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Christmas time in Chicago is quite special if you're open to the holiday spirit. Garland and lights hang off the ceiling of bars and stores that sell knick-knacks and greeting cards, and Millenium Park hosts its tree lighting ceremony right after Thanksgiving. If you're lucky, you might catch a song or two sung by carolers donning Victorian garb or catch Santa on the L train as it passes through overhead.
It was two weeks before Christmas and though cold, it still hadn't snowed yet this month. Remnants of a November blizzard still lay upon the ground in hard chunks of ice that had lost its magical luster long ago. Each breath produced a thick fog in every exhale and long icicles hung from buildings due to the scattered weather patterns of the midwest.
I'd been so busy with work over the last several weeks as I took on a client looking to reduce costs. Designing robotic parts that would ensure efficiency began making me see the world in a very stiff and mechanical way. Luckily, I had some vacation I'd put in some time ago and could focus on anything other than gears or machines, but at this point, I didn't really want to talk to anybody other than my friend at the banh mi place down the block.
The truth behind throwing myself into work was I'd been keeping myself preoccupied in order to forget about Ava for a little while. It wasn't working, though. I hadn't talked to her since the night I dropped her off back in October and true to my word, I was giving her space. But as the weeks turned into months, and holidays began to pass, I began wondering if I'd ever have the chance to hear from her again.
I thought I saw her one evening as I walked home from the train. There was a young woman standing at the bus stop with her nose in a book. My heart thudded against my chest as I grew closer, only to deflate like a released balloon the moment I realized it wasn't her. When I laid in bed that night, I wondered why and how she'd seared herself into my thoughts. We'd only spent two and a half days together and I already envisioned showing her my apartment and taking her to that witchy bookstore I told her about.
But maybe she didn't feel the same after returning. Or maybe I was wishing on something that never really transcended the inside of my truck, only to dissipate the moment a brief wind sucked what was left out the window. I tried to remind myself that she'd been gone for ten years and her family was her priority, but there was no solace to be found when I caught myself looking at the pictures she took of us in the Rocky Mountains.
When I got home from work, my orange tabby, Cheeto, rubbed up against my leg. I picked him up and walked to the window in the living room to watch the final moments of a setting sun.
"What will we do with ten whole days off work?" I asked.
Cheeto gave a cry and nudged my chin with his head.
The next morning, I rose early and went to the gym before coming home to clean up and plan out my day. My friends were going to a pop-up bar, but I passed as the idea of spending twelve dollars on a drink seemed unappealing. My mom called me to ask what I wanted for Christmas, but when I told her nothing, she said, "socks it is."
By mid afternoon, I had taken out all the pieces of a new walnut veneer sideboard that had been sitting in its box for about three months. I would finally put it together like I'd been meaning to since its purchase. But before getting started, I saw my phone light up across the carpet. I laid down and extended my arm to it, growing comfortable on my back. The moment I saw who it was from, I snapped up and held my breath.
Ava's picture and a short text made my insides quiver like I'd missed a step.
Hey Charlie-I haven't forgotten about you.
I swallowed hard and tried to contain the grin that formed on my face. Unsure if I should reply right away or play it cool, my wants overwhelmed any inclination towards replying in a much more leisurely way.
"Ava. It's nice to hear from you. I hope you're doing well.
I laid back down as I saw the three dots signifying a response and waited impatiently. She said she was sorry it'd been a long time, as reuniting with her family spilled into seeing old friends and others she left behind. I was happy to hear so, and I told her it sounded like things went better than she expected when I last saw her.
Even so, I find myself thinking of you often. I know it's the holidays and you have your own life, but would you be interested in meeting for a coffee tomorrow?
I would have cancelled brunch with Jesus Christ himself to see her.
Of course. Just let me know where and when.
