AVERY:Everything is fine. Cole and I are okay. Good luck heading to school tomorrow, and keep in touch this semester!
She let out a deep breath and her whole body relaxed with the news they were okay. She didn’t need the details, but maybe one day she’d find out what happened.
25
Present year, six months after Bridget’s wedding…
HAILEY AND AVERY WERE walking around the big box bookstore near their town having their own book date. Every so often, they’d walk the aisles together or separately and pick out a book or two for each other to read. They stuck to each other’s favorite genres, but otherwise it was like their own blind date with a book. Both of them ecstatic to not have to go on real blind dates. The horror.
Hailey was browsing the dystopian titles when her phone buzzed in her pocket.
AVERY:Got my picks for you, just waiting at the front. Take your time! :)
She smiled to herself, texted him back that she was almost done and then returned her attention to the two books she was deciding between. Neil Shusterman is always a safe bet so she reshelved the other, then took the long way around the store to avoid Avery being able to see what was in her hands.
One day, she hoped she’d see her book on one of these shelves. She finally finished it and it was actually selling well online as an indie novel. People were already clamoring for the sequel and she was halfway finished with it. A couple of romance authors she wasn’t too familiar with shared it with their followers and that helped a lot. Although, she wasn’t sure how she got their attention since hers was more of a fantasy with a romance element. Authors helping authors, she guessed.
As she strode up to the counter, she saw him idling by a table at the front, browsing the covers of new releases. She let out a contented sigh just watching him.
“Ready to check out?” the young teen at the checkout counter asked. She zoned out again checking out Avery. It happened a lot these days now that she didn’t have to hide sneaking peeks at him.
Her purchase safely concealed in her bag, she thanked the clerk and made her way over to Avery. He made sure to keep his eyes away from the checkout counter so he wouldn’t ruin her surprise and she did the same for him if she finished first. They really took theirsurprises seriously.
Sneaking up behind him, she snaked her arms around his waist and peeked around his shoulder to see what he was checking out.
“See anything worth taking home?” she asked as he turned in her arms to face her and brought his arms to her hips.
Looking intently into her gaze, he said, “Now I do.”
The smile that broke across Hailey’s face was blinding. “Well, let’s get out of here then, handsome.”
They turned to the doors, Avery keeping an arm around her waist while Hailey’s hand splayed across his back.
They made their way to Avery’s car and discussed what to grab for dinner later, deciding on Chinese because they were both craving some crab rangoon.
Hailey took another peek in her bag at the book she chose for Avery and quickly shut it again in case he glanced over.
“This book is going to blow your mind. I totally am going to win this round.”
They turned their blind dates with a book into little competitions, usually for just little favors.
Avery stole a glance her way before turning his gaze back to the road. “I don’t know, I think you’re going to like the one I picked out for you way more.”
“I guess we’ll see. If I win, you have to fold mylaundry next time you’re over my house.”
Hailey’s depression wasn’t completely gone, but her moods were loads better than before. She still had trouble getting chores done most days, and laundry was still the bane of her existence.
“And If I win, you have to buy something pretty to wear for me.”
Hailey’s jaw dropped before she closed it again. It wasn’t a typical request from Avery, who was turned on by her in soccer shorts and a T-shirt most of the time. Okay, all of the time.
“Something pretty, huh? You mean like lingerie?” she said while wagging her eyebrows at him, not that he could see.
“Actually, I have something specific in mind. I’ll let you know when I win.”
Hailey’s eyes widened. “Damn, you are cocky about this one. Now, I’m really intrigued. Drive home faster!”
Avery laughed as he maintained his speed. They were only a few minutes from his home anyway.
