Page 8 of Imperfections Seduced

“Well, good for her. I haven’t heard from her in ages. When you speak to her please tell her I said hello.”

“I sure will. As for me, I opened a little boutique in Nashville. It’s doing so well that I’m thinking about opening another one right here in New York.”

“That’s wonderful, Ava! I’m happy to hear everything is going so well for you.”

“And I thought you came all this way to see your closest friend,” I say in mock jealousy.

“Of course I did, but you know I believe in mixing business with pleasure.”

“I know you do.”

My parents give her a hug before they exit the dining room, encouraging her to come by whenever she wants to. As soon as they’re gone, she spins around, her thick sheaf of hair swinging over her shoulders, and walks straight up to Chris. I feel like popping popcorn for this.

“Hi, Chris.”

“Hello.”

“Mercy! Hello—is that all I get? Why so cold?”

“Is there something more I need to say?”

“How about how lovely it is to see me, and how you would love so very much to spend some time with me while I’m in town.”

Chris looks both tempted and alarmed. “As lovely as it is to see you, Ava, I don’t know if that would be a good idea.”

“Well now I’m just hurt. I thought you liked me. Remember when I was little, and I tried to follow you around everywhere you went? Your mother and Nick’s mother thought it was the cutest thing.”

“Only if you call having your own personal pain-in-the-ass stalker cute. What Idoremember is you leaving a flaming bag of hot shit for me to step in.”

I sit back and watch and try not to laugh out loud at the memory; it was hilarious then and hilarious now.

“Kids do the darnedest things. But I do have better tricks these days.”

“I’m sure you do.” Chris turns and, seeing the smile onmy face, shoots me a glare. “It’s not funny, Cat, you weren’t the one stepping in the shit.”

“Come on, Chris. Looking back at it, you have to admit it was a little funny.”

“No I do not. I have an appointment I need to get to, see you later. Bye, Ava.”

“See you later, Chris.” She wiggles her fingers at him with a gleeful smile. He looks at her, shakes his head and walks out. Ava closes her eyes and makes a dreamy sound.

“Cat, your brother is still fine as ever. Mark my words, one way or another, I’m going to have that man.”

“Be careful what you wish for, Ava.” She smiles, dimples peeking out at me and blue eyes shining with mischief. She’s going to get what she wishes for, and she won’t regret it—good or bad. Ah, Ava. You will never change.

We go into my room and I fill her in on everything that has happened since last night.

Nick

“What the hellwere you thinking last night, telling everyone we’re getting married?”

There’s a look of utter shock on Kate’s face, though how she could be surprised at my reaction is anyone’s guess.

“I’m sorry, it just came out.”

“It just came out? Something like that doesn’t just slip out of your mouth.”

“I’m sorry!”