My eyebrows pinched together. “What’s that mean?”
“It means maybe she will accept the stuff in your past because I’m pretty sure she’s hiding something.”
I leaned forward, bobbing my head. “Yes. An abusive ex who probably made her life miserable and made her afraid to trust another man.”
Ava shifted her gaze to the marbled countertop, her lips puckering.
“What?” I prompted.
She lifted her shoulders, shaking her head. “Nothing. I just don’t think that’s it.”
“What?” I scoffed, spreading my arms to the sides. “Ava, she has all the symptoms of a battered woman. Come on.”
Ava really didn’t like Nattie for some reason. How could she not see what I saw?
“Look, I’m not saying she was not abused. But I don’t think that’s everything that’s going on here,” Ava answered. “What was your question?”
I puffed out a breath, my heart thudding a little harder. “Did you two have an immediate connection?”
Alex and Ava shared a glance before Ava shrugged. “Yeah, probably.”
“I mean, I did,” Alex answered with a shrug as he grinned at Ava. “I think I can still remember every word you said in that coffee shop.”
“Okay, so I’m not completely crazy feeling this connection with her, right?” I asked, my voice pleading as I hoped for the answer I wanted.
“I get that you feel a connection, but, Doc,” Ava said as she slid her arm across the table toward me, “that doesn’t mean it’ll be smooth sailing.”
I hung my head. “I know. Because I have this awful past…”
I flung my hands in the air as I paced the tiled floor.
“That’s not it. Your past isn’tthatbad, Doc.”
“And I don’t think hers is either,” I shot back.
“Let’s find out,” Alex said. “I just need a picture.”
“Picture’s worth a thousand words,” I murmured.
“Or a file full of information that tells us exactly what happened in her past.”
I set my hands on my hips, wondering if what we found would prove me right or wrong. Guilt roiled inside me. I was digging into her past while refusing to tell her about mine. I slid my eyes closed. This relationship was not starting off well. And it was my fault.
Before we could discuss anything any further, footsteps shuffled toward us. My muscles stiffened, my chest constricting as Nattie entered.
“Good morning,” she said as she glanced at us, her eyes landing on Ava.
She quickly flicked her gaze away, settling her focus on me.
“Uh,” I said, nearly tripping as I raced to the stove to turn on the kettle. “I have everything ready for your tea.”
“Aww, thank you, Kyle,” she said with a grin.
“Of course,” I said, trying not to be distracted by Alex and Ava who attempted to get a picture of her. “So, how did you sleep?”
“Wonderfully,” she answered, and I detected that odd hint of an accent again. She twisted to face Alex and Ava who quickly lowered their phones. “Thank you so very much for allowing me to stay here. The bed is simply marvelous.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Although, it wouldn’t take much to beat out the BeachRider,” Alex said with a chuckle.
