Drowning With You

What's Up With David

Before she knew it, the day came to a close and   it was time to clock out. Ava couldn't  believe how quickly the time has passed and was already looking forward to her next day of work. She felt confident just like David said she was, she was  motivated, and ready to take on whatever challenges with her new responsibilities.

As Valerie waved goodbye and locked up the building, Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of ease. She was so focused on her first day of work that she hadn't even realize that David was standing right beside the glass doors waiting for her.

"Hi beauty," he said with a smile. "How was your first day?"

Ava felt herself blushing as she responded, "It was amazing! I can't believe how quickly the time passed and how much I was able to learn. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow."

David smiles, happy to see her so excited and motivated. "I knew you would do great," he said, offering her a  friendly hug. "I'm so proud of you."

Ava returned David's hug, but she couldn't help but feel that something was off. His usual ray of positivity seemed to be missing and she could sense that something was bothering him.

"What's wrong?" she asked, concern was etched on her face. He brushed his fingers through his straight black hair and faked a smile, saying nothing. She could  tell that he was trying to hide something from her, but she  didn't want to press the issue. Her then took her hand and asked if she wanted to grab a drink with him. Even though it is the start of her work week and she usually didn't like to drink, she felt inclined to go along with him. She glanced down at her phone, checking the time and reluctantly agreed, "Okay, maybe just one drink."

David's genuine smile returned for a moment as he quickly waved down a cab before she could change her mind. He was happy to have her company. As they rode to the bar, Ava couldn't  shake the feeling that something was off, but she decided to let it go and enjoy the  calm moments of a nighttime cab ride.

The ride to the bar in the cab was quiet and slightly awkward. Ava could tell that David was  deep in thought about something, but she didn't  now how to get him to open up to her and let her know what was bothering him. She wanted to be there for him and support him, like he did in her time of need, but she didn't want to push him if he wasn't ready to talk.

Ava hesitated to reach out and take his hand, to give it a gentle squeeze. "Is everything okay?" she asked softly. "You seem like you're in your head about something."

David sighed and and rolled his eyes, hesitating for a moment before finally speaking. "Let's just have a good time tonight, alright?" He said.

Ava retreated, she folded her arms in on herself like a flower closing its petals for the night. She felt the warmth of a flush rise up her neck and into her cheeks as she avoided David's gaze.

The air between them felt thick and awkward, and she fiddled with the hem of her shirt, suddenly aware of how little she knew about him. They had only exchanged a few words in a short time, and now she felt foolish for letting herself get caught up in the excitement of a potential connection.

As they reached their destination, David climbed out of the cab and held the door open. "You coming, or what?" He said.

Ava was feeling rejected after David  closed up on her, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of hurt. She squared her shoulders and tried to push her feelings aside, determined not to let him see how much his rejection had affected her. "Nah, Im going to head home. You have fun though." She said.

David's annoyance was prominent as he flicked his hair out of his eyes with a quick jerk of his head. His voice was laced with irritation as he responded to Ava's change of plans with a nonchalant "whatever!" and stormed off, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets. She watched as he slammed the door of the cab shut behind him, the sound echoing in the empty street. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had disappointed him, and a twinge of guilt gnawed at her stomach as she watched him stride away, his broad shoulders set in a rigid line.