I smile politely and shake his hand. I hope this plan doesn’t backfire on me. The rest of the day passes by uneventfully. I’ll need to ask Ava to go with me to the gala on Friday. She didn’t respond to my text message last night, but I know she read it. It showed the time and a checkmark on my phone as proof that she did. I’ll call her later today to see how her first day went, and I’ll ask her to the gala.
Despite being an uneventful day, I end up leaving work late. This is always the case, but that’s why I’ve been able to grow within the company so quickly. I jump into my car and head home exhausted and it’s only Monday.
As I’m preparing dinner, I grab my phone and press on Ava’s name on my contacts list. It rings and rings and rings. Just when I’m about to hang up, I hear a breathless Ava answer. “Hello?” She seems distracted.
“Hi.” I happily respond.
“Ethan?” I hear the confusion in her voice.
“Yes. The one and only,” I joke, but hear her sigh and think she’s taken it the wrong way. “I was calling to see how your first day went?”
“You don’t need to call every day. You sent me a message yesterday. That’s enough.”
“Already told you I was going to keep fighting for you. Now tell me how your day went,” I demand.
“ Bye, Ethan,” she says, ready to hang up.
“Ava…” I warn. “Hang up and I’ll show up at the apartment.”
“Go to hell,” she says and hangs up on me.
I guess I’m going to be eating dinner later. I leave my dinner half prepared, ready to prove to her that I’m serious. After all, what is a threat with no action to follow?
I jump in my car and head over to her apartment. It’s a short drive and traffic’s died down a bit by now, so I arrive quickly.
I knock on the door and wait for an answer. I know Ava isn’t asleep yet. No answer. I knock again, harder this time. Ava finally answers the door. She looks as breathless as she sounded on the phone.
“Why did you hang up on me?” I ask her firmly.
She inhales deeply, seeking patience. “Seriously?”
“I told you if you hung up on me I would come over. I had to leave my dinner half prepared.” I look at her, trying to keep my cool.
“I didn’t tell you to come over.” She rolls her eyes at me. God, I’d love to have my hands on her.
“My word is my word. If I told you I’d come over, I would.” I step into the apartment. She tries to block the entrance, but I step to her side and walk in. It’s cute to watch her try to hold me back.
“Your word means nothing to me,” she spits back. She’s hot when she’s feisty.
“You’re so hot when you’re mad. If you want this to end friendly, I wouldn’t get any angrier if I were you.” I smile back at her, testing her patience. I’d lay her down right here and take her on the floor of her apartment. My cock stiffens. I’m like a fucking 15-year-old boy when I’m around her. I seriously need to get that in check.
She exhales heavily, crossing her arms over her chest, and I can’t help but look down at her breasts.
“Eyes are up here,” she states, clenching her jaw.
“I know where they are.” I smile, my eyes playing with delight. Any kind of contact with her, even banter, is welcoming to me. “Now I asked you how your first day was. Answer me.”
“Ethan, leave my apartment!” She raises her voice.
“Answer my question.” Fuck, my cock is hard and begging as I watch her all riled up.
“It was wonderful. Happy? Now you can leave,” she says, opening the door, gripping the knob so hard her knuckles are turning white.
“Was that so difficult?” I ask her. “All I wanted to know was if you had a nice day.” I give her a kiss on the cheek. “By the way, I have a gala on Friday evening and would love for you to join me. I’ll pick you up at 6:30.” My confidence is back full force. I need to go with it while I have it.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” She yells. God I want to make love to her until the end of time.
Katie appears rounding the corner of the foyer. “What the hell is going on? I’m trying to rest.” She looks pissed.
“Ethan is demanding things from me!” Ava says bitterly.
“What?” Katie asks confused and lazily between us.
“He came over here because I hung up on him. Now he’s saying I’m going with him to some shit gala on Friday. Tell him I’m not and to stop showing up!” She tells Katie like it’ll make a difference if it comes from Katie instead of her.
