Page 26 of Pretty Relentless

Playing cards with this group is fun, especially sitting beside Ava. I learn in a short amount of time she’s competitiveand is most definitely a rule-follower, which doesn’t exactly bode well for me with her whole dating a student’s dad rule.

But watching her smile and relax with each round of cards we play is what keeps me wanting to try. I was attracted to her before, but now, watching her play cards and relax, I’m all in on my quest to steal a date or two from the lovely Miss Ava Rutledge.

Marcus is declared the winner of the money at our table, and Logan on the other. Before we start another game and change things up, everyone decides to refill drinks and plates of food and use the bathroom. I’m one of the last to use the bathroom and grab a little more food, and as I pile a few chicken wings onto my plate, Ava walks in.

“Thanks again for sending me those quotes,” she says, her shy gaze bouncing between me and the food.

“You’re welcome. Hopefully I’ll have more concrete numbers for you by ten or eleven Monday.”

“It’s no rush. I’ll be home all day,” she insists, taking a small scoop of dill pickle dip and placing it on a plate before adding a couple of crackers.

Deciding to jump without a parachute, I say, “Listen, Ava I was wondering—”

“Let’s go, you two! We’re ready to start the next game!” Blair hollers from the living room where everyone is waiting.

My invitation dies a quick death.

I flash her a smile. “We better get going.”

Ava nods and grabs a bottle of water before turning toward the other room with her plate in her other hand. As much as I’d love to have another beer, I opt for a bottle of water myself, knowing I’ll be driving home at some point. Plus, I get to spend time with Annabelle tomorrow, which is my main reason not to tie one on tonight to ring in the new year.

When I join the party in the living room, I’m not really surprised to find the final remaining chair next to Ava once more. Something tells me Hallie and Blair have something up their sleeve. I’ve caught them whispering and have watched Ava blush a thousand shades of red right after they’d all look my way.

Not that I’m opposed to having a little help where Ava’s concerned, I just don’t want them to push her so hard it has the opposite effect. I want her towantto spend more time with me, not be forced into it. That’s exactly why I’m being persistent without being overbearing and demanding. It’s a fine line, but I refuse to make her feel uncomfortable.

I’m attracted to her, and I think she feels the same toward me.

I just have to take my time and slowly chisel away at that protective wall she’s constructed around herself. It feels like tonight I might have chipped away a few small pieces. She’s relaxed, laughing, and enjoying herself, and I’d like to think she’s comfortable around me. I’ve caught glimpses of the real Ava, the one she only lets herself be around family and close friends, and I like this side as much as I enjoy her serious, professional one.

We play two more rounds of cards, and I admit, I don’t recall when I’ve laughed this hard. Everyone gets along great, and even though I’m not really part of their group of friends, they’ve welcomed me and made me feel as if I’ve always been here. I’ve always enjoyed visiting with Gabe, TD, Logan, Marcus, and the others, and I know that friendship will continue. They’re good people.

“Everyone get a drink. The ball drops in five minutes,” Blair says.

Gabe walks over and places his hands on her swollen stomach, a look of awe in his eyes. Both Gabe and Logan have done that throughout the evening, and who can blame them?When Julia was pregnant with Annabelle, I remember always wanting to touch her. Feeling my child move and kick was the one thing that could make the stresses of a long, hard day just fade away.

I head into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water and find Hallie pouring glasses of champagne. “Everyone has to take a sip at midnight to toast the new year,” she insists, while pouring two glasses of sparkling grape juice for herself and Blair.

“Champagne is gross,” TD says.

“Don’t care. Sip it or the New Year’s Eve gods will bestow upon you a shitty year. It’s the rules,” she insists, passing him a little plastic flute of bubbly.

He sighs, takes the glass, and heads into the living room with Ellie at his side.

“You too, Gavin,” she states, passing me my own drink.

“Thank you,” I reply, even though I’m not really a fan of champagne. I’d much rather have beer or something with a real kick like Tito’s and Sprite. But I also don’t want the New Year’s Eve gods to bestow upon me a shitty year…whatever that means, so I take the offered champagne and return to the living room.

I hang back in the corner, watching as the couples pair up and wait for the countdown to begin. Marcus and James, the fire chief, chat off to the side, not paying any attention to the television or the toast that’s about to happen. My eyes glance to the right, and that’s when I spot Ava. She’s standing back away from everyone else, alone. My feet are moving in her direction before I can even give it a second thought.

“Not feeling the countdown?” I ask when I reach her side.

She shrugs. “It seems a little silly.”

“Agreed,” I reply, leaning against the wall casually. “I mean, one drink at midnight could determine your entire outcome for the year?”

“Silly,” she confirms. “Or a kiss. Why must you kiss someone at the stroke of midnight to ensure good luck in your relationship or to break the cycle of loneliness? I mean, it’s a kiss.”

My ears perk up and I find myself saying, “Well, I don’t know about that. If the kiss could help, it seems like it would be worth a shot.”

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