Page 109 of Sawyer

Lifting the phone to my ear, I come up with a plan.

First, pack up the liquor.

Second, hit up the grocery store.

Third, head to Ava’s.

No, wait, first I need to slip some condoms into my glove box. Just on the off chance we can get the girls to watch a movie. I only need a few minutes. Ten tops. It will be quick, but I’ll make it good.

“Well hey there, cowboy,” Ava singsongs when she picks up. “How was your nap?”

“Fucking amazing. Thank you. I drooled on myself and everything.”

“Did you have a little sweat going on?”

“Hell yeah I had a little sweat going on.”

“So satisfying when that happens. Means you slept well.”

“Like a rock. How are the girls?”

“The girls are doing great. We stole your bubbles and have been playing with that big wand thing you got all afternoon. We broke for a snack, and now we’re coloring at the kitchen table.”

“Ella’s been okay?”

“She asked when you were going to come over a little while ago. But other than that, she’s been happy as a clam.”

There’s a sudden, heavy warmth in the center of my chest. I press my fingers into my breastbone, trying to figure out its source. It keeps growing, getting warmer, bigger.

It makes me want to laugh. Not only has Ella been at someone else’s house for an extended period of time without issue. She’s also already comfortable enough with Ava for that to happen.

Guess I’m not Ava’s only fan. I know Ella loves how fun Ava is. How easily she can access her silly side.

I love that too.

“Relieved to hear that,” I say.

“How’s your hand?”

“It’ll be fine. I was more tired than I’d thought. Thanks again for the break. I really appreciate it, Ava.”

I imagine her digging her teeth into her bottom lip.

“I know you do.”

“So, listen. I’m gonna grab a quick shower. Then I’m gonna head your way with dinner.”

A pause.

“That sounds so nice.”

“You like steak?”

“I do, but?—”

“Mezcal?”

“Love it. But you already made lunch, so I thought I’d make din?—”

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