“Oh, the Connell Energy Gala?” Katie asks, more aware of the conversation.
“Yes. He’s one of my biggest clients.” Luck seems to be on my side. If Katie knows about it it’s because she’s going. More of a reason for Ava to go.
“I’m going with Tristan. He works for Connell.” I knew they saw each other on occasion, but didn’t know it would be serious enough for him to take her to a gala as his date. “Ava you need to go! Even if it’s not with Ethan. I can get you a date!” Her voice is a higher pitch now. “I don’t know how I forgot about that.”
“Hell no. If she’s going, she’s going with me, Katie. You’re not setting her up.” I’m adamant. I’ll be damned if she goes with someone else that isn’t me. “You did enough with Matt,” I say bitterly.
“Ethan, relax. I just want to hang out with my best friend. Chances are if she goes, she’ll rarely spend time with her date. She’ll be with me.” Katie gives me her best smile, disguising herself as an angel–she’s anything but.
“Yeah, until you sneak off to the bathroom with your date,” I challenge her.
“One time. One fucking time that happens and no one can let it go!” She’s angry.
“I’m joking, Katie. But if Ava goes with me, she’ll be by my side.”
“You both realize I’m standing right here and I’m very much capable of making my own decisions,” Ava speaks up, looking between us, her nose flared.
“Of course, but you will be going with me.” I give her my best smile, dimples and all. I know she loves my smile.
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not going to a gala. I’m not in the mood to deal with stuck up people and fucking annoying ex-boyfriends.”
“You know you’re beautiful when you’re angry. I just want to…”
“Stop it!” She exclaims, and Katie throws her head back in laughter.
“I’m not going to a gala. I don’t care if you’re going Katie. You have a date, entertain him,” Ava says.
“Oh sweetie, I will. Don’t you worry about that, but I want my best friend to go, too. Especially now that you have a date to go with.” Katie winks. She never changes. If looks could kill, Katie would’ve been long dead by Ava’s stare.
“Katie, you’ll help her pick out a dress?” I ask.
“Sure. Ethan, if she really doesn’t want to go, I can’t make her.” Katie is suddenly aware of Ava’s anger.
“I know, but we’ll all be there. Dan and Jess are going as well,” I say.
“Dan?” Ava asks confused.
“Yeah, he works with me.” I guess she didn’t know that since he was hired after I had left her.
“Oh,” is all Ava says. I know Ava has a weak spot for Dan. They were great friends, too.
“See you Friday.” I smile at her. “Hang up on me again and I won’t just show up. I’ll act upon how you make me feel when you’re angry.” Katie chuckles, walking away, leaving us alone.
“Bye, love.” I leave a lingering kiss on her forehead.
“Just leave,” Ava says, but I hear her breath falter. She can’t deny that I affect her the way she affects me.
I can’t stop thinking about Ava. Even now, as I’m relaxing after I’ve eaten my delayed dinner, she’s all I think about. I sound like a pussy, but anyone who knows her would agree with me. She’s perfect. She’s all I want. I want nothing else than to make her happy.
I had to show up to her house tonight and prove to her that my word d
oes mean something. Make up for my past mistakes. Make up for hurting her the way I did. I mean, I was a real douche for just walking out of her life like that, but I wouldn’t have been able to face her and tell her I was leaving her.
I was just scared and stupid. I lost hope seeing her die a little each day. Seeing her give up on life, on her beautiful life. But losing her was my punishment. Do you know what it’s like to function without your source of life? Almost impossible. It’s like those people in hospitals that need an oxygen tank to breathe properly. Unfortunately, my only oxygen tank was fucking meaningless women to try to escape her memory a bit. Pathetic.
I never thought I’d see her again, honestly. After she was gone for a year, I figured that was it. She wouldn’t return. The damage was irrevocable and I would live the rest of my life living a hollow life, focusing on my career and fucking whores as part of the punishment of not having Ava’s warmth and love in my life.
