Chapter Thirteen

Ava

I'm securing one of the last few pictures onto my bulletin board at the end of the school day on Friday. The school day ended thirty minutes ago, and most of the staff has headed out for the weekend. My students have been anxious to see the finished bulletin board project with the photos they submitted last weekend.

I only had two not complete the extra credit assignment. One girl didn't have access to a phone. She seemed embarrassed as she told me her mom was gone Friday night, leaving her at home to watch her seven-year-old little sister, and even though she went outside and wanted to submit a photo, she didn't have access. I could tell she was upset by her lack of participation, and even though she really doesn't need the extra credit points, it meant something to her to partake.

That's when I asked her if she could draw it. Her eyes lit up in a way that gets to me. The disappointment and shame that once filled her blue eyes was gone. She nodded, insisting she could draw the aurora borealis, just as she saw it Friday night, and now that drawing will accompany the rest of the photographs I've received and printed, right in the middle of the bulletin board.

Extra credit earned.

The other student flat-out told me Monday morning he didn't do it. Keeping his interest in the classroom setting is a huge challenge, so asking him to "do schoolwork on Friday" wasn't in the cards. I appreciate his honesty though, and while he could use those extra ten points toward his grade, I can't force him.

My mind returns to my own Friday night, as it seemed to do an awful lot this last week. I still can't believe I kissed him. It was…incredible. I might not have a lot of experience when it comes to the opposite sex, but it felt like a pretty amazing moment. Not just the first one, which blew my socks off, but even the light press of our lips together at the very end of our evening. The entire night was unbelievably wonderful, and I didn't want it to end.

Which is why I'm glad it did.

Even though I was comfortable and enjoyed his company, I was still aware of the fact he's Annabelle's father. My student. Yet, as he made me feel at ease as our non-date went on, I knew I was in trouble.

Why?

Because I wanted it to be a date.

It felt like a real one too.

That's why I've tried to avoid him this week, but considering he's finishing up my roof, it's been a little difficult. He's still there, wrapping things up, when I get home from work. Whether it's intentional or not, I'm unsure, but Max is usually gone and Gavin's packing up the last of their tools when I pull into my driveway.

Perhaps that's why I'm still here.

Delaying my return home, hoping he's already gone. Which sucks, because I really want to see him.

When the last photo is hung, I pull the last few pictures from the envelope. The ones I slipped in in a moment of weakness Sunday evening when I submitted my online picture printing order. The shots Gavin texted me once he got home Friday night. The selfies of us, standing super close with the gorgeous view of the night sky behind us.

I dissect the picture. Everything from the intimate way we're standing to the genuine smiles on our faces. Our noses and cheeks are red, and we're both wearing enough layers of clothing and winter gear to the point we resemble marshmallows, but the overall picture is serenity. We look so…natural and happy.

So coupley.

And it's really conflicting to feel this way about him when I've been doing everything in my power not to.

"Hey, that looks great."

I glance up with a startle, almost dropping the photos in my hand. Evelyn Valero, the second-grade teacher, is standing in my doorway with a friendly smile and her bag thrown over her shoulder.

"Sorry, didn't mean to surprise you."

I wave it off. "It's fine. I was lost in my own world," I tell her, taking the photos over to my desk and slipping them into the top drawer.

She steps inside my classroom and looks over the bulletin board. "This really turned out great. The students took all the photos?"

I nod. "They did," I state proudly.

"What an experience for them. Well done."

I feel my cheeks heat at the compliment. Even though I'm a fourteen-year veteran here, it still feels good to have my efforts recognized by someone who's spent her entire almost-forty-year teaching career at this exact location. In fact, she was my second-grade teacher way back when. "Thank you."

"I won't keep you," she says. "I'm sure you're ready to head home. It's been a week," she adds with a chuckle.

"Agreed."

She turns to exit my classroom when she pauses. "Oh, by the way, not that it's any of my business, but I think it's great about you and Gavin Pierson. He's such a nice young man."

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and my throat is suddenly dry. "What?"

"You and Gavin."

Blood swooshes in my ears. "I'm not…we're not…dating."

"Oh. You're not?"

"No. Where did you hear that?" I ask, unable to keep my irritation out of my voice.

She tries to wave it off with her hand. "You know how the rumor mill is in the teachers' lounge. Someone said they saw you and him at the pizzeria on New Year's Day, and I'm sure someone took it and ran with it."

I nod. "We just happened to be at the same place at the same time, and his daughter asked me to join them. I wasn't going to, but she was insistent."