We made plans to meet at a cafe in Lincoln Square the next morning and she ended the short conversation by saying she had been looking forward to seeing me for a while. Suddenly, the sideboard could wait. I stood at my kitchen island and stared off into emptiness while I tried to gauge the vibe for this meeting. Clearly I still felt something deeper for her after our emotional journey back to the midwest.
I decided I'd go into this with my expectations low in case she didn't feel the same anymore. Oh, but how I hoped she did. She did say she thought of me-that was a good sign. I sighed and slapped my hands on the granite as reality sunk in. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.
***
I drove my truck to the cafe and parked down the street from the square. A wreath hung from every lightpost all along the storefronts. The soft chime of bells sounded as I walked into the small, but comfortable space. Each wall was adorned with festive decorations, but my eyes immediately went to the woman at a wooden table by the window facing the street.
Her back was turned but she had long chestnut hair past her shoulders. A large knitted sweater kept her warm and expensive snow boots were crossed at the ankle while she read a book. It looked like she was making notes in the margins with a pencil. I slowly approached and spoke in a soft voice.
"Ava?"
A beautiful pair of blue eyes turned and softened at my image. Ava got up and embraced me hard and intentionally with a laugh.
"Charlie! I've missed you." She pulled away, but held onto my coat. "Hmm. You know, this is nice, but I still prefer the desert look."
I blushed and realized my hands were still around her waist, which I quickly took away. "I'm gonna get a coffee, then I'll come sit with you."
"Okay," she said. "I'm so glad to see you."
I ordered a latte while my heart pounded furiously. She somehow she'd grown even more breathtaking since last seeing her. But at the same time, nothing had changed-she was still effervescent and full of life. Trying not to give away my nerves, I held my mug with two hands as I approached the table and sat down.
Ava gave a smile. "Did you miss me?"
"Oh!" I laughed and looked away. "Maybe a little bit. But... you seem really good."
"I am," she said. "It took a few days for the shock to wear off of my parents, but then we were really able to talk about things. They apologized, I apologized... it's a long story. But we decided to start over completely. So, I'm still living with them while getting things together. I also start a new semester at UIC next month."
I shook my head. "Ava, that's amazing! I'm so happy to hear that."
"Thanks," she replied. "And I know I told you I was afraid I'd have no friends when I came back, but when my old high school group heard I returned, a lot of them came to see me. Then Thanksgiving came around and of course, everyone there wanted to know what I'd been up to the last ten years. It's been a lot of catching up."
I gave a knowing nod. "It's good though. A great deal of people love you."
She played with her pencil and kept her gaze. Its allure was almost too strong to breathe in. "Thank you, Charlie. But like I said, I didn't forget you. In fact, I told a lot of people about you."
"Did you?" I felt a rush of adrenaline. "What about?"
"How you saved me from the desert and took me to my front doorstep. My mom calls you the Mojave angel."
I threw my head back and laughed. The idea was quite silly, but pleased me all the same. "I fear I have a reputation to live up to now."
The bells chimed as a group of girls left, sending a gust of cold air inside the cafe.
"I obviously didn't tell them about... everything," said Ava. Her smile turned bashful.
I warmed both hands around my latte and tried to appear nonchalant. "Thats all right. Maybe it'll just be our little secret. What happens in the west, stays in the west."
Ava chewed on her lip and peeled back the corner of her book cover. It appeared as though her humor had been surrendered to the cold air. "I've been thinking a lot about that and I disagree. Is your offer of a date still on the table?"
"Of course," I said breathlessly and with unfeigned desperation. "Tonight?"
"Regarding that..." Ava's expression turned quite embarrassed. "I know this is like a tenth date request, but my parents are dying to meet you. "You can say no, of course." She made an exasperated noise. "God, I feel like a teenager again."
I couldn't help but crack a smile. "They want to know who the Mojave angel is?"
She nodded.
"Okay," I sighed. "As long as you'll be there."
"You're so sweet." She leaned over the table and took my hand. "I promise if you do this thing for me, I'll make it worth your while." She raised an eyebrow causing me to adjust in my seat as I tried to decipher her meaning.