But now she’s back. Now is my second chance at proving to her how great we will be together. When I first started pursuing her more seriously, I told her how perfect we’d be together. This is no different. Eventually she witnessed it herself. She will again. I know she still loves me. It will be hard for her to forgive me and trust again, but she loves me, no doubt about that.
Chapter 14
Ava
“AHH!!!” I yell, releasing my frustration. That man is going to be the death of me. Not funny, Ava. I catch myself mid thought and stop, considering at one point, he almost was.
“Screaming therapy?” Katie walks out of her room.
“How dare you tell him I’d go to the gala?! You’re my best friend. I thought you were helping me move on, not get back together with him.” My voice is raised, and I drop my hands to my sides, exasperated.
“Relax. It’s just a gala. You’ve gone to tons of those in the past. You should know having a date doesn’t necessarily mean staying by his side all night. He’ll have to spend time with colleagues and clients. You’ll really be with me. It will be fun. You’ve been gone for so long! It’s been forever since we’ve gone to an event like this together,” she whines. “Besides, it’s open bar.” Screw Katie and her way of getting in my mind and making things sound so easy. For her, they are. She’s a no-strings-attached person. I’m not. Ethan will make sure I’m by his side, even if he’s with clients.
“You don’t get it do you? You don’t know how hard it is to be near him. I’m still in love with him!” I yell in admittance. “I can’t be his date and it not mean anything to me.” I’m on the verge of tears from anger, frustration, and sadness. Being Ethan’s date isn’t just a normal gala outing. It would have more meaning. Of course he charms his way in. He just shows up here, demanding things from me and expects me to be putty in his hands? Hell no! Screw him and his sparkling green eyes and deep dimples. Feeling his kiss on me, the warmth of his lips on my skin, I swear I’m still burning from it. And somewhere deep down inside of me, a fire has awakened. A fire I haven’t felt in years.
“He’s still in love with you, too. It’s so obvious. Sweetie, maybe you should give him a chance. I know he did wrong by leaving you how he did and when he did, but he’s matured. He’s regretful of what he did. I see it reflected in his eyes every time I see him. The same way I see the sadness in yours. Go with him to the gala.” Katie’s voice is now soft and careful.
“I can’t,” I say, letting the tears fall down my face. “God, I’m such an idiot. Why am I even crying? Leaving for Europe was supposed let me leave all of this behind.” I sink down to the ground in defeat. Admitting I’m still in love with Ethan out loud did me in. It made it true, and confirmed what everyone else already knows. Although he hurt me the way he did, I still love him. A part of me probably always will, but I don’t think I can forget what he did. How can I?
“You deserve to be happy, Ava. You of all people deserve to have everything you want. Don’t settle for less than perfect because your heart was broken. And if your perfect is Ethan, no one will judge you for being with him.” She looks down at me sympathetically.
Katie’s right, though. I’m sure people probably won’t understand my wanting to be with him again after he abandoned me at my weakest and then fucked half of Chicago, or more, while I was away. Ugh, I don’t even want to think about that. But how can I begin to trust him again, to forgive him. And do I even want to?
I’m exhausted from work and the Ethan episode. “I’m going to bed. I need to be wide awake tomorrow for work.” I stand up and walk to my room.
“Good night,” Katie says cheerfully. “Maybe sleep will help you clear your mind. It’s just a gala.”
“Yeah,” I say over my shoulder.
My first day of work was amazing. It was everything I expected and more. Elle was wonderful and patient. She explained in more detail the kind of art she likes to exhibit and sell.
Elle chooses from a range of contemporary art, from abstract, to portraits, photography and sculptures. Right now she’s exhibiting Morgan Taylor, a young artist who specializes in painting people of all shapes and sizes, clearly focusing on the emotional battles they encounter in life. Her art is powerful and speaks to you through the expressions she paints and the body language she represents.