"Don't fret about it, Ava. I know you don't like to be associated with gossip, but I promise you, anything I heard was all positive. We all think it's a wonderful thing you're dating him. Or at least someone thought you were dating him."

"Oh." That's all I've got.

She's absolutely correct. I hate being the center of any attention, especially gossip. I know you can't help it when people talk, but I much prefer their chatter not to be about me. After the photo incident, in which I thought I was going to lose my job, it felt like my name was on everyone's lips forever. Most of the staff were supportive, publicly stating they've all done things in our youthful years they're not proud of and pledging their support of me in my position.

It was a terrible time in my life, one I wish to never ever repeat.

"I didn't mean to upset you. If I hear any more comments about you and Gavin, I'll be sure to put a kibosh on it right away."

"Thank you," I mutter, my mind reeling.

"Of course," she replies, clearly feeling a little uneasy as she prepares to leave. "For what it's worth, you have a right to live your life, Ava. This is a small town, and with that comes good and bad. You know everyone already, so the chances of you finding and spending time with someone you may not know can be difficult. Don't be afraid to live your life, just because a few people were jerks a few years back and tried to sabotage your career. You're so much stronger and braver than you think." She pauses, giving her words time to penetrate my brain before she adds, "Have a wonderful weekend. See you Monday."

And with that, she's gone, leaving me standing at my desk with what can only be considered a dumbfounded look on my face.

Did that really just happen?

I've always liked Mrs. Valero, as a teacher and a mentor. She's incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and fair, and for the most part, like me, keeps to herself. But she's always offering an encouraging comment or sound piece of advice when you didn't even realize you needed it.

Like now.

I have rules in place for a reason, and for the first time, I'm actually entertaining the idea of breaking one. Well, not breaking it, exactly. Bending it, maybe?

My heart starts to quicken in my chest at the thought.

But if I'm going to bend or break a rule as important to me as the no-dating-a-student's-dad rule, shouldn't it be for good reason?

For someone who makes my heart pound and butteries flutter in my stomach?

Someone who makes me feel all swoony every time he looks at me with those intoxicating hazel eyes?

A man who seems patient and willing to take things slow simply because he knows of my rule, and while wanting me to break it, is supportive with my boundaries?

There's only one person who checks off each and every one of those questions, and I've been avoiding him this week because he makes me feel things that scare me.

And that's exactly what it boils down to.

I'm scared.

Carefully, I pull the photos out of my desk drawer.I printed out all five he sent me, and while each one is basically the same, the last one holds my attention. Gavin isn't looking at the camera. He's looking down at me. The same gentle smile on his lips, and even though I can't see his eyes, I can feel the sparkle, the heat. Those orbs hold so much power it almost knocks me on my ass.

I slip the photos back into my desk drawer except for that one. Grabbing my coat and my purse from the bottom drawer, I carefully place the photo inside and make a dash for the door. Usually, I'd put my snow boots on, since my flats don't have the traction or warmth I seek, but there's no time. If I hurry, I might make it to my house before he leaves.

As soon as my classroom door is locked, I quickly make my way to the exit. I'm one of the last ones here, and darkness is setting in, despite the fact it's only about four thirty. Fortunately, it hasn't snowed for a few days, so the lot is mostly clear, with the exception of a few icy spots. I'm careful not to slip and bust my rear, shuffling over to my vehicle and climbing inside.

Driving a little faster than normal, I wind my way through Pine Village until I get to Eldridge Road. I'm not too far now. Tempted to press a little harder on the accelerator, I refrain. The last thing I need is to wreck my car. Between the previous car expenses and my porch and roof, my savings is quite depleted.

When I turn into my subdivision, the excitement coursing through me is dashed. The spot Gavin has been parking his work truck is empty. Worse, I look at the front of my house, and my roof appears complete, the porch beautiful and inviting.

Maybe this is a sign…

I slowly pull into my driveway and press the button to raise my garage door. Just as I reach the entrance, something catches my eye. There's a bag sitting in front of the garage door, one I didn't leave there. After closing the large door, I carefully climb from my small SUV and make my way to the door leading outside. I pull it open and reach for the bag, peeking inside to see the contents.

That's when a huge smile spreads across my face.

Even though I want to open it now, I return to my vehicle and grab my stuff. When I have everything I need, I let myself in the house and go straight to the kitchen table. Reaching into the bag, I pull out what's inside and smile. There's an old hardback book and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Bringing the blooms to my noise, I inhale their rich, fragrant scent.

