Page 19 of Aussie
“I know I’ve said this multiple times already, but thank you again for helping me out. And you really didn’t have to stay through the meeting.”
Aussie’s face reddened slightly, something she hadn’t seen before. He looked almost embarrassed or shy. It was a look that was incredibly endearing, especially for someone as confident ashim. “Well,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, “Part of the reason that I stayed was because I wanted to see you.”
Ava’s heart skipped again, and her stomach did that familiar flip-flop.He wanted to see me?Her mind scrambled, her nerves firing on all cylinders. She didn’t know what to say. She wanted to see him too, but saying that out loud felt like it might tip the balance of whatever was happening between them.
Before she could respond, Christian came bounding back over, his excitement pulling her out of her thoughts. “I got the packet! We just need to fill it out, and I can start!”
Ava smiled, happy for him. “Great, we’ll work on it tonight.”
Christian’s stomach rumbled, and he gave her a sheepish look. “Uh, what’s for dinner?”
Ava laughed, feeling the exhaustion of the day hit her all at once. “I’m too tired to cook. Where do you want to go?”
Christian’s eyes lit up. “There’s this new buffet in town. Can we go there?”
Ava chuckled. “Sure, that sounds good.” Then, an idea struck her, and she turned to Aussie. “You should come with us. That is if you don’t have any plans.”
Christian nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! Come with us, Aussie!”
Aussie looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. “I’d love to.”
“Great!” Ava said, smiling.
As they all walked out to their cars, agreeing to meet at the buffet, Ava felt a mix of excitement and nerves again. Christian hopped into her car, buckling up before he turned to her with a mischievous grin.
“So, are you and Aussie, like, dating now?”
Ava nearly choked on her laughter. “What? No! Aussie and I are just friends.”
But Christian’s grin only widened. “Uh-huh. I saw how he looked at you, Ava. And how you looked at him.”
Ava couldn’t help but laugh again, though part of her knew Christian wasn’t far from the truth.Maybe there was something there,she thought.
???
Ava sat across from Aussie and Christian at the buffet restaurant, a casual warmth settling over the table as they picked at their plates. Christian’s excitement from his Sea Cadet orientation still lingered in the air, and Ava couldn’t help but smile, watching him devour his meal with youthful enthusiasm.
“So, Aussie,” Ava began, trying to learn more about the man who had come into their lives so unexpectedly, “what do you usually do for Thanksgiving?” She twirled a fork in her fingers, her gaze shifting between him and Christian, wanting to include the boy in the conversation.
Aussie, mid-bite, grinned and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “It depends, really. We’re usually on rotation with the team. Right now, we are on rotation. So, Bear, our team leader, and his wife Jocelyn are hosting dinner at their place. If we aren’t on rotation, I try to make it home to see my family.” He paused, eyes flickering between Ava and Christian. “How about you guys?” he asked.
Christian shook his head, looking both curious and a little shy. “My foster families weren’t big on holiday get-togethers.”
Ava felt a familiar pang in her chest, the one that surfaced during the holidays when memories of spending them alone haunted her. Ever since Evelyn had passed away, she’d been on her own for Thanksgiving, Christmas, all of it. Hearing about Aussie’s team gathering and the camaraderie they shared made her feel a quiet sense of envy—not jealousy, but a longing for thatkind of connection. She admired the closeness he had with his team, something she had never truly had, save for Evelyn.
Aussie must’ve noticed her silence because he leaned in slightly, his expression softening. “What about you, Ava? What are your plans for Thanksgiving?”
Christian perked up at the question, eyes wide with interest. Ava shifted in her seat, feeling the weight of their attention. “Well, normally, I’d spend it alone,” she admitted, her voice quiet but steady. “But this year’s different.” She glanced at Christian with a smile. “This year, Christian and I are going to make dinner and spend it together.”
Christian’s face lit up, and Ava’s heart warmed at the sight. “Really?” he asked, almost disbelieving.
“Of course,” Ava said, reaching over to ruffle his hair. “You’re not going to spend your first holiday with me eating takeout.”
???
Aussie watched the exchange, a small smile tugging at his lips. He liked how natural Ava was with Christian and how she took care of him without hesitation. It was clear that she had a huge heart. And seeing her with Christian only made him respect her more.
The evening had been enjoyable. He hadn’t anticipated feeling this comfortable around Ava and Christian, but there was something about them that put him at ease. He didn’t have to try and go the extra length to impress Ava, and he didn’t feel the usual pressure of making himself seem like the capable Navy SEAL. With her, it was just easy to be himself.
