Crossing the line

3: blurry vision

AVA

Later that evening, Ava found herself sitting at the kitchen table, nursing a glass of iced tea and pretending to be absorbed in her phone. Liam and Jake were in the living room, talking about some renovation project they'd been working on. She could hear their low voices from where she sat, their easy banter a constant reminder of how close they were-and how close Jake would always be.

It was maddening, the way her thoughts kept drifting to him. The way her heart skipped a beat whenever she heard his laugh. She hated it.

"Hey, Ava!"

Liam's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She glanced up to see her brother standing in the doorway, a wide grin on his face. "We're heading to McGee's for a drink. You coming?"

Ava opened her mouth to decline, but Jake appeared behind Liam, his expression unreadable as he leaned against the doorframe. "Yeah, come with us," he said, his voice low. "It'll be fun."

Ava hesitated, torn between the desire to avoid the inevitable awkwardness and the urge to prove that Jake didn't affect her as much as he clearly thought he did.

"Alright, fine," she said, standing up and grabbing her jacket. "One drink."

Liam clapped his hands together, clearly pleased. "That's the spirit!"

The drive to McGee's was quick, the small town bar bustling with locals as they stepped inside. Ava took a seat at one of the high tables, her nerves on edge as Jake slid into the seat across from her. Liam disappeared to grab drinks, leaving the two of them alone.

"You've been quiet tonight," Jake said, his eyes locked on hers. "What's on your mind?"

Ava shrugged, trying to play it off. "Nothing. Just tired."

"Liar." His tone was teasing, but there was an edge to it, like he could see right through her. "Come on, what's really going on?"

She glared at him. "What's really going on is that I'm trying to enjoy a quiet summer at home, and you keep popping up everywhere."

Jake chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I've been here the whole time, Ava. You're the one who's been avoiding me."

"I haven't been avoiding you," she said, though even she didn't believe it.

"Oh, really?" Jake raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her weak defense. "Then why are you so worked up?"

Ava's pulse quickened. She could feel the walls closing in, the space between them shrinking even though they weren't physically moving. His presence was overwhelming, suffocating. And the worst part? She wasn't sure she wanted to escape it.

Before she could respond, Liam returned with drinks, oblivious to the tension. He handed Ava a beer and sat down with a grin. "So, what are we talking about?"

"Nothing," Ava said quickly, taking a sip of her drink.

But Jake's eyes lingered on hers, and she knew this was far from over.

The lines between them were blurring, and it was only a matter of time before something crossed over that couldn't be taken back.

Sorry for the short chapter I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless.
<3