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I purse my lips, then release an annoyed huff. “It’s not going to happen. Long story and one I’d rather not get into right now.”
Millie opens her mouth to speak, only to pause her movements to collect her thoughts. Her brows draw together, and I know she’s concerned.
The others are too drunk to even care. It’s times like this I miss my family. I love living in Manhattan, and it’s not like I’m completely alone. Andy lives here but is currently traveling for the week in Europe. Rocky and Nikki live in the Upper East Side, though they spend a lot of time on the West Coast because of Will, Millie, and Ashton.
“I miss you guys,” I say wistfully.
“Come home tonight?” Millie suggests, lowering her voice. “You’ll still make it before midnight.”
I offer a half-smile at the suggestion. “It’s already nine. Besides, I’m going to surprise Olivier. I felt terrible for leaving him in the first place.”
Millie moves the phone away to a quieter room, the door closing behind her.
“Are you guys better now? After the fight this morning?”
It slipped my mind that I had texted Millie after my fight with Olivier. I was angry, and hurt, and Millie is always the person I vent to when it comes to my personal life.
“I think we’re both under a lot of pressure. We had three photoshoots back to back this week with very demanding photographers.”
Millie smirks. “Honey, it’s Vogue.”
“God, you sound just like Eric.”
She throws her hand to her forehead dramatically. “Oh no… what will become of me? But seriously, maybe tonight will be the night for the two of you to reconnect.”
“Hmm…” My mind drifts off to mine and Olivier’s relationship. I begin to fidget with the hem of my dress, unsure if I should bring up my concerns. “I have a question for you. You’ve been married to Will for almost two years now, right? What’s the longest time you’ve gone without sex?”
“Longest? Maybe, like a day.”
I sigh heavily. “You’re no help.”
“Ava, what’s going on?”
“We haven’t had sex in like three months,” I blurt out, relieved to get it off my chest. “I’m probably making a big deal out of it because we’ve both been busy.”
“I mean, sure. But you do sleep in the same bed, right?”
“Yeah, when we’re both home at the same time.”
“And do you try?”
“Not anymore,” I mumble, closing my eyes momentarily. “I gave up after several rejections in a row. I figured, if he wants it, he’ll take it.”
“Ava,” Millie says faintly. “Come home, please? It sounds like you need family right now.”
The thought of coming home did sound appealing, but I have a life here and a boyfriend who deserves my attention. I straighten my shoulders, willing to find any confidence left within me.
“I will, soon.”
We chat for a few more minutes before wishing each other a happy new year then ending the call.
The streets are chaotic, nothing unusual for New Year’s Eve. When the driver finally pulls up at the building, I thank him before exiting.
Harry, our doorman, greets me hello while holding the door open for me. I nod to thank him, then quickly make my way to the elevator.
The doors close, each level lighting up until I reach the penthouse. I purchased this place only a few months ago from a couple embroiled in a nasty divorce. Thanks to Nikki, who represented the wife, she notified me of it coming onto the market. After a great financial year, I made the purchase and moved out of my apartment in Brooklyn.
My fingers punch in the pin code, then I push the door open to a dark apartment. Olivier mentioned nothing about other plans, and just as I’m about to call him, my eyes gravitate down the hall and toward a faint glow coming from beneath the bedroom door.
