Page 36 of Savage Ends

It was getting later, and she should stop hoping.The ride the other night was just fun, and nothing more.They didn’t promise each other anything.She should just let it go and move on.Only, she kept looking, hoping to see him.

Her sister had teased her mercilessly all through Sunday, and during most of Monday.To make it up to her mother, she had opted to work at the fabric store today before work.She had done it on purpose as well, so that she wasn’t tempted to go to the garage and find a reason to hang out with Pat.This was getting out of hand.

When Violet had been busy in the back, her mother had asked if she even knew what she was doing.Ava had answered her honestly.She didn’t have a clue.All she knew was that when Pat was around, she felt happier, which she also knew was crazy, because she barely knew the guy.It didn’t stop the way she felt.

She knew they were very different people.Pat was used to women throwing themselves at him, and although she wanted to be with him, she didn’t want to be used by him.There was not a chance at forever with him, was there?

Again, the doorbell rang, and Ava forced herself to look away and wipe down the counter.She had no idea who had arrived, and then she heard her name.

“Hello, Ava,” Pat said.

She tried not to be excited, but as he stood looking at her, and there was this deep penetrating gaze, she couldn’t look away.

“Pat,” she said, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.

“I’ll take my usual, with whatever you think is the best on the menu today.”

Her heart raced just a little bit.She got to work serving him some coffee, and then heading into the back to cut him a nice big slice of chocolate fudge cake.It was so chocolatey and sweet, and it made her think she needed a dentist trip after eating it, but they were the best kinds of cake.

With the plate in hand, she placed it in front of him.She wanted to ask him how he was doing, but a customer behind him lifted his hand.There was no choice but to excuse herself to do the job she was paid to do.She kept the smile on her face, because the truth was, she was just happy to see him.

Once one customer was dealt with, a second, and then a third, and after that, a fourth needed her help.She got to all of them, and then returned to the main counter.

“So, you finally got here,” she said.

“Yeah, I decided I couldn’t wait another minute to have some coffee and cake.”

“Ah, so it’s the sweet goods that brought you back,” Ava said.

“No, they’re a reason, but the company is what brought me back.”

There her heart went, going ten to the dozen.He liked her company.Her mother had asked if there was anyone else, someone her own age.Her mother was worried because of the age difference between her and Pat, but the truth was, she didn’t care.She liked being around him.He was a good guy.And she didn’t get the “ick” factor when she was with him.Some of the guys her own age just didn’t do it for her.Pat was different.He made her feel different.

“So, you like my thrilling company?”

“Yeah, I do, and I believe you like mine.”

She smiled and nodded.“I do.”

“How about when you’re done here, I take you for another ride on my bike?”he asked.

Ava nibbled her lip.“It will have to be a quick one.I’ve got to go and pick up Bernice.”

“How about we take a rain check on the ride?”he asked.

She wanted to tell him no, but she also knew she owed it to her mother to be responsible.

“You don’t mind?”She tried not to wince.

“No, I don’t mind.You’ve got places you need to be.”

“You could ...come back with me?”Ava said, and then she frowned.“I mean, you know, for a drink or something.”

She was not even hinting at sex, but she hated the thought of him getting the wrong impression.“Not for sex, I mean, literally for a drink.”She felt her cheeks start to heat, and she looked at Pat to find him with a smile on his lips.That smile lit up his whole face, and he looked so relaxed and laid-back.

“I didn’t think for a second you were offering.”

Her face was on fire.Thankfully, there were still a lot of customers.