Normal | Rhekker

Chapter 54- Is It Over Now?

"Ava?"
"Patrick?" She took her sunglasses off.

They got settled into a small cafe out of the way.
"No one will see you here" he promised.
"So, last I heard you were in Monaco?"
"Wasn't a fan" Ava winced, stirring her coffee.
"So you've been reading the papers then?"
"It's part of my job, keeping up with the news"
Ava didn't say anything, just sipped her iced coffee.
"How have you been?" He said sincerely.
"Fine"

He pursed his lips, "you know Speaking of my job, I'm attending a charity gala tomorrow evening. Around seven" he said cheerfully.
She smiled, "it might not be the best idea. I'm some what in hiding"
"What for?" He sat back.
Ava eyes fell to the table.
"If you change your mind, I wouldn't say no to the company"
He said his goodbyes and paid for both their coffees, leaving a tip.

*

Ava and Brooklyn shared a kosher breakfast, with Bob leaving for an early office start. Ava chewed her toast, washing it down with some orange juice.
"Connor followed me to Chicago" she said.
"Really? How'd you hear that"
"I had a little lay over between flights, stayed at a friends place. She texted me to let me know he came looking"
"How's he know you'd go there?" Brooklyn asked.
Ava pursed her lips, "I used his card. Air miles were the only payment they took"
"Maybe a part of me did want him to find me, make the effort"

"I haven't turned on my phone in days but my voicemail was full the last time I checked"
"Maybe I should call him, let him know I'm okey" Ava pouted.
"Do you want my advice?"
Ava nodded, "ring Patrick, tell him you're free tonight. Go out, drink some champagne. Have fun". She held out her phone.
"Now wether that means sleeping with him or not is up to you"
Ava stared at the scene before her before taking the phone, sending a quick text agree to accompany him tonight. Signing off as herself.

Ava handed back Brooklyns phone, she kept Ava's hand.
"I have a wedding dress fitting this afternoon. We could go then get your hair done for tonight"
"That sounds good" Ava agreed.
They left shortly after, walking to a boutique on the east side that was styling Brooklyns weeding dress. "Are you ready for the first look?" She said from behind a heavy curtain.
"No one else has seen it"
"Not even your mother?"
"Can't see the bride before the wedding" she stepped out from behind the curtain.

It was an ivory dress with a square neckline and detailed bodice with lace and pearls. With long lace gloves covering her hands and arms.
"Theres a veil as well" Brooklyn smiled.
Ava took her hands, "you look beautiful"
Ava kissed her cheek, "Bob's going to love it"
"I hope so" she chuckled.
"I don't know where I'm going to keep it that he won't see it"
"He might need to sleep on the sofa for a few nights" she chucked.
"Do you think it looks alright?" She touched the bodice.
"I got it taken in last session"
"It's perfect"
Ava treated her to a coffee before they went to the salon, Brooklyn playing around with wedding styles.
"Are we just going for a wash and blow?" The hairdresser asked Ava.
"Can you take a little off the ends? And maybe some bangs?" Ava said.
"Of course"
"Thank you"

Her hair was pressed straight into her new shorter Bob, it framed her face nicely. Ava wore some of Brooklyn's jewels and a pair of borrowed red bottoms. Having only packed the basics. She applied her lipstick, holding her gaze in the mirror she pressed her lips together.

There was a strong knock at the door and Ava put her lipstick down. Unlocking the door to greet him.
"Wow" he smiled, "you look amazing, Ava"
Ava wore a tight high neck black dress with long sleeves, it had an open back a high slit up her thigh. Brooklyn popes her head through the door.
"Now I expect her back by eight o'clock, sharp. I know your games, Moore"
"Goodbye Brooklyn" she said, stepping out of the apartment and down the hall.
"She scares me sometimes you know?" Patrick confessed in the elevator.