*Olivia*


    Ava studied my wide, panicked eyes, and her cheeks reddened with embarrassment.


    “I…I’m sorry,” Ava stuttered. “It seems like I’ve put my foot in my mouth. I seem to always be doing that.” Her eyes bounced between Alexander and I like a tennis ball. “Let’s talk about something else.” Ava’s voice was too bright and cheery.


    Alexander turned to me like he was waiting for me to say something, but I averted my eyes. My stomach was full of butterflies, and my leg bounced.


    “That was a great suggestion, Ava,” his deep voice rumbled from the side of me. “But Olivia isn’t brave enough to marry me.”


    My head shot up, and indignation flowed through me. He thought I wasn’t brave?


    Our eyes met, and energy sparked to life between us. Alexander raised one of his eyebrows as if waiting for me to prove him wrong.


    But I couldn’t. Because at the end of the day, did I have enough courage to marry Alexander after how poorly my first marriage turned out? Even if the marriage was only for show?


    Alexander’s jaw clenched, and the awkward silence stretched among the three of us, turning more ufortable with each second that passed.


    “Is that all it takes to get married…courage?” Ava asked, attempting to


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    break the silence.


    I swallowed nervously and peaked over at Alexander. His hands were clenched on top of the table. He gave me one more searching look, scowled, and then rose from his chair. Then Alexander left the room


    without another word.


    I cut my eyes to Ava and nodded in the direction of stairs. She understood, and we hurriedly collected our things.


    “Goodnight, Mike!” I called as we rushed down the stairs. “Thanks for everything.”


    Once Ava and I were alone downstairs, I gently whacked her arm.


    “What was that all about?” I hissed and gestured upstairs “Why would you put me on the spot like that?”


    Ava flushed. “I’m so sorry. You know that I always just say the first thing thates out of my mouth.”


    I sighed, dropped my bags on the floor, and rubbed my temples. But Ava’s wide eyes were filled with remorse, and I couldn’t stay mad at her.


    “It’s alright,” I said and gave her a small smile. “I know you didn’t have any ill intentions. Just next time, think before you speak.”


    Ava nodded and assured me she would.


    I did a quick load ofundry and took a shower. Since Ava was spending the night, she yed on her phone as I prepared for bed. I sighed in relief as I slipped into the cool sheets of my own soft bed.


    Ava came over to sit beside me. The uncertain expression on her face made me slightly nervous.


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    Right after I shut the bedroom light off, Ava cleared her throat.


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    “How do you actually feel about Ethan getting married to Chloe? Now that it’s just us two,” she asked, her words drifting through the dark


    room.


    “Let’s put it this way,” I replied in azy tone. “I’m thankful that you didn’t tell me before I ate my ravioli because disgusting news like that would have ruined a delicious meal.”


    She let out a sigh of relief. “Good, I’m d to hear that. I’m scared that those two assholes are going to cause a lot of problems when they get married…I really don’t want them to negatively affect you.”


    “Thank you for thinking of me,” I said.


    We were quiet for a few moments, and my eyes fluttered closed.


    “You know…” Ava trailed off. “You should give Alexander a chance. He’s so charming and handsome. Honestly, that man looks delicious.”


    My eyes flew open, and my cheeks warmed. “He looks delicious? Would he eat me or would I eat him?” I teased, trying to lighten the serious mood. “We wouldn’t fit together. It would be like a gazelle trying to eat a lion in the savannah. It just doesn’t happen.”


    She chuckled. “It doesn’t matter who eats who. Not when the feelinges over you guys. Then, animal instinct takes over.


    <i>” </i>


    I squinted. “You should focus on your love life instead of mine. You giving me rtionship advice is like someone who’s never driven before teaching a Driver’s Education ss.”


    Even in the dark room, I saw Ava’s cheeks go red.


    ***


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    In the morning, my rm went off, and I groaned. The flight had messed up my routine. I was used to going to bed at three in the morning and waking up at eight to go to work. I shouldn’t feel this tired.


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