a minute. I’m just touching up my hair, I mean lips, I mean makeup.” Wow, I’m flustered.
“No problem. Take your time. Just wanted to let you know that dinner is going to be ready in five. I’ll save you a seat next to me, okay?”
