Page 57 of The Little Black Book

“Ava,” I breathe, but she just shakes her head and rises from her chair. Digging into her purse, she pulls out a ten and drops it to the table.

“Sorry, guys, but I have to go. I really need to get back to the shelter. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay, bye. I love you,” Sophie says softly, and a ghost of a smile lifts Ava’s lips.

“Love you, too.” Her eyes move to me. “Both of you.”

Then she’s gone, and Sophie and I are left staring at each other in confusion. I shake my head at her unspoken question, unable to make heads or tails of our friend’s uncharacteristic behavior. It’s not like Ava to let anything bother her, and when it does, she never holds her emotions close to the vest like that.

Whatever is going on with her, it has to be big.

“I guess she’ll tell us when she’s ready,” Sophie says, breaking the silence after several long, tense moments.

“I feel bad, gushing about Sam when something is obviously very wrong with her,” I say in a low, quiet voice.

“Don’t,” Sophie says, shaking her head. “This is very exciting, and Ava wouldn’t want you to keep it to yourself just because she’s not in a good headspace.”

I know she’s right, but I can’t help but feel guilty. Ava is our best friend, and when something is wrong with one of us, it affects all of us. I just hope she fesses up soon so we can help her figure out how to solve the problem…whatever it is.

Chapter24

Exceptions to Every Rule

Sam

“So, what’s up with you?”

“What do you mean?” I ask, raising my eyebrows at Jared.

I’m being intentionally obtuse just to fuck with him. I asked if he wanted to have lunch today in his office, where we could have some privacy, so he knows I want to talk about something important. Food from the casino’s restaurant is spread out between us on his desk, and I pick up my sandwich and take a big bite as I stare at him with a blank expression.

“Spit it out,” he says with an exaggerated eye roll.

Setting my sandwich down, my lips curve up as I finish chewing the bite and swallow. Picking up my soda, I take a long sip through the straw, set the cup down, and cross my arms over my chest.

“I’m dating Zoey.”

“You’re…what?” he asks, and I laugh at the shock etched across his features.

“Took her on a date last night,” I say, my grin widening.

“How did this happen?” he asks, shaking his head. “Isn’t she your wing-woman?”

“She was until last week,” I say. “She was watching me with Charlene––”

“The cocktail waitress?”

“That’s the one.”

“A little young for you, isn’t she?”

“Beside the point,” I say firmly. “Shall I continue?”

“Of course. Sorry.”

“Anyway, Zoey left early, claiming a headache. I knew things weren’t going anywhere with Charlene, so I ended the date and went to check on Zoey. Things…got heated.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” he says, holding up a hand. “You’ve been sleeping with Zoey since last week?”

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