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After looking through my closet, I pulled out a black dress with short sleeves that stopped at my mid-thigh. I quickly wrapped my hair into a messy bun. I didn't put on heavy makeup since there was nothing to hide on my face anymore.

I paired my dress with matching sneakers. I hated wearing heels, and going by my luck, I might never have to wear them anymore. After grabbing a coat to protect me from the chilly weather, I slipped on a pair of dark shades to shield my face.

When I settled into the car Knox had told me I could use whenever I wanted to, I hesitated before driving out. This was my first time heading out alone since leaving Derek. It wasn't that I was afraid he would be there, but more about the fact that I couldn't shake off the anxiety.

Letting out a hiss, I dismissed the thought from my mind. Derek didn't get to hurt me again. He didn't know where I was, and he would never find me.

I started the car and drove out of the house.

****

Ava practically tackled me when she saw me. I barely had time to put my bag down before her arms wrapped around me.

I froze. She'd never hugged me this way before, preferring to keep a respectable distance between us, especially when I started acting weird.

Slowly, I hugged her back.

“You look good,” she said, pulling back to assess me.

I chuckled. “You said I looked terrible before.”

Ava frowned. “Wren.” The seriousness in her face made me quiet. “I’m just saying ... you look like you.”

That almost broke me. I pouted, grabbed her hand, and made us take our seats. After the barista got our drink orders, we drank in silence for a few minutes, just openly admiring each other.

I wasn't the only one looking good. Ava had thrown on a mint-green crop top that exposed her belly button, with a miniskirt. Her fashion taste was one I deeply loved.

The silence eased, and we started talking about work. She told me about all the animals that were brought in in my absence. People at the clinic, and small things I'd missed.

Ava tilted her head. “So?”

I raised a brow. “So what?”

She placed her drink down and leaned forward. “Who is he?”

My entire face heated. “What?”

She laughed. “Wren, don't play in my face.”

“There is no who.”

“There is absolutely a who.”

I looked down at my cup.

Ava smiled. “Oh my God.”

“What?”

“You’re smiling.”

I immediately stopped. “I am not.”

“You are.”

I looked away.

She leaned closer. “Tell me? Who's got you driving that expensive car?”