Spoilers! (Mavi)

Chapter 12: Esther

The Monday afterwards was really strange. I woke up like I usually did, slightly groggy after texting Avi until way past my bedtime. I sat in my usual spot on the train and noticed Avi sleeping on the opposite side. His head was threatening to fall over into the empty space beside him, which couldn't be good for his neck. I sighed and moved over next to him and waited until his head fell over on my shoulder. I pulled The Looking Glass Wars out of my bag and started read. Avi cuddled against my side after a little while, which didn't bother me at all. He had some of the softest hair I'd ever felt. I rested my cheek against the top of his head and continued to read, very content.

"Mitch?" He sounded so tired. I almost felt sorry. Almost. "When did you get here?"

"Not too long ago. Are you alright?"

He turned and wrapped his arm around my torso and rubbed his face against my shoulder. "I'm so tired."

"I told you to go to sleep!"

"I wanted to fall asleep to your voice."

"You did."

"Did I?" He chuckled and stood up. I hadn't even realized we were at my stop. We both made our way off the train and started the short walk to NY Apps. It didn't take long for his hand to find mine, and our fingers to intertwine. "Can I take you out for lunch today?"

"On my break? Sure."

"I haven't told Esther. What if she fires you! Oh no."

"She won't fire me for this. Will she?"

"I'm so sorry! I didn't think this through!" He tried to let go of my hand, but I held on as tight as I could.

"Calm down. I've don a lot of shit and she hasn't fired me. I doubt this would break the camel's back."

Avi sighed and readjusted his hand around mine. We turned the last corner and walked towards the shop when I felt butterflies rise in my stomach. This was just like going on stage. I couldn't tell if my hand was the clammy one or if it was Avi. He pulled the door open and walked me in while Kirstie and Esther cackled at the counter. Avi pulled my arm around his waist suddenly and put his around my shoulders.

"What are you two laughing about?" Avi basically wiped his sweaty hand on my shirt like I didn't fucking notice. Kirstie grinned at me sensually, like we'd done anything besides holding hands and hugging. Did she think...? I hate Kirstin Taylor.

"Just talking about you actually."

"Taylor, I swear to God."

"Coby! I hath naught betrayeth thine trust!"

"I have pictures of the bangs you wore in high school. Fuck with me."

She looked so appalled, but so did those bangs. Avi and Esther laughed at our spat for a moment before a customer walked in and Kirstie rushed past all of us like the queen of customer service she was.

"So, you two."

"Sorry I didn't tell you, Esther." He spoke like a five-year-old that just broke something. He dropped his hand to my waist. "I wanted to take him out first."

The smile on Esther's face was so sweet. She wrapped her arms around us both. "As long as you're happy, I don't care what you do."

I heard Avi's deep exhale before a light chuckle. He really was like a large child. He was becoming very cute to me. Oh no.