We planned for me to stop by her house around six for dinner in Bucktown. As I got ready and stared at the clock, I felt a sense of agitation gnaw at me like a vulture feasting on a carcass. It was either anxiety or excitement that propelled me as I fumbled with getting dressed and made the decision not to show up empty handed.
At six on the dot, I rang the doorbell with flowers in one hand and wine in the other. Maybe I went overboard with making a good impression. But who was I trying to impress? It's not like this was a date. Or was it? Before I could contemplate further, the door opened and Ava greeted me with a surprised smile.
"You come bearing gifts."
"Yeah," I said. "Actually these are for your Mom."
She ushered me inside the small foyer and I stepped into what appeared to be the massive living room. Crystal light fixtures hung on the wall and a fireplace roared underneath a stone mantlepiece.
"Jesus Christ," I muttered as I took in the huge staircase peeking out of the next room.
Ava touched my arm lightly. "I know."
We made our way to the dining area where a woman walked out wearing a similar smile to Ava's. She was greying, but her face was still quite youthful. Assuming her to be Ava's mom, I held out the flowers and realized I had no idea what Ava's last name was.
"These are for you... ma'am."
The woman gasped and took the bouquet. "Roses and amaryllis. So beautiful, thank you." She wrapped her arms around me in a surprisingly tender hug. "You can call me Grace. I've been waiting to meet you to thank you for what you did. Surely dinner isn't enough."
"It was my pleasure," I said. "Really." I looked over to Ava and offered a sincere expression.
Soon, her dad, Burt, came to meet me, and we spoke mostly about my job, which he took an interest in. He rubbed his beard and asked a handful of questions about my current project, which I had been trying to refrain from thinking about.
But dinner was quite lovely and I felt myself loosening up as they opened the wine I brought. By dessert, I was regaling them with a story from my younger years knowing I'd make them laugh. At one point, I realized Ava's hand was high up on my thigh underneath the tablecloth, but I remained composed.
After eating, Burt invited me to his office to show me some of his framed blueprints he thought I might like. Ava followed us upstairs and told me to come to her room for a look when I was done, which ignited a small torch in my belly with hope. I was feeling great as Burt led me to the dark room resembling a library more than anything. But when he shut the door, I suddenly grew quite ill at ease.
"You did something for Grace and I that we'd prayed over for ten years," he said.
I shook my head. "I mean... I saw someone who needed help. And I liked having her with me. I'm quite serious when I say it was my pleasure."
He sighed and stuck hands inside his chino pockets as he drew closer. "Like Grace suggests, dinner is nothing in return for your kindness."
"I'm not asking for anything, sir," I said more flatly. "I really enjoy Ava's company. If anything, her friendship is the payoff for doing such a thing."
The older man looked serious and exhaled slowly out of his nose. "How about ten thousand dollars?"
I couldn't hold in my stutters. The things I could do with that money. After trying to get my thoughts in order I pulled nervously on my shirt. "That would be beyond generous."
"I could write you a check right now," he said. "Ava doesn't have to know."
His words went sour in my stomach. This didn't seem right. Even if she were to know, I would always wonder if she perceived my affection and friendship as being motivated by her father's money. I bit my lip knowing I wouldn't like the words that were about to escape them.
"I can't do that. I'm very thankful you would even consider such a thing, but I'm gonna have to turn you down."
Burt tilted his head as he studied me, as if he were trying to figure out what exactly my intentions were with his daughter, but eventually he gave a nod. "You're very noble, Charlie. I don't think you'd be a good fit in my field."
At the top of the stairs, he urged me to join him and Grace for a drink when I was done seeing Ava's room, and my face remained as innocent looking as it possibly could. I walked down to the farthest door and knocked before entering.
Ava opened the door to greet me and shut it behind us. I walked in and looked around, thinking how fortunate she was that her room remained untouched after so long. When I turned towards her, we both gazed at one another as though we hoped the other would start a conversation.
