Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras Page A

“I couldn’t believe it myself. Of course, Thomas didn’t warn me ahead of time. He only texted me and asked if I wanted to take a study break to grab some lunch, so I had paint all over me when he came to pick me up. I figured he meant a burger at The Spot, you know? Thankfully, it was dark in there.”
    “You’re living the dream, Ava.”
    “I don’t know about that. I’m certainly eating well, that’s for sure.”
    “And?” Carly asked, chin resting on her hand, a glazed look in her eye.
    “And what?”
    “And what about the romance part?”
    “I guess it’s fine. He’s a really good kisser.” Ava smiled. He was a really good kisser.
    “ That’s it? That’s all I get? He’s a really good kisser?”
    “Well, there hasn’t been anything more than that to tell yet. I don’t know, Carly. I haven’t really felt all that much in the way of sparks flying past kissing. He seemed like he wanted more yesterday when he dropped me off, but I made an excuse that I had to get back to studying. Well, it wasn’t an excuse. I did have to since my Statistics test is tomorrow. But I just wasn’t feeling it with him. I feel kind of guilty, like I’m taking advantage of him or something. I mean, I do really like him. He’s a great guy, super interesting to talk to and all. I’m just not sure I’m there yet … you know, sexually.” Ava glanced over to Max’s table again; Megan was now sitting next to Max instead of across from him. She tried to shake off the thoughts going through her mind before looking back to Carly.
    “You just need more time with Thomas, Ava. Not everyone has that instant chemistry. They actually say the best relationships are ones where you start out as friends first.”
    “When did you become such an expert on relationships?” Ava asked.
    “I just know, that’s all. He really likes you, I can tell,” she replied.
    “You said that about Max, too.” Ava glanced at Max’s table again. She wished she could keep herself from looking. Max and Megan were now laughing. What was so funny about statistics? Nothing. They obviously weren’t studying . Stop it, Ava. It’s not your concern. Max turned his head mid-laugh and caught Ava’s eye; he stopped laughing and quickly turned away.
    “Well, he did like you. It’s not my fault he turned into a major ass. Anyway, I told you to forget about him. So do you have plans with Thomas tonight?” Carly asked.
    “No. I’ve got my exam tomorrow, and then the exhibit opens.”
    “Busy day,” Carly noted.
    “You’re telling me,” Ava agreed. “Statistics is first thing in the morning. Right after that I’ve got a meeting with Cynthia and Thomas. Next I have to get the gallery ready, then I have to get myself ready, and after that of course, is the big opening. Somewhere in between, I need to find time for a nap.”
    “Sleep the next day,” Carly offered. “Besides, you’ll be too ramped up on adrenaline to be tired.”
    “Probably,” Ava agreed.
    “Then you get an entire week alone here with Thomas while the rest of campus goes home for the holidays, including me.”
    “Are you coming tomorrow night?” Ava asked.
    “Of course! Your openings are the best party in town. You better promise to text me if anything interesting happens after I leave, though.”
    “Cynthia will be here with us all week, also,” Ava replied, shaking her head, laughing.
     
     
    Chapter 20
     
    Thomas brushed Ava’s lips lightly as she got out of her car. He had been waiting for her to arrive before going inside for their meeting. Ava backed up somewhat, making sure Cynthia was safely inside the gallery, before wrapping her arms around Thomas. She kissed him passionately, savoring the taste of his tongue and lips, taking in the clean smell of his skin. She hadn’t lied to Carly; she enjoyed kissing him immensely.
    “Thank you for the flowers,” she said as she pulled away, smiling. “You didn’t have to do that.”
    Just as Ava was getting ready