11. Ava
Ava
I’m sitting on Amelia’s couch, cradling Michael in my arms. He’s sound asleep, his little face so peaceful it almost makes me forget how much he screams when he’s awake.
Amelia is across from me, her legs tucked under her, a cup of tea in her hands.
She looks tired but happy, the way new moms do when they’re running on caffeine and pure love.
“So,” she says, her voice soft so as not to wake the baby, “how’s the new job going?”
I cringe, adjusting Michael in my arms. “It’s … good. I mean, I’m still at the bottom of the food chain, mostly just pushing paperwork, but it’s fine. I like it. And it pays well, so …”
Amelia raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “And Nick? How’s he?”
I freeze, my cheeks heating up. I should’ve known she’d ask. Amelia has always been able to read me like a book. And I’m a shitty liar. I can try and pretend I’m not sleeping with him, but it’s pointless. I’d have better luck convincing her the oceans dried up.
“We, uh … went out,” I admit.
Amelia’s eyes widen. “Went out? Like, on a date?”
“Not exactly,” I say, avoiding her gaze. “We slept together again.”
Amelia lets out a low whistle, setting her tea down on the coffee table. “Ava, what are you doing? I thought we talked about this. Nick is trouble. He’s a playboy. He’s not the kind of guy you get involved with.”
“I know,” I say, my voice defensive. “But it just happened. And it’s not like we’re dating or anything. It’s just casual. I know it’s not anything. I’m not expecting a proposal.”
Amelia gives me a look, her expression a mix of concern and exasperation.
“Casual? With Nick Sullivan? Ava, you’re playing with fire.
He’s not the kind of guy who does ‘casual.’ He’s the kind of guy who breaks hearts and doesn’t look back.
He makes you think you’re the only woman in the world, and then he turns into Casper. ”
I sigh, leaning back against the couch. “I know, okay? I know it’s a bad idea. But I can’t help it. There’s just something about him.”
Amelia shakes her head, her expression softening. “Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I will,” I say, though I’m not sure I believe it myself.
We sit in silence for a while, the only sound the breathing of Michael as he sleeps in my arms.
“Has he made you feel like you guys might be a couple?” Amelia asks gently.
“No.” I shake my head, my fingers absently tracing the edge of Michael’s blanket. “No, not at all. If anything, he’s made it clear that this is just … what it is. No strings attached. He’s not exactly the type to talk about feelings or future plans.”
Amelia sighs, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees.
“Ava, I know you think you can handle this—that you can keep it casual and protect your heart—but I’ve seen this story before.
You’re going to fall for him, and he’s going to walk away like it was nothing.
You deserve someone who’s going to show up for you, not just when it’s convenient. ”
Her words hit me harder than I want to admit.
I know she’s right. Deep down, I know Nick isn’t the kind of guy who’s going to stick around.
But there’s something about him—something magnetic and dangerous—that keeps pulling me back in.
It’s like standing too close to a fire; you know you’re going to get burned, but you can’t help but feel the warmth.
“I’ll be fine,” I say finally, though the words sound hollow even to me. “It’s not a big deal. This is my early twenties. I’m supposed to have lots of affairs and live it up.”
She rolls her eyes. “I have a feeling our brother would prefer your affairs didn’t include his best friend.”
I grimace, my nose crinkling.
"Ugh, don’t remind me," I mutter, shifting Michael slightly as he stirs in my arms. "You know how Jessie gets. If he finds out, he’ll probably challenge Nick to some ridiculous bro showdown or something. Like a duel with pool sticks or?—"
"Or worse," Amelia interrupts, her voice laced with amusement.
"He’ll try to give you one of his infamous 'big brother talks.
' You remember the last one, don’t you? When he found out you were dating that guy from the coffee shop?
He practically gave you a PowerPoint presentation on why he was 'not the one. '"
I groan, burying my face in my free hand. "Don’t bring that up. I still have nightmares about the pie charts. And he actually tried to talk to me about using condoms."
Amelia laughs softly, leaning back against the cushions. "Look, all I’m saying is you need to be smart about this. Nick’s not just some random guy. He’s Jessie’s best friend, your boss, and—let’s be honest—a walking red flag wrapped in a suit."
"Thanks for the pep talk," I say dryly, though I can’t help but smile. She means well, and part of me knows she’s right. But the other part doesn’t want to listen to logic and reasoning. I just want to enjoy the sex. I’ll worry about the fallout later.
I turn my attention to the baby. “You know what, Michael? You are just the cutest little thing. I hope my baby is just as cute and precious as you.”
“Your baby?” Amelia asks. “Is there something I should know?”
“No. I just mean my future baby.”
“Kids? You’re thinking about kids?”
“Not like that,” I say. “But one day.”
Amelia grins and shakes her head. “You’ve got that look.”