Next, I examine the book. I can tell it's well loved, the cover slightly marred and the pages turning yellow. The old National Geographic hardback has a gorgeous starry night sky on the cover and a title referring to the exploration of it. I'm intrigued instantly, already knowing what I'll be reading later this evening.

My eyes land on the envelope, and I carefully pull the contents out. The large sheet of paper is a bill. Not just any bill, but the balance I owe for the job he completed. This sheet confirms what I had suspected when I pulled in. The job is finished.

There's no longer a reason for him to be here.

The disappointment I suddenly feel is almost overwhelming.

With the bill is a handwritten note. My fingers are slightly shaky as I open it up and scan. It's written on a smaller lined sheet of paper, probably one from the notebook he carries with him. My heart skips in my chest as I start to read his words.

Ava,

The bill is separate from the rest of what's in this bag. I was planning to give it to you first, so business was completed before everything else. On the business side, your roof is complete. I hope you like it, and the metal isn't too ugly. I really think you'll be happy with the quality and life of the product. Also, if I do say so myself, your porch looks amazing. It really changes the curb appeal of your house and will provide plenty of shelter to you when needed. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me. Usually, I'd take a homeowner around and explain everything we did, but I wasn't sure what time you'd be home. I am available any time after 8 tomorrow morning and can swing by after I drop Annabelle off at her mom's.

Now, the rest of it. I know you have rules and I respect that. I was in the bookstore with Annabelle earlier in the week and browsed the used section. I saw this one and smiled. I couldn't help but think of you and our non-date date. Then, I was grabbing something from the deli at the supermarket for lunch and saw this bouquet. The pinks and oranges reminded me of the sky that night, and suddenly, I found myself purchasing them.

Turns out, you're everywhere I look and all I think about.

I hope you enjoy them, and maybe we'll try for another non-date date.

Although, that's such a long thing to write, so maybe we'll just go with date to save my hand from cramping.

I'm out of room on both sides of the paper now.

Thinking of you,

G

After I finish the note, I turn it over and reread it. And again. Each time, I grin even more, and by the time I've completed a third pass, my cheeks hurt.

He's been thinking of me.

I take a few moments to remove my coat and shoes, slipping my feet into a pair of slippers I keep by the back door. After retrieving my phone from my purse, I pull up the texting app and find his name.

Me: I just got home. I'll get you a check ASAP for the balance.

The bubbles appear instantly, so I wait for his reply.

Gavin: No rush. I know where you live if you try to ghost me. *insert winky emoji*

Me: I'd never.

Gavin: I know, I was teasing. But seriously, I'm in no rush.

I take a deep breath and let it out before typing again. It's now or never, and frankly he left the door cracked open. All I need to do is be brave enough to step through.

Me: I was thinking, maybe you could stop by tomorrow and show me what you did?

Gavin: Absolutely. Name the time.

Me: How about in the afternoon? And then perhaps, if you don't have plans, you could join me? For dinner?

My heart is pounding so hard in my chest as I tap the send button, I swear the neighbors can hear it.

He doesn't reply right away, which only causes my nervous anxiety to amp up to the point I could give myself a stroke if I don't see those bubbles appear soon. I might not have a lot of dating or guy experience, but I know I haven't misread the room. He's made it very clear he's interested in me.

Finally, bubbles.

Gavin: Sorry for the delay. Annabelle and I are cooking dinner. And to answer your question, I'd love to join you. I have no plans at all, and even if I did, I'd cancel in a heartbeat to spend time with you.

Swoon.

Me: All right. How about 4? Will that give you enough time to show me everything before dark?

Gavin: That's perfect. What can I bring?

Me: Nothing.

Gavin: I'll bring a bottle of wine. White, right?

He remembers.

Me: Thank you.

Gavin: See you tomorrow.

Gavin: Oh, and Ava? I'm glad you messaged me, and for the record, I was going to wait until later, but my plan was to text you and see if you were interested in another non-date date.

Me: I would have accepted.

Gavin: Good to know…See you soon.

Me: Bye

I'm smiling from ear to ear as I place my phone on my table and do a shimmy. It's only when I start to mentally replay our conversation that I realize I didn't thank him for the book and flowers. But that's okay. I can tell him tomorrow. Since he'll be joining me for dinner, I can properly express my gratitude for his gifts.

Maybe with a kiss.

I still can't believe I messaged him and asked him to dinner. I've never been one to go after something—or someone—I want.

You're braver than you think.

Evelyn's words come back to me as I take a deep, calming breath.

It's time I go after what I want, to be brave.

Do I want Gavin?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Rules be damned.