She fought her grimace at the memory. “I try to forget about that. Thanks for the reminder.”
Matt clinked his tumbler against her own, and they both straightened in their seats when Owen walked onto the stage. She brushed away the flare of annoyance when Tori pulled him into a big hug before handing over the microphone and leaving the stage. A projector lit up with Owen’s presentation, the first slide an image of the Agatha Building back in its prime, when it still operated as the town’s original bed-and-breakfast.
Owen scanned the crowd, and Ava instinctively knew he was searching for her. Only when he spotted her and their eyes locked did he lift the microphone to speak.
“Thank you, Tori, for the introduction. Many of you know me already as the owner of The Early Bird Café. My restaurant has served the community of Cedar Falls for over fifty years as it’s been passed down through my family. Not unlike the Agatha Building that was around for even longer before an unfortunate snowstorm left it abandoned for most of my life.
“A few months ago, I was reminded of how important it is to not only remember our past but also embrace it so we can build the future we want. For ourselves, our children, and the generations to come. That’s what inspired me to buy the building, and I’m excited to announce it will reopen as a bed-and-breakfast in the coming months. All of you made this possible, along with the grant funds provided by the Cedar Falls Historical Society.”
Owen paused in his speech and the crowd launched into a round of applause that filled Ava with pride. She took another small sip of her drink, this time appreciating the burn that canceled out the emotion climbing up her throat. Owen continued, diving into the renovation process.
Matt leaned toward Ava. “You know he bought the place because of you,” he said, just loud enough for the two of them to hear.
Ava glanced at him from the corner of her eye, not wanting to miss Owen. “I’m aware,” she whispered back.
Matt didn’t respond, but she knew a leading statement when she heard it, and Matt wasn’t one to bite his tongue. She spared him a quick look.
“Say it. I know you have an opinion you want to share.”
“Not an opinion. A request.”
Ava shifted slightly toward him to show she was listening, while not taking her eyes off Owen.
“I know I’m an ass for saying this but be careful. Whatever it is you guys are doing, Owen’s fucked for you. Always has been. Just … please don’t break his heart again. There’s so much more at stake this time around.”
Indignation welled inside her, the desire to defend herself on the tip of her tongue. But she said nothing, giving him an understanding nod. Owen deserved to hear her decision before Matt. She couldn’t be upset his best friend was looking out for him, even if he didn’t have all the information.
“Thank you all for your attention and support tonight. I’ll leave you all with a final reveal: the new name and soft grand opening dates.”
The presentation changed to the last slide, a mockup of the finished renovation with the new sign out front. Owen sought her in the crowd once more, holding her gaze at his next words.
“Birdie’s Bed and Breakfast will start accepting reservations this October, with a soft grand opening planned for Labor Day weekend.”
Ava’s breath stuttered to a stop at the depth of affection on his face.
“Stay tuned for more details. Thank you again, everyone, and we appreciate your generous support of the Cedar Falls Historical Society.”
The room erupted in applause, and the tittering of whispers amongst the tables started. Ava could feel eyes on her coming from all directions, the name of the bed-and-breakfast a not-so-subtle commemoration of her name.
Matt gave her a loaded look as if to prove his earlier point but said nothing further. He didn’t have to. The gravity of the situation had never been clearer.
Owen left the stage, and Matt and Ava stood to greet him as he approached the table. She hoped the tension between her and Matt wasn’t as obvious as it felt to her.
Matt pulled Owen into a back-slapping hug. “Proud of you, O. And you didn’t stutter once. Knew you could do it,” Matt said.
Owen shook his head at his friend. “Appreciate your confidence in me.”
Owen stepped around Matt and Ava gratefully accepted his arms around her, holding her close. She circled her arms around his waist and buried her head under his chin, careful not to smudge her makeup too much.
“You did great, Owen,” she said.
Owen shifted to rest his cheek on the top of her head, his arms tightening around her. “You’re my inspiration, Ava. I never would've done this without you.”
The murmurs and hum of conversation faded away as the live band began playing.
He kissed the top of her head, and they broke apart.
Matt clapped Owen’s shoulder, saving Ava from his full attention as she pulled herself together.
