I should feel guilty. I should be worried about what happens if McGinnis comes home early, if Coach finds out, if the front office discovers we’re breaking the fraternization policy.
But right now, with Ava curled up against me, her hand resting over my heart, I can’t bring myself to care about any of it.
For the first time since my parents died, I feel like I could be whole again. Like I’ve collected all my broken pieces, and I just need to slot them into place.
And I have Ava to thank for it.
I close my eyes and commit this moment to memory.
Tomorrow, I’ll worry about Coach and figuring out how to protect Ava’s job while keeping her in my life. Tomorrow, I’ll deal with the guilt and the fear, and the impossibility of our situation.
I press a kiss to her forehead, careful not to wake her. “I’m going to figure this out,” I promise. “I don’t know how yet, but I’m going to find a way to make this work.”
BESTIE CHAT
Kayla: SPILL! How was dinner?!?
Ava: It was a disaster. My dad grilled Arlo like a burger. And Knox’s hot date? Nonexistent. He brought a fourteen-year-old boy he’s mentoring.
Kayla: Nooo
Ava: Yes
Lexie: Okay, but at least tell me Arlo made Flamingo Boy jealous AF?
Ava: He definitely made an impression.
Lexie: Ha! So you came out on top!
Ava: Not exactly…
Kayla: ??????
Ava: ??????
Lexie: What is happening right now? This time with actual words.
Kayla: Isn’t it obvious? They had sex again.
Lexie: How the hell did you get sex from that?
Kayla: It’s a gift ??????
Lexie: So are you two dating now or…? What about your dad? And your job?
Ava: No dating. Just sex.
Kayla: Get it, girl! ??
Lexie: It’s never just sex. Are you sure this is a good idea?
Ava: Yes
Ava: no
Ava: I don’t know. We tried staying apart, but it was too hard. At least this way, it stays between us and I don’t have to worry about it affecting my dad or my job.
Kayla: Ahh!!! I love it! If anyone deserves a smoking hot fuck buddy, it’s you! ??