Page 29

Resting the back of my head against the door as it closes, I rub my eyes and groan. What a shit show of a day. I’m glad I got to see my dad, but it was a rough one. It was going so well initially that I let down my guard and was rewarded with a slap in the face.

“Meow.” A black floof yells at me from the floor sitting like a perfect angel. I know better, but still risk it and reach down to hold him close. Midnight allows it like he knows what’s happened and I need comfort, animals are smart like that.

I pet his soft head and run my finger down his little nose. In a rare show of affection his pink tongue flicks out to lick my pointer.

“See, we can be friends.” Rocking him like a baby in my arms we have a moment that’s promptly ruined by a knocking at the door. Midnight yowls and scratches my arm in the process of sprinting away.

“Ow, you little shit!” Assessing the damage and finding no blood drawn I open the door, expecting it to be Zavier although I don’t know for what.

“Ava?” Her face appears and she pulls me in for a hug.

“Aw, my girl. Look at your poor face.” Wiping under my eye she pulls her hand away to show black streaks. “I hoped it would be a good day, but I guess not.”

“Oh my God, I must look like a clown.” Rushing to my bathroom, and leaving her to let herself in, I stare at my appearance and let out a squeak. “Jesus, I look awful.”

Mascara is smeared everywhere, and my eyes are puffy and red rimmed. My face is blotchy from my outburst, and I make quick work wiping off as much gunk as I can with a washcloth. I turn my head from side to side and don’t see any other makeup but it’s not great. I just have to accept my sorry state for now.

“Get out here and let me comfort you,” Ava calls from the living room. “I didn’t drive across town for nothing.”

“What’re you doing here, Aves?” I question, plopping down next to her when I meander my way back in with a forced smile.

“I knew today was that day of the month, so I wanted to stop by and check in. And I’m not talking about your period.” She supports her head with her hand and leans her elbow against the back of the couch. Warmth shines in her eyes and I'm instantly surrounded by her healing aura.

“Thanks. I’m all right.” I fold my arms across my abdomen and lay back against the couch.

“Oh, I know you’re all right, you hussy.” Ava swats my shoulder, and I scoff.

“What are you talking about?”

“I ran into Zavier in the hall. He literally lives right next to you! Not just in the same building but next door.” She draws out his name when she says it and I know I’m in trouble. “Did you sleep with him last night?” Her voice goes up a few octaves and I jump up to defend myself.

“What? No!” Frantically waving my hands I try to put her suspicions to rest. “Yes, he lives next to me, which is a crazycoincidence, but nothing happened. He got me home safe like a perfect gentleman.”

I don’t mention the weirdness when he dropped me off, or him comforting me during my meltdown, knowing that’ll add fuel to her gossip bonfire. I pray Zavier didn’t mention it during whatever conversation they had.

Ava gives a disappointed noise and slinks back down on the couch.

“I wouldn’t have judged you if you did. He’s a hot piece of man and from the little I've seen he genuinely seems into you. If you don't feel a spark with Asher, why don’t you go on a date with Zav?”

“Zav?” I question incredulously.

Since when were they besties and on nickname basis?

A loud thud followed by several bangs next door has us both jumping out of our seats and running to the door.

“The fuck? Was that his apartment?” she asks as I’m already knocking on his door to make sure he’s okay.

The man in question appears within a few seconds. One emerald eyeball shines back at us through the small crack he’s opened of the door.

“Zavier? Are you okay?” I try to see more of him through the tiny sliver to make sure.

“Uh. Yeah, why?”

Ava and I share a confused glance and look back at him.

“We heard some pretty loud thuds coming from your direction. Did something happen?”

Zavier sighs and fully opens the door to show blood trickling down the side of his face.