30. Declan
DECLAN
Zero days until OA Con
It’s well past one p.m. by the time we get the workshop packed and cleaned up, hauling the crates out to the parking garage and loading them back into my truck.
Hiro heads straight for the garage elevators, fingers flying as he shoots off a message to Bailey, asking where they want to meet up for lunch.
Leaving Ava and me alone for what feels like the first time in forever. I wind our hands together, reluctant to be apart again. And yet, “I guess I should be getting you home, huh? I’m sure you still have a lot to do to get ready for prom.”
My chest aches at the thought of her leaving to be with Tyler tonight, but only because I wish it were me instead. I trust her when she says they’re only friends. Still, not gonna lie. It kinda sucks.
She hums, drawing me closer and looping her hands around my neck.
“Actually, I was kind of hoping I could take you up on that plan we discussed at the craft store the other day. The one involving bumming around the convention together and stuffing our faces with Pocky? Followed by an anime marathon at your place.” She arches her brow expectantly.
My heart stutters before kicking into high gear. “What about prom?”
She shrugs. “Not going.”
“But… Tyler?”
“Is going with Maya Diaz.”
“Oh. Well, that’s…”
She tilts her head, a mischievous smile stretching across her face, and my chest just about bursts at the sight of it. I grin. “That’s pretty much the best news I’ve heard all day.”
She laughs. “Better than that text Grady sent you about Jenni officially giving you her stamp of approval?”
I hesitate. “That was pretty epic.”
Ava drops her arms and pokes my sides. “You’re supposed to say yes, dummy.”
“Oh, right. Yes. Best news I’ve heard, bar none.”
“Uh-huh. Nice try, bub.” She catches my hand and pulls me toward the elevators. “Just for that, the first round of Pocky is on you.”
I follow along willingly, my heart lighter than it’s been in years. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Oh, it’s ma’am, now, is it?”
“What, would you prefer Ava cakes? Sugar lips? Mamacita?”
“Um, no.” She hits the up button on the silver bank.
“Shorty? Honey baby?”
“Declan.”
“Cutie? Snookums? Angel eyes?”
The elevator doors slide open, and she steps inside, pulling me in after her. “Hey, Declan. What did the girl say to the boy who wouldn’t stop talking?”
The elevator doors close, and I jab the lobby button with my thumb. “I don’t know, what?”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“I don’t get—” I break off when she wraps her hand around my lanyard and tugs me closer. Her lips part, and my senses flare to life. Lowering my head, I let my mouth graze hers as I whisper, “That is officially my new favorite joke.”
She giggles, hands threading my hair. Lips nipping mine. “I thought you might like it.”
I’m pretty sure I love it.
When the elevator dings, we break apart, breathless and rosy-cheeked. Ava lets out a sigh. “I can’t believe I spent five years avoiding this. Just think of all the time I’ve wasted.”
I wrap my arm around her while we walk into the convention center’s lobby.
“It was hardly wasted. You needed time to heal. Besides, you made some pretty awesome friends in the meantime. And as for me”—I look down, drinking in every detail that makes up this amazing human tucked beneath my arm—“I’d say it was well worth the wait. ”
Ava leans into my side with a happy little hum, and we merge into the sea of con-goers. Just a couple of nerds crafting something unforgettable during the greatest con of my life.
The End