Page 23 of Unexpected Love

“You do, do you?”

“Definitely.” He turns in his seat, facing straight ahead as Walt places my drink in front of me, not sticking around to chat. “Gives me more time to get you to say yes to that date.”

“You still haven’t given up on that one?” I lift the pint, taking a large sip.

“I’m not one to give up on something so easily. Especially something I know could be amazing.” He looks at me, and this time I don’t see that teasing glint in his eye, and that makes me pause.

“You sound pretty sure of that.” My voice is softer than I intend. It’s not hesitance or fear coursing through me, but surprise. I don’t know why. It’s not a new experience, a man showing interest in me. But I guess I always held more confidence in myself than I’ve had as of late. The idea of someone being interested in me while my life is almost entirely in shambles is crazy. How can someone be interested in this mess?

Gage turns back to me, studying me. It’s something I notice he does a lot, watching closely before responding. It’s disconcerting in the moment, being observed so closely, but it’s also comforting, knowing he’s taking the time to really think about what he wants to say. I’ve learned that Gage is the kind of man who uses his words wisely and with great intent.

“Ava, your life might be a mess—and I have a feeling that’s a result of something outside your control—but that doesn’t mean you should put your life on hold until it’s all neat and clean again. Life is all about the messy moments. It’s about how you handle them. I’d just like a front-row seat to see you come out the other side—and maybe help, if you’ll let me.” He shrugs like he hasn’t just offered me a life raft while I’m drowning out at sea.

“Why? You don’t even know me.”

“You’re right. I’ve only scratched the surface of getting to know you. But I get the impression you haven’t let your brother see what I’ve seen. I don’t know why, and I won’t push you to tell me, but everyone should have someone in their corner. Even if they aren’t quite ready to let someone in.”

Walt returns, placing our burgers in front of us. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thank you.”

Gage gives Walt a small smile. “I’m good. Thanks, Walt.”

Walt turns to leave, and Gage focuses his attention back on me. “When I got discharged from the army, it took me abouta month to actually come home. My parents knew I was being discharged, but I lied to them about when it was happening. At the time I couldn't tell you why, but in my head I just couldn't deal with other people while I mourned the loss of not only the friends I fought alongside, but also the life I thought I was going to have.”

“Gage, I don’t—I’m not sure…” I stumble over my words, not sure what to say.

“All I’m trying to say is that I understand the drive to figure it out for yourself, but if I could do that month over again? I would’ve come home. Leaning on someone doesn’t make you weak. We weren’t built to go through this life alone. So don’t force yourself to.”

I swallow and tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “I’m not working at that law firm anymore. I mean, I’m sure you figured that out with me looking at a part-time job at a bookstore in Ashford Falls when I’m supposedly living and working in Boston, but I was fired from the firm, and I’m not even mad about it,” I rush to clarify. “Which is insane, because the reason for it is absolute bullshit, and I should be pissed about it.” I exhale slowly, lowering my voice that I couldn’t stop from rising the longer I spoke. “But I’m just not.” Now it’s my turn to shrug.

I fidget with the napkin in front of me, giving myself a second. Saying this out loud is scarier than I thought it would be, even if I’ve mentioned it to Declan.

“And if I’m being honest, I just don’t know if I want to do it anymore. Practice law, I mean. I only got into it because my parents wanted me to—and I was good at it. But I hate the work I’ve been doing. I feel like a massive sellout, and it’s not who I want to be.”

Gage doesn’t say anything. He just watches me—letting me get it all out.

“Declan knows I was fired, and he knows I’m thinking about doing something else with my life, but I haven’t told him why. I think he’s guessed that our parents pressured me into law, but I’ve never outright told him.” I tuck another piece of hair behind my ear and glance down at the bar in front of me. “I don’t want to disappoint him. He might have gone along with our parents' wishes initially, but he always did his thing on the side. He always went after what he wanted.”

I feel the pressure in my nose and know if I keep going, I’m going to cry, which I’ve done more than enough in front of Gage. “There’s more than that, but I’m not ready to talk about the rest yet.”

“Ava.” His voice is stern but gentle. He doesn’t continue until I bring my eyes to his. “You don’t have to tell me any of it. But I appreciate your trust in what you just gave me. And if you decide you want to give me more, I’ll take it and keep it safe.”

Now it’s my turn to study him. The look in his eyes—the openness and sincerity—has me pausing. I don’t know that I’ve ever had a man look at me like he’s truly invested in me as a human—like he wants to know my inner thoughts and is willing to wait until I’m ready to share them.

“You’re a good man, Gage Flynn.”

“I have my moments, but you make it easy.”

I want to say something, but I don’t know what. Not that it matters. Before I can find the words, Gage smiles. “Plus, I know we’d be good together. I see a lot of fun for the two of us.” He winks. “Now, eat your burger before it gets cold.”

And just like that, the heaviness is lifted. We spend the rest of the night laughing and flirting, leaving when Walt tells us he’s closing up for the night. Gage gives me a ride home, and when he asks me on a date, I almost say yes.

eleven

AVA

“Get out of here,big brother. You’ve been trying to go on this date for weeks now. Go before something else comes up to make you push it again.”

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