Chapter 35 The For Sale Sign #2
“I’m a friend of the owners. Came by to check on them. Are they still around?” Owen’s heart caught in his throat, waiting for the answer. Please say yes.
The guy walked toward Owen’s truck. His white veneers reminded Owen a bit too much of Ava’s ex. He instantly disliked the guy.
“I’m Griffin Hawk. I run a real estate firm out of Augusta.
It’s nice to meet you. I believe Lucas is around.
Here, let me give you my card in case you know anyone interested.
” Griffin opened his wallet and slid a business card out of a slot.
He extended it to Owen. “This has my office and cell on it. I’m free anytime for showings.
Like I said, the sellers are motivated.”
Griffin’s smile didn’t waver, despite the awkward pause before Owen took the card and continued driving. His tires crunched on the familiar gravel. Gavin’s Subaru sat parked outside, so someone must still be there.
He jumped out of the truck and strode to the door, banging on it louder than was necessary, but his nerves got the better of him. He needed to see with his own eyes. To really know if she was gone.
The door swung open to reveal Lucas. He leaned against the doorframe, not inviting him inside but not shutting the door in his face, either. That had to be a good sign, right?
“Owen, can’t say I’m surprised to see you here. Looking for Ava?”
“Is she here?”
Lucas crossed his arms and hitched his foot in front of his other ankle. His face pinched in a scrutinizing frown. “Why?”
Owen blinked at his caustic tone. Lucas was always direct, but he couldn’t deal with this right now. He needed to know if Ava was here. He had to know if there was still a chance.
“Because I need to talk to her.”
“About?”
Owen resisted the urge to punch the guy in the stomach and make him move. He liked Lucas, despite his demeanor, but he wasn’t in the mood to humor it today.
Lucas raised an eyebrow, waiting for his answer. Knowing he’d get nowhere, and Lucas was clearly not inclined to help him, Owen went with the truth.
“I fucked up, and I wa–need to tell her. I made a stupid mistake because I was scared. She deserves to hear that from me, even if she wants nothing to do with me after,” Owen said.
Lucas straightened from the doorframe but kept his arms crossed. Owen desperately wanted to fiddle with something to work out his nerves, but he felt under the microscope in the face of Lucas’s questioning. If this was a test, he was determined to pass.
“Do you love her?”
Owen didn’t hesitate. “I never stopped.”
The corner of Lucas’ mouth turned up into a not-quite smile, but not a smirk, either. “She’s not here. Went back to New York this morning. I’ll tell her you stopped by.” Lucas stepped back and closed the door.
Owen slammed his hand against it, keeping it ajar. “Wait, please. Is she coming back? What do I do? Should I call her?”
Lucas widened the door a smidge. “It’s not my place to say, but I’m sticking around a while. If she wants to talk to you, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, she left something for Avery.”
Lucas retreated inside, leaving the door open. Owen’s fingers twitched with the need to throw the door open and scour the cabin for Ava, but Lucas wasn’t welcoming him with open arms today.
He returned to the door with a plush loon and an envelope. Owen accepted them both and turned the loon over in his hand. It still had the original tag that said his name was Ludwig. The fur wasn’t as soft, roughed up from years of use, but it was in-tact and well-preserved.
“The last boxes we went through had all these things from our childhood. Stuffed animals, trophies … stuff like that our dad kept in the attic. She asked that I get this to Avery,” Lucas said with a shrug.
“Did she leave anything for me?”
Lucas shook his head. “Sorry, man. That’s it. Like I said, I’ll tell her you came by.”
This time, when Lucas shut the door, Owen didn’t stop him.
He returned to the truck and settled behind the driver’s seat, his hands shaking as he stared at the envelope addressed to Avery.
It wasn’t sealed. She’d tucked the flap inside so it didn’t have to be torn open.
It wouldn’t hurt to look inside, right? Avery was his kid; it wasn’t like he’d intercepted mail.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he carefully opened the envelope, taking care not to tear or bend the paper unnecessarily.
He unfolded the piece of paper, his heart racing at what he would find.
The letter was handwritten by Ava, who blended her script and cursive mid-word.
He smiled despite his anxiety. At least some things never changed.
Dear Avery,
I hoped to say goodbye in person before I had to leave, but I didn’t get the chance. I returned to New York for my big interview. You helped me prepare! There’s no way I could’ve finished my presentation without you. Your company, humor, and curiosity inspired me more than you know.
I know you’re worried about your mom, and that’s normal!
Worrying about someone means you love them, and what an honor to be loved so fiercely.
Your mom and dad are so lucky to have you.
I spoke to your aunt, and she assured me your mom will make a full recovery.
You’ll be back to swimming and hiking with her before you know it!
It might take her some time to be as fast as you are again, but I know you’re good at being patient.
Just keep being you. That’s all she needs to get better.
You may not know this, but I came to Cedar Falls this summer because my dad died. The first few weeks were sad for me. Every day I was here, I missed him so much. But spending time with you helped me be less sad. And each day in your and your dad’s company, it got better and better.
Since I couldn’t say bye in person, I wanted to leave you this.
I found this loon in the cabin. It used to belong to me when I was your age.
My older brother, Lucas, gave it to me when I was born.
It was my first gift and one I treasured growing up.
My dad kept it all these years, and when I found it again, I knew it was meant to go to you. Look after him for me, okay?
Thank you for being my friend, Avery. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a big hug goodbye.
Love ya, loon,
Ava