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Imake it to the meeting early. I hate being late for things. Most people would say it was out of character for me, but it’s not. My anxiety goes through the roof if I don’t show up on time. I think it comes from being the youngest in my family. There’s always this feeling that I missed out on good stuff before I was born. I didn’t say it was normal, just that I had that feeling.
Leaving Meredith with her new friend worried me, but they seemed to be settling in quite well. Yes, I brought another cat home. I felt terrible about leaving her all alone. I’m home most days, but it makes me sad to leave her there all alone. So, I got Benjamin.
They seemed to like each other. I hope they don’t tear up too much stuff in my room. I made sure to shut the door behind me when I left.
“Avery, dear, how are you this evening?” Mrs. Petersen asks.
Dammit. The LOL Queen snuck up on me. I love the LOLs, but they have been chomping at the bit to discuss what is going on with Jon and me. I do not want them to get any ideas. Hate kissing someone is a far cry from being involved. Although, when I think about it, there was a lot less hate and a lotta heat in that kiss, at least on my side. I’m pretty sure Jon Howard still hates me.
I smile at Mrs. Petersen. “I’m fine.”
“Ready to fight for some money for the shelter?”
I nod. That wasn’t the true reason I was here. It was only the first week of the month, and the rescue charity already made their monthly quota. Since I took over their social media, their donations have gone through the roof.
I’m here with another proposal. Estella and I have been talking about how there needs to be more programs at the Senior Center. I wanted to get it on the agenda, but Estella said it was better to do a sneak attack. Just the thought has my stomach turning over and over. I can do the presentation, but I hate any pushback.
I wave at Becca, who is urging me over to sit with her.
“I’ll talk to you later, Mrs. Petersen. Becca has something she wants to tell me.”
Mrs. Petersen looks behind her and smiles at Becca. It’s hard not to. She’s dressed in red and black, her hair up in two space buns, and it’s black. Since her hair was blond last night, she must have changed it today. It’s nothing big since she changes her hair color regularly.
“Of course, Avery.”
I scoot around her and make my way to Becca. “Hey, like the black?”
She rises and gives me a big hug. “I just felt like black was my color.”
That’s not a color I would associate with the comic bookstore owner. She and her best friend Everly run one of the best comic and graphic bookstores in Texas, if not the entire country. Every day, Becca dresses like she’s at a con. She’s about as happy as a person can be.
“Bad week?”
We sit down, and she shrugs. “Men are assholes.”
I chuckle. “That they are.”
“You know I’m going to grill you later, right? I want to know all about you and Jon.”
Before I can respond, I get hugged from behind. I turn around and find my nephew.
“Hey, Sammy. I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
“Mom said we needed to be here for more nail support.”
I blink.
“Moral support, kiddo,” my sister says with a laugh.
“Hey. Where’s Callie?”
“She’s at her dance lessons. Mason is going to pick her up when she’s done.”
I nod and realize that the entire room is watching my every move. It’s weird, but it doesn’t bother me like in my old hometown. As my gaze scans over the room, I see the weird guy who lives behind us.
Wait, when didwebecomeus? We are not an us.
A commotion at the back of the room draws everyone’s attention. Estella walks in. I wasn’t sure if she would come because I know this isn’t usually her thing, but she agrees with my ideas for the center. It warms my heart that she came here to support me.
