This is L.o.v.e. like it should be

XXXV. Small talk

Ava was just leaving the therapy session when, all of a sudden, she felt a pair of arms hugging her tightly.

"Gurl! You're alive, thank God! And I'm not even sure I believe in God. But damn, I was worried sick. So, what happened?"

"Phoebe!", Ava was surprised by her bear hug.

"I tried to call you during the weekend, but you just disappeared."

"Oh, about that. I had a lot to think about."

"I bet having a former lover as your new boss must be overwhelming. But I'll also be overwhelming if you tell me that you did nothing with that tall and good-looking guy. You know, the one who kidnaped you during the party."

"Oh...", Ava blushed.

"Oh, blushing, are we? Ava, what did you two do?"

"Nothing, actually. He was a perfect gentleman."

"Sure, that's why you are blushing and ignoring the part about Julien Bardi being your new boss."

"You surely are funny, Phoebe."

"And so are you, miss Ava. So, tell me. How are you handling things now?"

"I don't know. I have to be honest; I still can't believe he is our new boss. And more importantly, why our company?"

"Yeah, I knew you would be in denial...", these words just escaped from Phoebe's mouth, which she regretted in the same instant. "I mean, I still can't believe either!"

Ava was looking at the floor now, holding tight her own waist, like she was feeling some pain or something.

"What's wrong?"

"Do you think he would buy into this company because he still feels something for me?", Ava looked Phoebe into her eyes while asking the question.

Phoebe swallowed hard and stood quiet, thinking carefully in her next words.

"Maybe...", she answered at last.