Raising Avon

by Rebekah Shelton

  ****

  Shortly before dinner, Avon knocked on the door frame of her father's study again. Again she did not enter. "Dinner will be ready soon. I thought maybe we can take a walk down to the fountain. Maybe we can cut a nice bouquet of flowers for the table."

  "We're eating in the dining room?"

  "No, I've set up the small table in the breakfast nook. I thought it would be nice to duplicate everything from lunch. You were happy at Bella Luna's. You loved the food. I just want to say I'm sorry."

  "You don't need to apologize again," Jeremy grinned. "It was a joke which went wrong."

  "And I went a bit too far," Avon added shamefully. She could feel her face turn red. "I'm still distraught thinking back on my vulgar behavior. Can we try to pretend it didn't happen?"

  "I'd like that," Jeremy replied. He was stilling having a difficult time looking at Avon in her eyes. "The embarrassment we both encountered is enough to last us all summer. Come on, let's go for that walk. A little fresh air might be good for both of us." Jeremy looked down at the basket and the pair of pruning shears in Avon's hand. "The roses this afternoon were quite aromatic. So was the lavender."

  "I'm sorry I ruined your bath."

  "It's okay," Jeremy replied sincerely. "It did feel good while it lasted. I promise I'll try again sometime."

  "I'll knock from now on."

  "And I'll lock the door," Jeremy laughed.