Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras

since I’ve had a big opening like this. In fact, I don’t know who’s more excited for Friday night, Cynthia or me,” he laughed.
    “Don’t forget me. I’m excited, too, you know,” Ava said.
    “I could never forget you, sweetheart,” Thomas cooed.
    Ava never had anyone call her sweetheart before; she liked how it sounded. Her dinner with Thomas was so different than her dinner with Max. She felt so much more regal, refined, and chic. Whereas with her and Max she was playful and flirty. Did she prefer one style to the other? It didn’t matter. There was no her and Max anymore. Not that there ever had been. Just enjoy the here and now, Ava.
    “I’m sorry, what were you saying, Thomas?”
    Thomas laughed. “I can see you still have your studies on your mind. I so remember those days. I was saying that Cynthia talked about you non-stop. I think it’s safe to say that once your internship is over, she’ll be keeping you on full-time. If that’s what you’re interested in, of course.”
    “Really, do you think so?” Ava’s eyes widened. Maybe today wasn’t such a horrible day after all.
    Thomas reached across the table, taking Ava’s hands in his own. “Yes, in fact, Cynthia and I go way back. If she’s not already convinced, I can see to it that she will be.”
    Ava smiled. Seemed this day was turning out to be a good one after all.
     
     
    Chapter 19
     
    “Forget about him, Ava. He was only eye-candy. Totally not worth your time.”
    Sitting across from her friend in the library, Ava tried to figure out three things … One, why Carly was even in the library to begin with—wasn’t she trying to set some sort of world record for non-library appearances or something? Two, why Carly suddenly was telling Ava to forget about Max after spending the last week trying to convince her he was perfect for her. And three, why she herself couldn’t stop looking at the table across the room where Max sat studying with Megan.
     Ava was trying to forget about him, but it wasn’t easy. Especially when he was in the same room with her, and Carly was constantly talking about him. Of course, she could always get up and move, but why should she? She was here first. Not that moving would even help. He’d still be etched in her brain.
    “Anyway,” Carly continued, “you’ve got Thomas.” She held out her hands like a scale, palms up, weighing each of the men Ava had encountered over the past few days. “Good-looking, yet immature college guy who has to pose nude to make money and can’t make up his mind about what he wants, or older, yet established and sophisticated artist who happens to be wealthy and oh yeah, he’s got that sexy accent, too.” Carly raised her palm, the one representing Thomas, above her head, while dropping the other one, the one signifying Max, as low as she could reach. “Seems to me you got the better end of that deal.”
    Ava nodded. “Thomas is pretty awesome. I could listen to him talk for hours, and not just because of his accent. He’s got so many great stories from his career and life in general. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody quite so accomplished. Yesterday, after I finished up my last art project, he took me out to Carver’s for lunch. You know that steakhouse over on Fitz Street?”
    “You’re kidding,” Carly said, dropping her jaw. “I’ve never been there. In fact, other than you now, I’ve never even known anyone who’s been there. Isn’t the chef from one of those celebrity cooking shows or something? I thought there was like a year waiting list to get in there.”
    “There is, and yes, his name is Georges Apollo. Apparently, Thomas is friends with the guy. Can you imagine? Thomas has his number in the contacts on his cell phone the same way I have yours. I even got to meet him yesterday.”
    “Get out!” Carly yelled, then covered her mouth before whispering, “Sorry,” to the people at the tables next to them.
    “It’s true.” Ava grinned.