AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’ve had to file it all to the back of my mind.
“You’ll get through this, Ava.” Holly nods her head. “I’m here if you need me.”
“I know. You’ve been there for me more than anyone else. It’s more than I can ask for. I’m grateful.”
“We’re friends. Of course, I’m going to be there for you.”
I had to leave so quickly after the whole ordeal, of course, Freddie wanted me to take care of myself and forget the trip.
I didn’t think that would have been healthy for me to do. Instead, I postponed it for a week That was after I last saw Vincent. That week was spent tying up loose ends, speaking with the police, and preparing to leave. The police knew the explosion was caused by an actual bomb, but because the CCTV was down that day in the apartment complex, they don’t know who did it. That also meant they didn’t see me going inside the building that day or what happened after.
It's all something I’ll place at the back of my mind.
“Have you heard from Vincent?” she asks.
I shake my head. “No. It didn’t work out.” It didn’t, and it’s wise for me to forget about him. It’s going to take me a long time to do that. It may take forever, but it’s what I have to do.
“Didn’t he ever message at all?”
“No, it’s just one of those things, I guess, that you think may work but they don’t. I’ll be okay.” I want to change the subject. I need to. No one will ever know what happened to me during that phase of my life, and it’s best that I move on.
Holly takes the hint that I don’t want to talk about him anymore.
“Tell me about Florida,” she says with a smile.
That I can do. We spoke on the phone every chance we got, but I was really busy. Coral had me doing all kinds of things. It was great to get to know her, and she even got me involved in the charity work she was doing too.
I start talking and tell her about my adventure. It’s a distraction.
When I get like that, it feels like my mind splits in two. Part of me can be on autopilot while the other can work through the issues on my mind, and my heart.
* * *
I thought a trip to the coffeehouse was in order before work.
I got here about twenty minutes ago and ordered a latte. I sat in the little booth I always sit in when I’m here alone.
It’s usually me and Holly here, but sometimes, I just like to come here by myself.
It’s a great place to think when you need to take stock of your life.
I have much to think about. I still have two million dollars sitting in my bank account that I haven’t touched. I haven’t needed to because my job in Florida was an all-expenses-paid trip paid for by the company, and my salary covered my bills here.
Now I’m back. I feel like if I touch it, I’ve accepted that it’s goodbye.
I’m still holding on, foolishly, and I need to let go.
I take a sip of my drink and remember that night at The Dark Odyssey when Vincent and I created that fantasy about what we would be if we’d met under different circumstances.
The couple in the coffee shop.
Just the thought of the fantasy brings tears to my eyes, and one tracks down my cheek.
I’m so stupid.
I shouldn’t do this to myself. I reach forward to grab a napkin to dry my tears. I hate crying in public.
I dab my cheeks and glance over to the counter where the Barista is serving a customer. That’s when I see him.