"You look really pretty," I finally said as I leaned against the wall.
She pulled at her sweater and tossed back her hair. "Thanks. And you were right, you do clean up nicely."
I remembered our conversation and smiled. "But still nothing compared to how I look sweating my ass off in the middle of the desert?"
"No," she laughed. After a moment, she drew close to me and tugged at the ends of my shirt while staring at her hands. But her eyes slowly looked up at mine and I just about lost myself in them. Before another thought, she pinned me against the wall to kiss me passionately.
"I've been waiting for this since the night you dropped me off," she said between pants. Her tongue danced with mine in a fever.
I felt a surge from the heels of my feet to the front of my jeans and wrapped my arms around her while I guided her towards her bed. After falling against the covers and laying against her, I couldn't help but stop and chuckle.
"What's so funny?" she asked, pulling away with a smile.
I looked around her very feminine room once more. "It's just... we're thirty years old making out in your bedroom while your parents are expecting us downstairs."
"I told you I feel like a teenager," she said. "Please don't hold it against me."
My hand rubbed through her pants. "I kind of like it. But it's gonna be hard not to think about all the things I've been waiting to do to you."
Ava sighed and closed her eyes. "I don't think I can wait much longer. Forget the date, I'm coming home with you tonight."
"Oh yeah?" I asked, feeling energized by her insistence. Not being able to resist and working unopposed, my fingers unbuttoned the top of her jeans and slipped under them. I could feel how wet she was and grew very aware of my own arousal. As I slowly stroked her clit, she ran her hands over my shoulders.
"Let's be quick. I want to feel you inside me."
I didn't need to be told twice. I did as she said, bringing my lips to her ear as I thrusted.
"I know how much noise you like to make, but we don't want Mom and Dad to hear us."
Ava moaned softly and gripped my shirt as she raised her hips into my hand. I slid my other hand behind her head and grabbed a fistful of her beautiful hair, tugging it gently.
"Oh God, I'm gonna come already," she breathed. As her exhales grew short and her fingers wrapped around my collar, I removed my hand before she could finish.
She opened her eyes and spoke sharply. "What are you doing?"
"Not yet," I said. "I'll take care of you later. Plus, I kind of like knowing you're gonna be all hot and bothered until I can touch you again."
Ava's look of surprise faded into humor, though she shook her head as her breath settled. "Two months since I've seen you and you're making me wait. It better be worth it."
I kissed her hard and pressed our bodies together before standing up to smooth out my shirt. "Shall we?"
We made our way downstairs to rejoin her parents in the living room. While we chatted, I could tell how restless Ava was growing and it turned me on each time she uncomfortably crossed her legs. Finally, she informed Burt and Grace that we had plans and she was ready to go, leaving me to come up with a lie on the spot about seeing zoo lights in Lincoln Park. I'm sure they thought it rather strange, but I was just focused on bringing Ava back to my apartment.
After a bone-crushing hug from Grace and a firm handshake with Burt, I wished them a merry Christmas and walked out into the chilly night.
"Did you drive?" asked Ava, her voice full of hope.
I nodded. "Sure did."
When we got into my car, Ava gave a pleased smile as her hand ran up and down the cushion. "I missed this."
"My truck?" I asked.
She looked contemplative, then shook her head. "No, I really missed sitting next to you."
At first, I attempted to return a smile, but all I could offer was an expression of unbridled desire. I pulled her towards me for a kiss, which she hungrily reciprocated. As she began climbing on my lap, her hand laid on the horn, causing both of us to jump.
"Maybe I should just drive," I said.
After I turned on the engine and pulled out of my parking spot, Ava sat next to me with her hand on my leg. I lived in Irving Park, so the drive was nice and short, but she kissed my neck and squeezed my thigh the whole ride, making the journey quite stuffy.
Leading her inside my apartment, I hung up our coats, and my cat immediately rubbed himself on her feet. I quietly cursed him for causing a distraction.
