Page 66 of Substitute for Love

“I’m Indiana Jones.” And proud of it. Still, a dagger went through his heart.

“That you are,” she agreed. “A guy always running off to the next adventure, chasing the artifact and leaving the girl behind. Hey, what ever happened with the old professor guy of yours? Weren’t you going to go on a dig or something?”

Gabe nodded. “Actually, yeah. Avery helped me get the paperwork together. If everything goes through, I’ll be leaving in like two weeks.”

“For how long?” she asked.

“Four months. Maybe longer.”

“Long time,” Claire added. “Too long for my Avery to be wondering if you’ll ever come back. You know you’ll love it too much, they’ll love you too much, and you’ll move on to the next thing. You’re a military brat. You don’t stay in any place for long.”

She had a point. He had given it a lot of thought already but hearing it from Avery’s friend gave it more weight.

“It’s just that every time I’m with her, I can’t help myself.” Can’t help looking at her. Kissing her. Falling for her. Gabe was surprised at his honesty with Claire. But maybe he needed to talk to another person about it, and she seemed like a willing listening ear.

“She is pretty cute,” Claire said, throwing away her wrapper. They walked back toward his truck.

“It’s more than that, though,” he said. “I’ve never been around anyone who makes me feel so… so…”

“Loved? Accepted?”

Gabe nodded. That’s why Claire was Avery’s friend. Why Marshall had been her boyfriend. Avery was a special woman, and he realized he also wanted what was best for her.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I think you’re right, Claire,” he said. “I’m leaving and Avery deserves to have someone who can be there for her.” He wished it could be him.

Gabe got into his truck and Claire leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re a good guy, Gabe Manwaring. Go, be Indiana Jones. Maybe you’ll find a Marion or a Willie or an Elsa, or whoever.”

He laughed as he started the engine. “You are something else, Claire.”

“I know.” She waved as he drove away.

He arrived back at campus, only to be stopped by Doreen at the front office. “You gonna sign up for that Lit class opening, dear?”

He stopped, replaying the conversation he had with Claire. About what was best for Avery, not him.

“Not sure. I might be busy,” he said as he headed back toward science class.

Chapter 22: Avery

Thursday September 4, 7:35 AM

Avery yawned as she pulled into the high school parking lot. As much as she loved working at the library, putting in a full day the day before had been exhausting. Training, shelving, tagging, assisting—there was so much to do. Her manager had told her they hoped to bring her on full-time eventually, but that would depend on the city’s budget. So she’d stay part-time for now.

Meanwhile, Mom had had more follow-up appointments, meaning more medical bills adding on to the ones she was already helping to pay for. Which meant she had to work as much as possible as a substitute when she wasn't at the library. Thankfully, Mom was healing. And that was great news.

Avery parked and got out of her car. No sign of Gabe’s truck yet. Well, that was fine. After her talk with Claire the other night, she was sure her friend would help put more distance between her and Gabe. Claire wouldn’t be able to resist spilling everything Avery had told her.

Avery had thought Claire would be jealous about the kiss—kisses—between them, but she surprisingly wasn’t.

“Honey, you can’t be giving your heart away like that,” Claire had told her, putting her hand on her shoulder.

The comment had taken her aback. Usually Claire was focused on looking out for her own interests. But she seemed to have genuine concern for Avery. Still, she had questioned Claire’s motives. She had purposely pushed Avery and Gabe apart, and for what? Claire apparently worried that it was too fast? To be fair, Avery had thought the same thing.

“Marshall is coming this weekend. I know he hurt you. But give him a chance to at least apologize. You don’t have to get back together, but I’d be lying if I said your breakup hasn’t changed him.”

Avery had bit her lip and shook her head. Seriously? Changed? Big whoop. But it wasn’t Claire’s fault for thinking so well of Marshall. Because Avery had failed to tell her much about their relationship over the past few years.

“There’s something you need to know, Claire. A lot you need to know.” Hot tears threatened to escape her eyes. As much as it hurt to say out loud, Avery needed to say it and Claire needed to hear it.

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