“What look?”
“Babyitis.”
“Babyitis?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” she says, her tone teasing. “You know, when you hold a baby and suddenly, you’re like, ‘I need one of these.’”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, first of all, that’s not a thing. And second, I’m not ready for a baby. Not for a long, long time. I’m just enjoying your baby for now.”
Amelia raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. “Sure, Ava. Keep telling yourself that.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile.
“What about you?” I ask, changing the subject. “How are you holding up? Getting any sleep?”
Amelia sighs, running a hand through her hair that looks like it hasn’t seen shampoo in a few days. “I’m tired. Like, all the time. But it’s worth it. He’s worth it.”
I nod, glancing down at the baby. He’s so small, so perfect. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be responsible for someone so tiny, so fragile.
“Do you ever regret it?” I ask, my voice soft.
Amelia shakes her head, her expression serious. “Not for a second. It’s hard, don’t get me wrong. But it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
I smile, my heart swelling with love for my sister. She’s always been so strong, so sure of herself. I hope I can be like that someday.
“Why don’t you take a shower. I’ll stay and watch him.”
“Are you saying I stink?”
“No, but I’m saying you might want to consider washing your hair if you ever want your son to have a sibling.”
“Hey.”
“I’m kind of kidding.”
“I’ll shower tonight when I put him down,” she says. “It’ll help me sleep.”
“Fine, but don’t say I didn’t offer.”
We talk for a while longer, the conversation shifting to lighter topics—Amelia’s plans for going back to work, the latest drama with our parents and our brothers and sisters. When there are six siblings, there’s never a lull in family drama. But eventually, the conversation circles back to Nick.
“So, what do you know about Sierra?” I ask Amelia.
“Nick’s ex?”
“Yes. I don’t remember Jessie talking about her and Nick together.”
“Why are you asking?” she asks.
“Just curious,” I say, doing my best to sound nonchalant.
“I know she and Nick had a messy breakup. Jessie might know more, but?—”
I shake my head, cutting her off. “I don’t want to snoop around. It’s not my business. I’ve seen her at the office, and she’s not exactly friendly. Or nice to anyone. I was just wondering why she’s still there. She’s kind of a bitch.”
“Jealous?”
I roll my eyes. “Not even a little. But I think Sierra is jealous of me. Hell, I think she’s jealous of everyone. I don’t know why. She’s powerful. Gorgeous.”
Amelia raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “Sure you’re not jealous?”
“I’m not!” I say a little too loud and cause Michael to jump. I quickly shush him. “I’m just wondering what the deal is there.”
“Sure, Ava. Keep telling yourself that.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity. What happened between Nick and Sierra? And why does it still seem to affect him so much?
“I don’t want to be a homewrecker,” I say. “If there’s something there and a chance they’ll be getting back together, I don’t want to be the thing that gets in the way.”
“I don’t know details, but I’m pretty sure there is no love lost there.”
I stay another twenty minutes before giving up the baby to my sister’s capable arms.
“I’ll see you later. Take care of my nephew.”
“Keep your pants on,” she teases.
“Yeah, yeah.”
When I get home, I’m still thinking about Nick. I try to distract myself by scrolling through Instagram, but it’s no use. My mind keeps drifting back to him—to the way he kissed me, the way he looked at me, the way he made me feel.
And then I see it.
A photo of Nick and Mia Parker at a club. They’re standing close. His hands are on her waist, her lips brushing against his ear.
I feel a twinge of jealousy, my stomach twisting into knots. Mia Parker. Heiress, Mia Parker. Of course. She’s the kind of girl who parties with A-list celebrities; the kind of girl who fits into Nick’s world.
I stare at the photo for what feels like an eternity, my thumb hovering over the screen.
My first instinct is to call him, to demand an explanation.
But I stop myself. What right do I have to be jealous?
We’re not even together. Whatever this is between us—if it’s anything at all—isn’t defined.
It’s messy, complicated, and definitely not exclusive.
Still, the image burns in my mind. Nick’s easy smile, Mia’s designer dress, the way they look so effortless together. They’re rich and powerful. They have the world at their fingertips. The perfect It couple.
This is why Amelia warned me. Nick isn’t just a guy; he’s a complication wrapped in charisma and power. And I’m just me. I’ll never be rich or famous. I can’t say I aspire to be either, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
I should’ve known this was nothing more than a one-night thing for him. Two nights technically, but that doesn’t matter. He’s on to his next fling.
I close the app, tossing my phone onto the couch. I don’t know why I’m surprised. Nick Sullivan is a billionaire playboy. He’s not the kind of guy who settles down. He’s not the kind of guy who gets attached.
But still …
I can’t help but feel a little hurt. A little disappointed.
And a little foolish for thinking it could ever be anything more.