"That's Cheeto. He's friendly as you can tell."
Ava kneeled down and gave him a few pets. "Oh he's so handsome and sweet. I can tell he takes after you."
The shadows were too dark for her to see my blushing, but I chuckled. "Don't mind the unassembled furniture. I'm gonna get to it one of these days."
"It looks like taking everything out of the box was its own challenge," she said. "If you leave it just sitting here on your carpet you could almost call it avant garde."
"Come on." I gave a laugh and motioned her to follow me.
I took her to my bedroom and shut the door, feeling a sudden sense of nervousness that wasn't there before. And it appeared she felt similarly, because it seemed she had nothing to say.
"I can't tell you how happy I was to hear from you," I whispered. "I mean, we hardly know one another but... it doesn't feel that way does it?"
She shook her head.
Remembering the money her father offered me didn't give me a sense of loss. But it made me realize our short time together meant much more to me than I realized while it was happening.
But before I could say anything else, Ava pushed me against the door and kissed me deeply. Her hands pressed against my chest and slid to my waistband, undoing the button and fly. She stepped away and dropped to her knees, licking her lips as she pulled at my jeans.
I held my breath as she pushed them down along with my boyshorts until her hands were rubbing along bare skin. She gave a soft laugh.
"You're already trembling but I haven't done anything yet."
I felt a little embarrassed to be called out, but took a deep breath and shrugged.
"I guess I'm just remembering how good it felt the last time you did it."
Ava smiled and kept her gaze as her tongue thrusted inside of me. It was as if she was confident her mouth could fuck me better than fingers ever could. When she slipped out to flick against my clit and bring it between her pink lips, I gripped the back of her head and wrapped her hair around my fingers.
She pulled away for a moment. "I fucked myself thinking of doing this to you on more than one occasion. But you were a little rougher." The corner of her brow raised slightly.
Pulling her hair back to tilt her chin, I bent over to taste myself with a breathy kiss. Then I leaned against the door once more and used both hands to forcefully guide her back to my throbbing clit, which she savored like she was starved for it.
"Oh Jesus," I whispered. I began to roll into her and press her harder into me as she dug fingers into my hips. My head fell back as a climax surfaced, pulsating like a heart beat deep within my bones.
"Fuck... keep going." As I thrusted into her mouth, I felt the muscles in my thighs tense and my orgasm hit me in waves that caused me to rock on my heels.
Ava sucked me until I shuddered and withdrew my hands, which she used to pull
herself back up.
"So sexy." She gave me a quick kiss as I caught my breath. "Let's do your fantasy
now, I know you thought of me too."
"Okay," I said with a hitch in my inhale. "Take everything off and get on the bed."
She rubbed a hand along my chest. "Mmm yes sir." Taking a step back, she began
undressing in front of me as I stood there watching with my pants shoved down to my knees.
"Are you gonna just stare at me?" she asked with a smile.
My eyes drifted from her stiff nipples to her curious gaze. "Um... no. Sorry." I quickly unbuttoned my shirt to catch up and admired her as she effortlessly stripped away each layer like she was a dandelion losing its petals in a summer wind. She quietly sat on the bed and watched me while I finished.
When I was done, my heart thudded in my chest anticipating feeling her body against mine once again. Her dark eyes were almost luminous against the moonlight as they beckoned me towards her. She ran a few fingers along her silhouette as she laid back, resting both arms above her head.
I crawled between her legs, pressing myself against her before kissing her neck and holding her wrists in place. Her sigh in my ear was warm and invigorating.
"Is this your fantasy?" she asked.
I continued to bite at the delicate skin of her shoulder. "What? Kissing you like this?" "No, restraining me."
Finally, I looked up and met her gaze.
"I knew it." She smiled. "You seem like the type to go for some light bondage. Well go on then, tie me up."
"I don't know if that's exactly first date appropriate," I chuckled.
