Untitled Story

Chapter Ten

Morning rolled around much quicker than I'd have liked, and I wake up to a pounding headache. Perhaps all the vodka wasn't such a great idea. Nevertheless, I force myself out of bed and into the shower, grateful to get into the bathroom before Lucia.

Spotting my reflection in the mirror, I'm reminded of last nights events. The skin below my eye is a fairly bright pink; I can tell it's going to be a nightmare to attempt to cover with makeup. After taking a deep breath, trying to stop myself from thinking too much about last night, I busy myself with getting ready; starting with makeup to cover the mark he'd left. Reaching for my concealer, I notice dark blemishes on the wrist that Tony had grabbed. The sight of the handprint left behind reignites my anger. Covering this is going to be harder because they are more purple than the pink of my cheek.

Once finished in the bathroom, I opt to wear a long sleeved, black blouse to hide the handprint and pick out the rest of my outfit around that. Once dressed and almost ready for work, I head towards the kitchen and see Lucia making both of us coffee. As I near her she hands me a mug with the delicious brown liquid.

"Thank you."

She eyes me for a moment before asking, "How you feeling today?"

Taking in a deep breath, I try to identify the answer to that question. Even though I have seen Tony be a bit overly aggressive before, it has never been aimed at me. Now that it has been, I'm certain that I don't want to see it again. I don't even think I want to see him again, at least I don't at this point in time. And then he had the gall to lay a hand on me. No one has ever done that before and I am determined that no one ever will again.

"I think I'm still a bit shocked by everything, but I'm fine," I reply.

Lucia continues to watch me, only stopping to take a sip of her coffee before placing it down. Once she does, she wraps her arms around me and holds me tightly.

"Whatever you choose to do, you know I'll support you." She pulls back enough so that she can lock her eyes with mine. "But you know my thoughts. You need to put your happiness first, for once. Don't let your parents get involved in this again. You are Ava freaking Mitchell! Well, at the minute you're Ava Coleman, but still! Be the badass I know and love!"

She has always had a way with words, although I find myself beginning to smile.

"I think I just need some time away from him for a while. I can't see him right now." She nods in response and releases my arms. "If me staying here is a problem for you, I don't mind going to a hotel."

Her head shakes dramatically. "Not a chance in hell! Besides, now going to the bar is logistically easier." Her confident smirk forces a laugh out of me.

"Luce, I'm not here to relive the college glory days, I don't really feel like going out."

"We'll see what happens." She shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly before heading to her room to get ready.

My eyes roll while my smile remains. I sit on the island barstool and drink my coffee and check my phone. I notice that the call I received while hiding in my room last night was from Lexi. I open up our chat to message her.

'Hey, sorry I missed your call last night. Are we still on for lunch later?'

I continue drinking my coffee and trying not to be swallowed by my thoughts. It isn't long before my phone chimes that I have a message. Lexi's name pops up on the screen.

'Morning, no problem. Yeah, that was why I was calling. What time do you usually get lunch, and should I meet you at your office, since you won't tell me where you're taking me?'