24. Ava
Chapter 24
Ava
Jet’s version of ‘I’ll call’ and mine are wildly different.
It’s been three days and I’ve heard nothing from him, except a curt reply to a text I sent him yesterday checking if he was still alive. He replied at 2AM, so I imagine he’s been pulling some late nights. Besides, I’ve been having too much fun with Mum to have much time to think about anything else.
I giggle as she spins in her kitchen, then dances her way over to me and takes my hands. I slide off the breakfast bar stool and the two of us spend the rest of “We are family” by Sister Sledge dancing around like a couple of lunatics before collapsing onto side-by-side stools as the song ends.
“Darling.” Mum places a palm over her chest as she catches her breath. “Why haven’t we done this sooner?” She looks at me, her eyes bright. “I’m so happy you’re here. ”
“I know.” I smile. “I wish I could have come years ago, but… getting on a plane after—”
She places her hand over mine, her eyes shining. “I know. I miss him, too.”
“You do?”
She brushes a strand of hair from my cheek. “Your father was my first love, Ava. I’ll always miss him and wonder what might have been.” Her brow creases before she composes herself, forcing a bright smile. “Your grandfather has done a wonderful job. You’ve grown into such a special young woman. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to see it.”
My heart seizes at the sight of water lining Mum’s lower lashes before she blinks it away.
“You were grieving, too. You wanted me to move here with you. I’m the one who was too scared to do it after the crash. I’ve been…” I take a deep breath then blow it out. “I’ve been writing about it. It’s silly, but—”
“It doesn’t sound silly.”
“I just…” I screw my eyes shut before opening them again. “It started as a way to process it. I should have done it years ago, but I was living in denial, I guess. Not wanting to remember it. But writing has felt good, it’s felt…” I swallow, my voice coming out as a whisper. “I’m wondering if I’ll be ready to tell it soon. Finally.”
“Oh, Ava.” Mum pulls me into a hug, stroking my back. “My darling girl, you’ve always been the strong one.”
“I’m not strong, Mum. ”
“You are. So strong.” She hugs me harder, then lets go, a pained smile on her face. “I knew you’d be okay without me. But I’m your mother, and I struggled everyday living so far away from you. Those early days here… I wouldn’t have been able to support you, no matter how much I wished I could. I owe so much to William for making sure you had everything you needed. I remember how pleased he was when he got you into that school, despite how much it cost him in fees. He spent months fighting to get you a place there.”
“School?”
Mum gets up and goes to the refrigerator, bringing back two glasses.
“You like mango juice, don’t you?” She places the glass in front of me, and I curl my hands around its cool sides.
“Sure.”
I stare at the vivid orange as a million thoughts run through my head. I always thought Mum had paid for my private school. Gramps couldn’t have afforded it. After my father died, he sold his house and downsized. I assumed the memories were too much for him, living in the house where Dad grew up and Nana once lived with him. The two of us moved to a pretty two-bedroom cottage near my school instead. Close enough that he would walk to meet me at the end of the day, bringing ice creams in the summer, and a flask of hot chocolate in the winter.
“You okay? You look sick. ”
“Just thinking about Gramps.” I force a smile. “I miss him. I might go and give him a call.”
“Say hello from me,” Mum says. “Then when you’re done, I want to take you to lunch to meet Mitch.”
“Your agent?”
Mum’s cheeks tint with pink. “That’s him. He’s heard all about you. I’ll be ready once you’re done.”
“The famous Ava.” Mitch sweeps me into a double-cheeked kiss, his teeth so whitened that they glow as he flashes a smile.
“In the flesh,” I say.
“I can see what you mean, Zena.” His eyes roam over my hair. “Just beautiful.”
My mother beams at him as he holds out my chair for me, and then one for her.
“Have you ever considered acting, Ava? You have the face for it. We could make you a huge star.”
I smile as I sit. “No, thank you. I don’t think that’s for me.”
He sits opposite me at the table, appraising me like a project. We’ve come to a fancy restaurant in Hollywood. Mum’s head hasn’t stopped swiveling since we arrived. She whispered to me about some big special effects director she spotted at another table as we walked in.
“That’s a shame. I could get you a leading role. Maybe a romance. Do you fancy being paid to kiss Ryan Gosling?” Mitch lifts a hand, signaling a server.
I bite back a surprised laugh as the server fills our glasses with iced water and takes our drinks order before retreating.
“Mitch.” Mum rolls her eyes affectionately. “My daughter has barely been here a week and already you’re trying to cast her.”
“I know a star when I see one.” His eyes travel over to Mum, and she sighs happily.
“When did you two start dating?”
They both look at me in surprise.
“Come on.” I laugh. “It’s obvious.”