"Charlie..." She gave a sigh. "You met my parents tonight, I think we're way past that. Also I'm getting really turned on being held down by you right now, so I'm asking you nicely to tie me up and fuck me."
I looked at the spindles of my headboard. "Okay then. Hold on." Reaching into my bedside table, I procured silk restraints.
"No cuffs? Ava asked. "Or leather? Or straps?"
With shaking fingers, I began tying her wrists behind her and shook my head. "No, I wanted something a little more sensual."
She tugged at the fabric and chuckled. "You really are just a kitty cat on the inside." Her body stretched under mine and I slid a hand over the softness of her abdomen, causing her to clench.
I could feel goosebumps emerge under my finger tips as I ran a tongue from her navel to her perky nipples, which I bit and sucked until she whimpered. It was obvious she was still on edge from the fucking that didn't finish her off from earlier, as her hips were raised and squirming.
My hand cupped the heat of her pussy and she pushed herself into me. I brushed my lips against her ear and spoke softly.
"Do you trust me?"
Ava turned her head for a brief kiss. "I trusted you the moment we met."
Her response gave my heart a flutter, but I remained poised. Slowly, I rubbed her clit and returned her kiss, letting her soft moans enter my mouth. When I moved faster, her legs began to quiver and she closed her eyes.
"Oh fuck... keep going. I'm so close."
I worked methodically, making sure she could feel an orgasm forming in her pelvis. Her breaths grew shorter and her moans turned to cries, but I took my hand away and smiled when she gave me a destitute look.
"I should've known," she sighed, her chest heaving. "How long are you planning on teasing me for? Do you want me to beg?" She broke into a flirtatious grin. "I can get on my knees again."
"I won't torture you," I said with a smile. "But I assure you it'll be worth it." I brought two fingers to her lips, and she took them into her mouth before ending with a kiss to their tips.
"I'll tell you anything you want to know," she said playfully.
My curiosity began to wander and I considered all the possibilities. "What's your last name?"
"What?" she laughed. "That's your burning question? Alright, I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours. Thomas."
"Scott," I said.
She repeated mine, then nodded. "Next question."
I brushed a hair from her eye and thought for a moment. "Did you really think of me a lot over these last couple months?"
Ava looked as though she wasn't expecting the question and her seductive expression faded for a moment. "Probably much more than you thought of me. When I first got back, I was so overwhelmed with everything, I almost wished we were still on the road together sleeping in that shitty motel. You were the most comforting thing in my life in almost ten years and I guess I didn't really want to let that go."
She scrunched her brow. "Is that desperate?"
"No," I replied. "No-not at all. I thought about you a lot too. It seems we both needed each other's company. I'm glad you feel comfortable with me." My hand gripped her side where her curves met. "And I also thought about you before bed when my fingers would slip into my sweats."
Ava's hips began squirming again. "Oh yeah? What about? This?"
I kissed her neck below her earlobe. "No, I thought about steaming up my truck windows."
She laughed again but it quickly fell into sighs as my kisses traveled to her chest and stomach until I was inches away from her glistening opening.
When my tongue slid its way to her clit, I could hear her wrestling with the restraints. I began slowly, then worked a finger inside her, causing her to moan. She was dripping and warm. As I fucked and sucked her, she threw her legs over my shoulders and begged me not to stop.
"Oh God, Charlie... keep going. Please, please, keep going.."
At the very moment I felt her beginning to shiver, I pulled away.
"Fuck you!" she panted.
I leaned over her and shook my head. "We can stop whenever you want and I'll get you off!"
Ava bit her lip and grabbed at the spindles. "No, I still want to play your game. Sorry for cursing at you, you're just really good at driving me to the cusp of pain and pleasure."
"It's okay," I laughed. "I mean, you make it hard for me too. You've got a sexy body I'm dying to please. And I'm dying to get off now too. In fact..." Sitting back on my knees between her legs, I made sure she was watching, then I brought a hand to my slick clit and began to stroke.
