Normal | Rhekker

Chapter 46- Minneapolis

Ava climbed into bed that evening, lying back on her side she waited for Connor to come in.
He joined her in the bed coming out of the bathroom.
Ava leaned over him, pulling him close in a kiss.
"Wake me up before you go"
"Of course" he rubbed her back.
Ava cuddled into his side, holding onto him as she drifted to sleep.

When she woke it was dark and Connor wasn't beside her anymore.
"Ava" there was a hand on the back of her arm.
She rolled over on the bed, sitting up on her knees, wrapping her arms around his back, pulling him close.
"I love you"
"I love you too"
"I'll see you in three days" he kissed her temple.
"Three days"

Ava walked him to the door in her pyjamas, Connor rolled his suitcase beside him.
"I love you" she gave him one final hug, squeezing him tight.
"I'll call you tonight"
He kissed her before walking out the door.

Ava got back to bed after that, sleeping for another few hours before she needed to wake for work. While Connor boarded a train bound north.
Ava arrived at work later in the day for a few meetings and notes before making her way into town to do a bit of solo shopping.
Suddenly unsure of what to do with all the time on her hands.

She strolled through the streets after getting lunch, window shopping around town.
"Ava!" Someone called after her.
She turned her head, spotting Owen with a red head women.
"Ava, This is Jessica, she's a paediatric nurse at Mayo"
"It's great to meet you" Ava smiled and shook her hand.
"I don't think you need much introduction"
Ava blushed and smiled, "are you two out shopping?"
"We just came from lunch actually"
"We both hand the day off"
"You?"
"Oh, just window shopping, Connor left this morning for Minneapolis"
"I'll see you at work" 

Ava drove home, having a solo girl dinner of nachos, humus and crackers.
She laid in bed, watching a movie on her laptop with some popcorn, the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Connor"
"What are you wearing" he said.
"Wouldn't you like to know" Ava chuckled, taking a piece of popcorn into her mouth.
"Hows Minneapolis"
"Can't be that good if you're not with me" he said.
Ava rolled her eyes.
"Have you met Jessica?"
"Who's Jessica?"
"Owens girlfriend"
"Owen as in Nat and Will's Owen?"
"No, Owen Fowler"
"He didn't tell me he was seeing anyone"
"Oh" Ava shrugged, "I ran into them today and he introduced me, they seem happy"
"Well he did say girlfriend, but they are dating. I can tell"

"I miss you" she said after a beat.
"I miss you too, Avey"
They stayed in the phone with each other until Ava fell asleep later that evening.
She woke up that morning on Connor pillow, cuddled into it.

Ava showered a got ready for work, a knock at the door.
"Hello?" Ava answered.
"Delivery for Dr. Bekker" he handed her a bag.
"Thank you"
Ava set the paper bag on the counter, opening the staple.
Inside was an almond croissant and a smoothie.

Good morning, I love you.
See you tomorrow evening
- C
Ava smiled taking a sip of her smoothie.

*

Connor smiled down at his phone, sat at the desk of a board room. Texting Ava a reply to her thank you for breakfast.
"You and Ava looked cute, at that engagement party?" Claire said, Connor looking up from his phone.
"Where'd you see that?"
"I follow her on Instagram, the Minenhle one?"
He nodded. "That's her middle name, it was a good party"
"Her friends from New York"
Claire nodded, "Are you in therapy?"
"Yes, bit of a side car no?"
"Why?" He asked.
She shrugged, "i have been. For years. Never really spoke of it. I was just curious"

The door opened behind them and their team of lawyers and other workers stepped in.
"I haven't seen you two in the same room in years" one of the older men joked, a close hand to his father's.
They discussed the future development of the company and further advancements. The meeting concluded and they shook hands with the team as everyone left. "That went well"
"That you for coming, we seem stronger if there's two of us"
"No problem"
"Do you have any plans for the evening?"
"No, I need to get some work done at the hotel, you?"
"I think I'll take a walk of the city, see what it's all about" he chucked.
"Ill see you tomorrow then"

*

Connor scratched his head, he'd been out for longer than he'd expected to me. He let himself into his hotel room.
He rubbed the bridge of his nose, pressing his eyes tight he sat in the edge of the bed, his phone pinging next to him.

Ava 21.07pm
Hey 😗

Ava ❤️ 21.07pm
You didn't call? Is everything alright

She knew him too well.

Connor 21.08pm
Yes, I'm just tired 😴

Ava ❤️21.08pm
Okey, I'll let you sleep. Goodnight cowboy ❤️

Connor 21.09pm
I love you Avery

Ava ❤️21.09pm
Love you too 🙃

Connor collapsed back on the bed, running his hand over his face.
The following morning Claire texted him to meet her for breakfast in the hotel.
"Did you sleep well?"
"No" he said truthfully, sitting down.
Claire pursed her lips, you'll feel better once you're back with Ava"

"What time are we meeting today?" He asked.
"We got everything covered yesterday. That's why I wanted to meet for breakfast"
"I'm going to get the early train home then" he twitched nervously.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm just tried" he brushed it off.
She nodded.

Connor got the midday service back down to Rochester, arriving just in time for dinner.
He knock on their apartment door. Ava opened the door, her face lighting up.
"Connor!" She threw her arms around him.
"Oh! I said I'd pick you up"
"My train got in early, I wanted to see you" he pulled back, kissing her.
"I made you dinner, it's nearly done" she took his back, ushering him inside.
"Did You have a good time in Minneapolis?"
"Yes, would have been better if you were with me" he picked her up into his arms, meeting her lips.
"Im just going to shower, and you can tell me all about it", he put her down and she left the room.
Connor's face fell as she left the room, rubbing her eyes. How could he tell her.

///

"Connor?" He turned around.
"Robyn?"
She was stood there, her hair was shorter and she seemed to dress differently, but that wasn't what caught Connor's eye.
"Who's this?" His eyes fell on the young girl sat on her hip, hiding her face in Robyn's shoulder.
"This is Sarah May"
His eyes clung to her, "how old is she?"
"She was two on the 21st, weren't you" Robyn smiled at her.
"Robyn" his gaze narrowed.
"I think we should talk"