One Night ✔

25. Returning Calls

Waking up the next morning I'm glad that Lucas is still fast asleep beside me because it makes it easy to climb out of bed and face the day rather than wasting it in bed with him.

I glance at the clock and notice that it's still early enough to take Avery to school myself rather than asking Hayden and his sister to do it so, I quickly throw on a pair of shorts and a blush colored tank-top before slipping into a pair of wedges and walking out into the hallway.

I run into my daughter walking out of her room and smile while her eyes widen in surprise. "Oh, good morning mom."

"Morning sweetheart. Are you heading out already?" I ask worriedly. I was actually looking forward to having a little alone time with Avery for a change.

"No, I was just about to text Hayden...unless you wanted to take me" she adds, a soft smile pulling at her lips.

"I was thinking that it could be nice" I concede. "Are you sure you can give up a morning with Hayden?"

"I'll see him at school" she insists. "But can we get Starbucks on the way?" she asks giddily and I laugh, nodding my head.

"Let's go."

The two of us scurry out of the house and down the driveway to the car, climbing in and setting off on our way. Avery turns the radio on and flips it to the country station and I chuckle, glancing up at her. "Been hanging out with your dad a little too much?" I tease. She rolls her eyes, rolling down her window.

"Maybe I've just finally realized the beauty in different music genres" she replies and I laugh, rolling down my own window and letting the wind whip through my hair. "Did he make you listen to country music when you were dating?" she asks curiously, looking over at me.

I nod. "He did but I did actually enjoy it quite a bit" I admit. "I guess I just sorta stopped listening though when we broke up" I add thoughtfully. I couldn't remember the last time before Lucas came back into my life that I listened to country music; it wasn't that I was actively avoiding it but it was almost like my subconscious shielded me from listening to music that could remind me of him.

"Do you want me to shut it off?" Avery asks worriedly but I shake my head, smiling at my daughter.

"Turn it up" I insist and she giggles, cranking the stereo.

~ 🌌 ~

Avery's POV

I'm late for school. In our defense though the Starbucks line was really long.

I walk into my second period class and all eyes immediately land on me causing me to roll my eyes. They were all so judgmental like there was some big story behind my tardiness. I slide into my seat and immediately the boy behind me leans forward and whispers in my ear.

"No Starbucks for me?" Hayden teases and I smirk, looking at him over my shoulder.

"Maybe you should ride with me and my mom next time" I reply teasingly and he laughs, sitting back in his seat.

"Maybe I should" he murmurs and I smile, turning back around and taking a sip of my Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino before holding it back over my head, offering it Hayden.

I hear him laugh softly and my heart skips a beat as he grabs it from my hand. Our teacher drowns on about something that I could care less about and I find myself waiting for Hayden to give me back my drink and finally, after what feels like an eternity he taps my shoulder and I can feel his breath on my neck as he's leaned forward.

"Thanks Avvy" he whispers and goosebumps rise on my skin as I attempt to control my raging hormones. He hands me back my drink and I take it from him, ignoring the sparks that fly between our fingers as they brush against each other and I blush, turning back in my seat and taking a long sip.