Ava smiled and began fingering the soft silk of her restraints. "This is what's gonna take me over the edge. Touch me just a little... please."
I slid my other hand over her thigh knowing that wasn't what she was asking for, but it was all she was going to get. Surprised at the almost immediate feeling of a climax, I gripped her skin and heard her give a sharp inhale.
"Come for me. I want to see you finish." Ava's piercing stare was hypnotizing and her words added fuel to my self-stimulation.
"Fuck..." I felt every muscle in my lower body tense. It was like waiting for water to come to a full boil as it simmered along the edge. And in an instant, my release broke free and I spit a little through clenched teeth. It throbbed like pulsating stars on a dark night far away from the city. My shaking hands found the mattress as I hovered over Ava, and I closed my eyes for a moment seeing dots in my vision.
When I opened them, she had a lustful look on her face and exhaled slowly.
"God, that was so fucking hot. Come here."
I leaned over and kissed her hard feeling not all that surprised she nearly ripped my lower lip off with her teeth.
"Please," she whispered. "Fuck me. But start slow because I'm gonna come really hard."
Agreeing that she'd had enough, I gave in and brought my hand between us, slipping two fingers inside her.
"Oh God," she moaned. "You feel so fucking good."
I did as she asked and thrusted slowly, holding her whole body against mine as I moved. We swayed almost like we were caught in the tide of a calm ocean, laying against the beach as the water swelled around us.
When I thrusted faster, I could feel her beginning to tremble and knew an end was near. She made it clear as she didn't hold back with her moans.
"Charlie... fuck... harder... harder.... oh fuck, I'm gonna come." At the onset of finishing, she was breathless and shuddering, but as it settled, her groan was deep and guttural. I quickly released her hands from their restraints and rolled over to hold her to my chest as she near hyperventilated.
She clung to me for a long while and we laid there in silence while I watched a stretch of soft light highlight my ceiling. After some time, her grip loosened, and she tilted her head to kiss my cheek.
"That was nice."
"Nice?" I laughed. "Just nice?"
With a sigh, she nuzzled her face into my neck. "No. It was amazing. You were right. It was worth it."
We continued to lie in each other's arms and come down to earth. Eventually, I let Cheeto in and he slept in between us as we took turns petting him.
"Let's see," I said. "We've taken a road trip together, I met your parents, and we both acted out fantasies with one another but we still have yet to go on a single date?"
Ava smiled. "I've always been a little untraditional like that."
I scratched Cheeto's ears and he meowed softly. "That's all right, but I'm off all this week, maybe we could...?"
"I'd like that," she replied.
It was already quite late and I wasn't anticipating her leaving anytime soon, but I started to wonder if she was going to be missed.
"If you're staying over here, what are you gonna tell your parents? Won't they think it's strange that you're sleeping over at the Mojave angel's apartment?"
"Well... I don't know," she said. "Maybe I'll tell them the truth."
I raised my eyebrows. "And what's the truth?"
She looked away for a moment and played with the bedsheets. "That I really like you and you treat me nicely and..." She began to mutter. "Hopefully we can keep seeing each other."
"That's my intention," I said without hesitation. I waited until she found my gaze again and gave a smile. "I hope this isn't weird, but I already have a list of things I want to do together."
Her eyes widened and she sat up on her elbow. "Tell me!"
I began with the witchy bookstore then moved on to other things I'd imagined us doing ever since dropping her off back in October. I thought maybe it would be presumptuous, but Ava listened intently and nodded along to each one. Perhaps our meeting was serendipitous not just for those few days we were together, but for long term. I didn't want to get ahead of myself, though laying in bed talking about all the places we could travel to in my highboy truck gave me a sense of familiarity-like I'd known this woman all my life. And no money in the world could ever replace that. As strange as it was to feel this way, I knew whatever it was, I shouldn't let it go. Sure, we'd always have the west, but there was still room for so much more.
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