Page 45 of Pretty Relentless

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.

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