Mum smooths a hand over her hair, her lips twisting into a smile as Mitch looks at her like a man obsessed.
“And here’s me thinking I was a good actress.” Mum laughs. “It’s been a while, darling. All the working together turned into something more.”
“I’m happy for you both,” I say, meaning it.
“I’m a lucky man,” Mitch says, making Mum giggle. “Your mother is a star, Ava. Knew it the moment I saw her.” His gaze returns to Mum. “I’ve got you an audition for that movie with Tom Cruise.”
Mum gasps and leans forward, almost toppling off the edge of her seat. “Really? ”
“Told you, Zena. We’ve got this. The starring role… it’ll be yours.”
“Oh goodness.” Mum sits back, her eyes dancing. “This is amazing.”
“It’s tomorrow afternoon. We’ll run the lines together. You’ll blow them away,” Mitch says, chuckling as she fans herself with the menu.
“Don’t mind your mother, Ava,” she sings. “I’m just dying here. I can’t believe it. First, you coming here to visit, and now this. I’m so happy.”
Warmth bursts in my chest.
“So, Ava. What are you doing now? Your mom tells me you graduated recently. Any big plans?”
“I’ve been taking some time for myself… working on something.” I glance at Mum. She nods at me encouragingly. I straighten and take a deep breath. “I’ve been writing my story. About the crash, the forest, not being found straight away… the whole thing.”
Mitch’s brows shoot up. “Really? That’s something you’ve never spoken about publicly, isn’t it?” His eyes dart to Mum, and she reaches for my hand.
I grip onto it for courage.
“I haven’t. Not once. I’ve been asked so many times. TV companies still approach me now, but… I wasn’t ready.”
“And you are now?” The interest pitching Mitch’s voice makes my heart hammer as self-doubt creeps in.
“I don’t know. Maybe… I haven’t decided. I’m almost finished writing it. Doing it has been a huge… relief.”
Mum squeezes my hand, and I smile at her gratefully.
“I know people who would snap that up, Ava. It’s an incredible story. We could make sure you retain all creative rights, be involved in the casting.”
“It’s a big decision,” Mum says softly as the server returns with our drinks and places them down. “Not one to be made in haste.”
“Of course,” Mitch agrees. “Think about it, Ava. This could be huge for you, make a lot of money, make you famous. I have the connections to make it all happen.”
I swallow down the unease that’s manifested itself into a tight knot in my throat. Everything I’ve kept to myself for ten years could be shared with the world.
Be seen.
I’m not sure I’m ready for it. What if I never am?
I force a smile. “I’ll think about it.”
Mitch and my mother move into talking about her upcoming audition and I allow myself to be swept up in her excitement again as I sip my grapefruit juice. It’s not my favorite brand, but the sharp tang makes me think of Jet.
I pull my phone out of my purse. A spark of energy shoots up my spine as I see his name on the screen.
Jet: What are you doing today?
I toy with the idea of making him wait before I reply. But I’ve missed knowing what the moody bastard is up to. We’ve spent so much time together recently that him not being here is… weird.
Me: Having lunch with Mum and her agent/boyfriend. You?
Jet: Callaghan is coming back to the US in a few days. We’re preparing contracts for him to sign.
Me: For all the engines? He’s agreed? That’s amazing!
Jet: Not yet. But he will.
Me: Sounds like everyone’s busy at your office.
Jet: Like Tasmanian devils on speed.
I smile. I bet he’s cracking the whip. Jet Grant in full suited control-mode.
Me: Yet you have time to text me? You’re getting distracted.
I add a smirking emoji before I click send. His response is instant.
Jet: I wish my face was being distracted between your thighs right now.
I inhale my water, spluttering and spilling some. Mum and Mitch look at me but carry on talking when I signal I’m fine and grab a napkin to pat my lips.
Me: What will HR say if they read the dirty things you send to your employees on your company phone, Mr. Grant?
Jet: Employees is plural.
Me: You mean I’m the only special one allowed to distract the boss?
Jet: Don’t be a brat, Ava.
Me: Why? I thought it made you hard.
I sit back in my seat, satisfaction running through me. I’ve missed playing with him. No matter how heavy my chest gets talking about the crash, the banter with Jet makes me feel something else.
Free. Alive.
My phone buzzes with another message.
Jet: Tomorrow. All day. You’re mine.
My fingers dance over the keys.
Me: I might already have plans.
I don’t. Mum has her audition, but Jet doesn’t know that.
Jet: Cancel them.
Me: Maybe I don’t want to.
Jet: Push me and see where that gets you, Ava.
Heat pools between my legs and I start to type back, but three more messages from him buzz through one after the other before I can.
Jet: Tomorrow.
Jet: You’re.
Jet: Mine.