The rest of the day passes without incident. I see the two clients I had scheduled and take the opportunity to tackle the mountain of paperwork that comes with owning a tattoo studio.
When I glance at the clock, it’s nearly 5:30. Ava’s shop officially closed thirty minutes ago, but I know she’s still inside, probably reorganizing shelves, catching up on her own admin work, or, more likely, lost in the pages of a book.
It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve passed by and found her curled up on one of the big armchairs, a blanket thrown over her, sound asleep with a novel open on her chest.
The first time that happened, I scared her half to death knocking on the glass, trying to wake her up and get her home. After that, she gave me a spare key, just in case.
It’s Friday, and I know she has an artist showcase tomorrow. One of the things that sets Books & Beans apart is Ava’s devotion to highlighting local talent, not just indie authors, but painters, photographers, sculptors, you name it. If someone shows up at her door with something creative and nowhere to show it, she gives them a platform.
Almost altruistically. I say "almost" because the tiny percentage she takes wouldn’t even cover the cost of a single Sweet & Spicy cupcake. Tomorrow’s feature is a local photographer, if I remember right.
We were supposed to hang out tonight, watch a movie, order food, but since I didn’t swing by for my afternoon coffee like I usually do, we never nailed down the plan.
Me:Hi, beautiful. What do you want with the movie tonight, pizza or Chinese food?
Baby Girl_ Ava:Hey, Big Guy. Uh, do you even know me? You know I can't choose. Anything's fine.
Classic Ava. She’s never been able to decide between her two favorite foods. That message has me smiling.
For a moment earlier, I worried that the hug, the emotions, and the way she buried her face in my neck might make things weird between us. It took everything in me not to pull her closer and press my lips to the top of her head.
Me:So, how about you take your nose out of whatever book you're reading, pack up, and I’ll pick you up with the food?
Baby Girl_ Ava:How do you know I’m reading?
Me:Because I know you, babe.
She doesn’t reply right away, but I can imagine the little smile tugging at her lips as she reads my message. Two minutes later, my phone buzzes again.
Baby Girl_ Ava:Okay, fine, you win. Come get me, but only if you promise to carry the food, I’ve had enough lifting books for one day.
Me:Deal. Be there in a few.
I quickly clean up my office, grab my car keys, and head for the exit. I'm about to head out the door when I notice Asher still in his studio.
"Hey, I didn't know you were still here."
"Yeah, I'm trying to finish a design for a client who's coming this week. Are you done with the tedious admin work?" he asks, without looking up from his iPad.
"Nope, I still have some more, but I'm meeting Ava for a movie and dinner at her house."
"A movie and dinner at home, what a... boyfriend and girlfriend plan?" This time he raises his head to look at me with amusement in his eyes and raised eyebrows.
"Don't be an idiot, it's what we do practically every Friday," I say, trying to defend myself, but even I realize how little that defends my point of view.
"What you just said does absolutely nothing to refute what I said."
“Okay, okay, whatever you say. I'm leaving. Lock the door properly before you leave,” I say. He's not wrong, I know. But what am I supposed to do?
***
When I stop in front ofBooks & Beans, some of the lights are still on, casting a warm glow over the small space they illuminate. Ava is behind the counter, with a couple of electric candles lit. It was hard for me to get her to use the electric ones instead of real ones. I was afraid she'd fall asleep with them lit, and with the amount of paper and wood in that store, they'd burn with her inside.
She's curled up in a blanket, barefoot, jotting something down in her notebook, and she looks so peaceful, so pretty, so damn mine.
I walk up the four steps and knock softly on the glass door. Ava looks up, and as soon as she sees me, her face lights up with a smile that would outshine even the Arrakis sun.
She comes around the counter and opens the door for me, still wearing her blanket and smiling.
