Page 86 of Substitute for Love

She gathered her things and headed toward the front door. At least she had texted her feelings. He’d know that Avery loved Gabe. And who knows? Maybe he’d text her back. But probably not until he got settled halfway across the world.

“Good morning, Doreen.” Avery grabbed the binder Doreen handed her, extra wide smile on the woman’s face and the twinkle in her eyes unexpected on a day when Gabe was leaving.

“What’s going on?”

Doreen pursed her lips and shook her head. “Nothing. Nothing. Glad to see you. Have a great day in class, Miss Williams.”

Avery side-eyed her as she walked by, heading down the hallway. She took off her sunglasses and dopped them in her purse.

Passing the classroom where her and Gabe first met, her heart dropped again. She sighed as she navigated past students, some saying hi. Would Avery ever not think about him as shepassed that spot? Probably not. She smiled, her chest warming at the memory. Their memory. Together.

She opened the classroom door and turned on the lights. Sitting at the teacher’s desk, she opened the sub binder, thinking of her first day panic when she had the wrong binder. Not knowing how it would change everything.

Students started filing in, Avery smiling and saying, “Good morning,” while staring ahead, a soreness filling her lungs and chest. No, not again. All the crying for today was done at the airport and the drive home. Avery needed to move on. Focus. Let Gabe live his dream. Meanwhile, she could build her career, take care of Mom. Avery would be fine. She’d be happy.

Or at least, she’d figure out how to distract herself until Gabe responded, came back, or moved on. She closed her eyes, hoping he wouldn’t move on. Wouldn’t find someone else. Go somewhere else long term after the project was over. At the same time, she hoped the dig went well. That Gabe was successful. Except wouldn’t that mean they’d extend the stay? And what if that led to another, longer project?

The bell rang. Time to start class.

Thankfully the announcements started, giving her time to scan the teacher’s notes for the day. The students were to continue working on a personal art project using techniques they had been learning. Seemed simple enough. She could walk around the room, interacting with students. Not as fun of a day without Gabe, but she had truly grown to enjoy spending time with the kids.

“Have a great day, Scorpions! Oh wait, there’s one more thing,” the sound over the loudspeaker blared. “Would Miss Williams please come to the office? She has a visitor.”

Avery’s eyes darted up, blinking rapidly. What was going on? A visitor? She shook her head, juggling her brain, trying to make sense of it. Finally she stood, the students staring at her andwhispering. “I’ll be right back,” she said, realizing she wasn’t allowed to leave the students alone. The door opened and the teacher next door popped in.

“No worries, I’ll keep my door open. You go ahead,” she said.

Avery headed down the hall, checking her phone. No texts. Nothing. Was it her mom? Or… no, it couldn’t be. Avery’s steps slowed as she neared the office. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her mind raced with every possibility.

She rounded the corner, and there he was. Gabe. Her heart leapt at the sight of him leaning casually against the front office counter, as he always did. His broad shoulders, the way he stood, the way his shirt pulled slightly at his frame as he shifted. She knew every angle, every movement.

Her breath hitched, her body rooted to the spot. Was this real? Was he truly here, or was this her imagination? Her vision blurred, but the tears didn’t fall. She blinked hard, forcing herself to focus. Gabe was here. He was really here.

Slowly, as if the weight of the moment was holding him, too, he straightened, turning to face her. His eyes locked with hers, and for a heartbeat, the world around them disappeared. There were no students, no teachers, no walls, no sounds—only them.

“Avery,” he said, his voice soft but steady, a warmth in it that sent a shockwave through her entire body.

She took a tentative step forward, her heart both soaring and aching at the same time. “Gabe,” she whispered, her voice barely holding together. “What… what are you doing here?”

She wanted to run to him, to wrap her arms around him and demand an explanation. But something held her back—fear, hope, a thousand questions swarming her mind. Was he here to say goodbye again? Or was there something more?

His gaze softened, and he took a step toward her, closing the distance between them.

Chapter 29: Gabe

“My flight was canceled.” Gabe stared at Avery about twenty-five feet away from him in the school hallway, every curve and softness and sweetness beaming back at him. Slowly, he started walking towards her.

“My professor booked me something else. I’ve gotta head back to the airport in about 15 minutes.” But whether he stayed or left would depend on what happened next.

He couldn’t stand being away from her for another second. Gabe picked up speed and ran up to her, stopping inches from her, his hands trembling as they reached slowly towards her face.

She cleared her throat. “You got my texts.” Avery’s breath was sharp and shallow, her eyes searching his. Heat rose up Gabe’s neck and spread across his ears and cheeks. He nodded as he touched her hair, his hand lingering.

Avery closed her eyes, turning her face towards his hand. She held his hand as she nuzzled in, a tear falling down her face.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She shook her head, opening her eyes. “No. I mean, I don’t know.”

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