Page 44 of Aussie
“Yep. It’s a little hidden treasure here in Virginia Beach. Mostly, only locals know about it. Plus, they have some of the most amazing food.”
Ava smiled. “I’ll agree with you about the food. This sandwich is delicious.”
“You know, Ava, I never got a chance to thank you for helping Aussie and Nails last week with the kids. Or maybe I should say rescuing Nails. According to Aussie, I heard both you and Christian got a good laugh at Nails’ expense. Hell, I still find myself laughing when I think about it,” Jocelyn said laughingly.
Ava grinned at the memory of that day. It was fun. Well, until the end, when Aussie had lied to her.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Gabby asked.
When Ava looked up, all three women were looking at her with concerned expressions.
“What do you mean?” Ava asked, looking at the three women.
“You looked lost there for a moment. Like you were sad,” Clover said, a frown on her face.
Ugh!Ava really didn’t want to get into her and Aussie’s situation, but she had a feeling that these women weren’t going to back down. Hell, they were probably better interrogators than their men.
She shared a quick glance with Christian, seeing a shared uncertainty in his eyes.
Clover tilted her head, catching on to the silent exchange. “Okay, what’s going on?” she asked.
Ava swallowed, glancing at the three women, each of them waiting for her answer. She took a deep breath, deciding to come clean. They would find out sooner or later.
“Umm..things with Aussie and I are a bit complicated right now,” she admitted, feeling a tad bit embarrassed.
All three ladies exchanged glances, surprised and concerned.
“What happened?” Gabby asked gently, placing a hand on Ava’s shoulder.
Ava took a breath and told them about how she had asked Aussie about his plans for last night, and he told her that he had a work thing.
“Anyway, last night I was at the Snowball, and well…I ran into Aussie there.”
“You did?” Gabby questioned, her nose was scrunched up.
“Yeah. And he wasn’t alone. He was with another woman.”
Clover’s mouth dropped open. “No. Way. Are you serious?”
Jocelyn’s brows knitted together. “Did he say anything to you when you saw him?”
“He tried, but I was too upset, so I left,” Ava explained, trying to keep her voice steady. She was quiet for a few seconds, thinking about about that exact moment when she saw the other woman. “She was beautiful,” Ava whispered, looking at the women.
Gabby’s eyes narrowed, a mix of sympathy and confusion. “I don’t get it. Aussie doesn’t seem like the type to do something like that.”
Clover crossed her arms, visibly upset. “He told you he had a work thing, and then he shows up with another woman? That doesn’t sound right.”
Before Ava could answer, Christian spoke up, his voice steady and clear. “That’s what I told her, too. I think there has to be an explanation. Aussie wouldn’t do that. I know he wouldn’t.”
Gabby nodded, supporting Christian. “Ava, maybe it’s worth hearing what he has to say.”
Clover, however, still looked like she was about to march out and confront Aussie herself. “I don’t like it, though. He owes you an explanation, no question about it.”
The three women looked at her with earnest eyes, urging her to at least give Aussie a chance to explain. They promised her that no matter what, she and Christian were still part of their group.
Ava offered a faint smile. “Thank you. Right now, I just want to focus on enjoying the holidays with Christian.”
“Well, if you need anything or just want to talk, you have our numbers,” Jocelyn said.
