To be so lucky {H.S.} ✔️

Chapter 2

"Here we are, ladies. Hope you enjoyed the ride. Have a good night!"

James, our Uber driver, had been incredibly nice and chatty the whole trip down from my place to the gallery. I would be surprised if I didn't know Ava, and the effect she usually had on people.

"Thank you, James! It was a pleasure to meet you! Be safe, and definitely expect a 5-star review!" She winked seductively at him.

"I hope that guy isn't married. You'll be all over his thoughts tonight." I joked as I watched the car drive away while trying to straighten my dress with my hands, as best as I could.

"Oh, he isn't."

I stared at her, confused. "How could you possibly know that?"

Ava raised her left hand, pointing at her ring finger. "No ring, no spouse."

"He could have just taken it off for the night. You know... robberies and stuff like that."

"Nope. No tan marks either. And trust me, that guy was tanned. And before you say it... No, I don't think he has any kind of SO."

"Oh. Okay? I know I'm just repeating myself at this point, but... How could you possibly know that?"

"I just didn't feel the commitment vibe." I laughed, incredulous, at her bullshit. Ava shrugged, her mood suddenly shaken. "Shit. I'm starting to feel a little edgy, and that's never been a good sign, Nina."

"You'll be fine, girl." I stroked Ava's back, as she fanned her face with her wristlet. "They're going to love you. You're smart, funny, full of charisma. And you love art. You're perfect for this job."

She gave me a grateful look. "Thanks for being here, Nins."

"I wouldn't miss it. Even when I told you I wouldn't come, we both knew that wasn't true. Now, breathe. All you have to do is be your incredible self. Trust me, they will love you."

"What if they don't? What if I don't get the job?"

"First I'd kick their rotten asses. Then I'd take you back to my place and we'd cuddle watching silly shows until you'd start feeling like yourself again. Then you'd get your butt out there, looking for the next opportunity." She smiled, tears prickling her eyes. I hugged my friend, briefly. "I honestly believe tonight is going to be a huge success. But if it isn't... Well, we'll deal with it when we get there. It's what we do."

"You're right. You're absolutely right. Thank you, I'm so lucky to have you."

"We're lucky to have each other." I grabbed her hand "Come on. Let's get you inside, so you can marvel those scone-eating snobs with your beautiful self."

Although I would never admit it to Ava, at that point I was feeling a little jittery myself. This was the opportunity she'd been looking for since she finished her art bachelor's degree.

At first, Ava's dad got her a position at his company. It wasn't what she wanted to do in the slightest, she had never taken any interest in the family's business, and I could see how unhappy she was. Ava had always been too full of life and dreams to be stuck with a desk job. But it was her dad, and she also had this great inability to tell him no. Ever.

So she did it. She said yes and managed to last for a whole total of six months, until she finally dropped the perfect daughter act, and quit.

I remembered that day, vividly. It was three years ago, right before I decided to go on my retreat. I was leaving the office at lunchtime, had just sweet-talked my boss into letting me work from home for the rest of the week when Ava called.