Elle explained how the exhibits work, length of time they run for, reaching out to different artists, and how to manage the artists that approach the gallery. It was a lot of information, but I was soaking it all in. Stacy was a sweetheart as well. She showed me the database with prior artists who have worked with the gallery, the sales we’ve made, and the portfolios of past events the gallery has held. That would all be my job.
Elle is usually in the gallery, but she focuses on the business aspect of running it. That’s why she needed someone to run the exhibits and showings. Stacy is the receptionist. She helps with what she can, but she’s still in college and her time is more limited. Elle needed someone with experience and knowledge.
I fall asleep excited for tomorrow. I hope to be able to meet Morgan Taylor soon and discuss her art and goals throughout this exhibit. Her art is amazing. I want to introduce myself so she feels confident in contacting me and allowing me to take responsibility of her exhibition. I know it may be difficult at first for the artists to switch over to me, the new girl, after dealing with Elle Webber for some time, but I am confident I will be able to guide them properly.
∞
I get to work the next morning right on time to see Stacy opening the front door. It’s a little chilly, so I’m grateful I won’t need to wait outside.
I decided to wear a navy blue empire waist dress. The round neckline delicately falls on my chest and its thick straps rest on my shoulders. The waist has nude fabric and a thin, navy blue fabric belt wrapped around it that is tied in a perfect bow. My nude Prada pointy toe stiletto heels and matching handbag accentuate the nude fabric of the dress. My ivory fitted coat is keeping me warm, but I will welcome the warmth of the gallery much more.
“Good morning, Stacy. How are you?” I say, stepping into that warmth.
“Good morning! I’m doing well. How about you? Are you cold?” She asks worried.
“Just a bit, but it’s warm in here. I’m great! Excited to learn more and get to work.” I smile warmly at her.
Elle arrives a short while after, and we continue to go over some details. I know I will learn as I go. Each artist is different and will want different ideas for each exhibit. When she’s done, she goes into her office, leaving me with Stacy to do some work.
I’m reviewing the portfolios of prior artists who have shown their art here and becoming familiar with the styles of each. I also begin to compile a list of newer artists that would interest Elle when I hear, “Ava!” My head snaps up from the receptionist counter I am sitting behind, next to Stacy, and see Sophie standing at the entrance of the gallery.
“Hi! How are you?” I leap up off the stool to greet her.
“I’m great, sweetie. I came by because I’m look
ing for an art piece to donate for a silent auction for the Empowering Women charity I am a part of. It supports victims from abused homes. Since I knew you worked here, I thought I’d come support you.” She winks, her green eyes sparkling—eyes that remind me so much of Ethan’s.
“Thank you. We actually have an exhibit right now by the local artist, Morgan Taylor. Her art is powerful and refreshing. I can show you what we’re exhibiting and see if you like something for the auction. I assume that since the charity is for victims of abuse, you would want something more uplifting.” I lead her into the main room where more of Morgan’s art is. On our way to the main room, one of Morgan’s pieces catches Sophie’s eye.
“This is lovely,” she says, eyeing a beautiful watercolor portrait of a young woman.
It is in gray and white tones, with hints of pink. The portrait is from the chest up. The woman is facing the side with her hair in an elegant yet messy low bun, casting a shadow down her neck. Loose strands of her hair blow in the breeze around her face.
Her lips are slightly open, painted in a soft pink. She is looking to the front of the painting from the corner of her eyes under her lashes in an intense and confident stare. Covering her chest, the artist painted a corset top with featherlike strokes, adding dimension and a sense of texture. She looks like a survivor, of sorts, who has emerged into peaceful beauty.
“It is a stunning painting. The artist used watercolor to create it, giving it a softer feel. It’s actually a very peaceful piece, especially compared to her other works of art. This one is priced at $700.”
“I love it! This is perfect for the charity. It demonstrates hope and true beauty. I can pick it up on Thursday, unless you’d like to deliver it. It would be wonderful to have you over for dinner.” She smiles conspiratorially.
I hesitate, and she notices my discomfort. “It would just be lovely to chat with you. We don’t have to tell Ethan.”
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