Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ava

I t's finally Wednesday! I'm excited because Maddie put me in charge of arranging our newsletter. For most people, this wouldn't be a big deal, but this is an opportunity for me. The more time I spend working at House of Beauty, the more I fall in love with fashion. I have a time set to meet the photographer who will take the pictures for the newsletter. I leave the apartment much earlier than usual since I can't help myself. This is too exciting. I probably should wait another hour, but I'm giddy. I'm quiet while leaving the apartment, trying not to wake Lisa because it's barely six in the morning.

The air feels cool on my skin. The streets are quiet and, for a second, I panic, remembering the two men who almost took me. I shiver at the thought, but I won't live my life in fear. I'll take the necessary precautions and go about my life. I spot an SUV across the street and panic for a moment. But then the door opens, and Marco gets out.

He crosses the street to greet me. "Good morning Ms. O'Brien."

"Good morning. Shouldn't you be at home sleeping?"

"We just changed shifts." I give him a questioning look. "We take turns looking after you," he explains. I shake my head. "Can I take you somewhere? It's unusual for you to leave your apartment this early."

"I'm just going to work."

"I'll drive you."

"I'm fine taking the bus."

"You might be, Ms. O'Brien. But I'm not."

I want to argue, but it will be pointless. I'm sure Oliver gave him specific instructions, and, at the end of the day, I want to be safe.

"Fine, but you're stopping at the bakery. I'm starving."

"Of course," he says with a smile.

I can't believe this is my new reality.

For the last four hours I've been running around, making everything perfect. I don't think I've even taken a breath. But the photographer is due any minute, and I don't want to waste his time. Maddie said he's really talented, and she was lucky to book him. He's been traveling the world for the last six months and just came to town. They've been friends for years, and from what she shared, he sounds like a really nice guy.

According to her, managers from the other stores submit their own newsletters to Corporate. I can't believe Maddie forgot to tell me the newsletter is submitted, and Corporate chooses one newsletter to highlight for the quarter. Maddie said she's been trying for years with no luck. Some other boutique is invariably chosen for one reason or another. According to her, I'm her lucky charm. Sales have increased, customers are happy, and everyone loves coming to work. So why wouldn't she win this time?

"Do you need anything else?" Maddie asks.

"No. I think I got it."

"Everything looks fantastic. Did you eat something?" She uses her motherly voice.

"Honestly, I haven't thought about food. I've been so nervous."

"I can't afford to have you pass out. Let's get you something to eat," Maddie says with a wink.

"Maddie, thanks again for giving me this opportunity. I know you're taking an enormous risk on me. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"I was young once, so I get it. We all need our chance to shine. Besides, you're going to make me look good. This was an easy decision." She winks.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you. I never imagined doing anything like this. It's glamorous."

"You haven't seen anything yet." She smiles.

We eat and chat as we wait for the photographer. I find myself getting more nervous by the minute. But it's a good kind of nervous. I'm finally doing something I love. Something that makes me happy. Maddie is about to tell me about her latest dabbles in designing when the door chimes.

"That must be Max." She stands and walks to the front of the store. I take a deep breath and follow. "Hi, Max. It's so nice to see you again," she gushes.

"Hi, Maddie. It's nice to see you too. Even though I was surprised when you called. I thought you were done with the newsletter business," he replies with a light laugh.

"What can I say? I'm a sucker for trying to win. You can't win if you don't try. But this year, I have a secret weapon. Max, meet Ava, our newest addition to the House of Beauty."

"Hi," I greet him, holding my hand out.

"Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you, Ava." He takes my hand and brings it to his lips. I take my hand back quickly. He has done nothing wrong, but it doesn't feel right. It feels too intimate, like I'm cheating on Viktor. What am I saying? Viktor and I aren't a couple.

"Well, thanks for coming in on short notice, Max," Maddie interjects to cover the awkwardness.

"I'm glad you called," he tells her, but looks at me. He smiles, and I can't help but smile back.

"So, where do we start?" I quickly say, trying to make him stop looking at me. He is looking at me like Viktor sometimes would.

It takes a few hours to get all our pictures, and the experience has been amazing. Max knows his stuff, and I see why Maddie asked him to do the photoshoot.

"I think we have it all," Max tells me.

"Are you sure? Did we get the red dress with the earrings?" I ask, thinking of everything I laid out for the newsletter.

"Yes." He smiles, and it's infectious.

"Ok," I say, boxing the jewelry.

"Any good places to eat around here?" On cue, my stomach growls.

"Shit, look at the time," I say to myself. "Sorry I've kept you."

"Don't apologize. This is the most fun I've had in months. Why don't I take you out to lunch to celebrate?"

"Oh, I can't. I still have a few more hours of work."

"I'm pretty sure there are laws about skipping lunch. Besides, the baby has to be hungry by now." He smiles, and I giggle.

"I am pretty hungry now that you mention it."

"Enough said. Maddie, I'm taking Ava to lunch."

"Please! If you don't, she'll forget to eat."

"Then it's settled. Where would you like to go?"

"There's a diner up the street. They make the best burgers and milkshakes. I wouldn't be opposed to that."

"Sounds perfect." He smiles.

"I'll get my purse."

It was such a wonderful and exciting morning. Everything went better than I expected, and Max is such a sweet guy. His attention to detail and eye for fashion are mesmerizing. The best part was that he let me be part of the process. I didn't feel like I didn't belong. He showed me pictures and asked for my opinion as the morning progressed. I haven't felt this alive in forever, and I couldn't be happier.

Until we go outside, and I'm reminded of the Manarch drama when I spot the SUV parked across the street. Marco is leaning against the car, talking to Jimmy, trying to blend in. He gives me a questioning look, and I quickly give him a don't you come over look. He doesn't seem thrilled but remains in his spot. I'm grateful since I just met Max, and he shouldn't have to deal with my drama.

"Tell me something about you, Ava. Have you always wanted to be in fashion?" Max asks as we enter the diner.

"Honestly, I didn't. It wasn't an option until…" I stop mid-sentence. Viktor sneaks into my mind. He was the one who encouraged me when he learned I like fashion. I try to shake the feeling away.

"Until when?" he asks as we sit.

"Not too long ago. I took a fashion course and realized I enjoyed it." I'm hoping my answer is enough.

"Well, let me tell you, you're superb, a natural. Not many people could pull off what you did. The combinations were classic but felt fresh and new."

"Thanks." I blush. "How about you? Did you always want to be a photographer?"

"That's all I know. I was born with a camera in my hands. At least it's what Mom says. She was my first model."

"That sounds awesome."

"I enjoy capturing beauty." As he says the words, it sounds like there's more to his simple statement. I'm grateful when I see the waitress.

"Ready to order?" she asks.

"Cheeseburger, fries, and vanilla milkshake extra thick."

She smiles, looking at my belly. "And you?" She asks Max.

"I'll have what she's having."

"Great. I'll be back with your drinks."

"You didn't have to get what I'm getting. Everything is good here."

"Your order sounds delicious."

"It is."

"Do you come to this diner often?"

"Once or twice a week. It's my guilty pleasure." I say, rubbing my belly.

"How far along are you?"

"Six months, and excited to meet him."

"Children are such a blessing," he says thoughtfully.

"Do you have any?"

"No, I haven't been lucky enough to meet ‘the one.' "

"I'm sure she's out there waiting for you."

"I bet she's closer than I think."

I don't want to read too much into his words, but the way he says it feels like there's more to it. Maybe it's just me since I haven't been around another man since Viktor. I'm sure he's just being friendly. But I don't want him to get the wrong idea.

"Max—"

"Sorry, Ava. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, and I'm sure your significant other wouldn't take kindly to me being overly friendly."

"It's okay. I just don't want you to get the wrong idea. I'm not seeing anyone and not looking to."

"Oh, you're not with your baby's father?" He says, looking at my belly.

"No. But enough about me. Tell me about your last trip." I say, not wanting to talk about Viktor. I don't really know Max and talking about Viktor is too personal.

We spend the next hour eating and talking about fashion. My two favorite things. As time passes, I realize I haven't thought of Viktor. Could it be possible to live without him if I give myself a chance? I don't mean with Max, but a life with just my son and me. Maybe I can give my son a different life, I know he's the heir, but I could leave the state and start afresh.

"Ready?" Max asks, interrupting my thoughts.

"Did she bring the check?"

"I took care of it."

"Max, you didn't have to do that."

"It was my pleasure."

"Thank you," I say as I stand.

"Maybe we can do it again." I smile but say nothing. I don't want to lead him on if he's flirting. He smiles as we make it to the door. Opening it, he says, "After you."

"Thanks."

I have to admit I'm glad that I agreed to have lunch with Max. He's so down-to-earth and easy to talk with. Today has turned out to be a perfect day.