Page 89 of Substitute for Love

Gabe had landed in Phoenix, the anticipation driving Avery wild. She waited outside the security area, bouncing between back and forth on her feet, holding a big sign that said, “Indiana Jones.” Her eyes searched the crowd coming towards her, wiling Gabe’s blue eyes to pop out and greet her.

The moment he came into view, she squealed and dropped the poster. They ran to each other, Avery jumping and Gabe catching her legs. Avery held him close, his smell, his strength, enveloping her.

Back at her house, Avery opened the front door and Emmett practically mowed Gabe over.

“Ah! calm down, dude.”

Avery laughed as Emmett furiously licked Gabe’s face. “He might be more excited to see you than I was.” Her hands were on her hips.

Gabe peeled himself away from Emmett. “But not as excited as I was to see you.” He leaned in, grabbed her waist, and pulled her close. They locked eyes.

“Gabe! Come on in!” Mom yelled from inside. “Tell me all about Egypt.”

Avery and Gabe smiled, neither one moving. “Be right in,” Gabe said. Placing his hand on Avery’s cheek, he slowly brought his lips closer, his heart racing. She closed the gap and passionately kissed him, making up for the months they’d been apart.

The three of them caught up as Patricia fussed in the kitchen, cooking brunch and serving orange juice. “So, it sounds like the dig is going well,” Patricia said. “Have you heard anything about if your time there will be extended?”

Avery and Gabe exchanged glances. “Actually, yeah. My professor told me as I was leaving yesterday. The original plan was four months, but we’ve exceed our goals and found key pieces that have caught the eyes of investors. They want to add another few months on.”

Even as Gabe told them the news, it was more like a question. “Of course you have to stay,” Avery said. “They need you.” She nodded, and he smiled, picking up her hand and kissing it.

“I thought you’d say that. Being back in Phoenix made me realize how much I missed it, missed you. But I can’t let my team down. And I’d be lying if I said Egypt wasn’t the coolest thing in the world.” His passion shone through his eyes, and while her heart already panged for the day she’d have to say goodbye again, seeing him happy was worth any pain.

Their reunion was everything she’d hoped for—kisses, hand-holding, and endless laughter. They spent every moment together, from lazy mornings sipping coffee to cozy evenings watching movies. Avery had surprised him with an Indiana Jones whip for Christmas, which had him laughing so hard he nearly cried.

But his gift to her—an antique copy ofPride and Prejudice—left her speechless. She ran her fingers over the delicate pages, beaming up at him.

“Thank you,” she mouthed.

“Thank you,” he mouthed back.

After Christmas, they took short day trips, the mild Phoenix winter allowing for lots of outdoor activities, like hiking with Emmett. During their video chats over the past few months, Avery had hinted that she hoped to meet his parents. Gabe finally took the bait, and his parents made plans to come to town right before New Year’s. Avery had already been serious about Gabe, but this was an important step.

Avery smoothed her dress for the third time as they walked up the steps to the restaurant. Gabe squeezed her hand, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. "You nervous?" he asked, his teasing smile calming her jitters.

"Maybe a little. I hope they like me."

"They’re going to love you," Gabe reassured her, but there was a glimmer of unease in his eyes, too.

When they entered the restaurant, Gabe’s parents were already seated at the table, his mom nervously folding her napkin and his dad checking his watch.

"Mom, Dad." Gabe pulled Avery forward. "This is Avery."

"Hi. It’s so nice to finally meet you." Avery extended her hand, her voice steady despite the butterflies.

"Hello, Avery, I’m Janet." Janet smiled stiffly, an odd contrast to Gabe’s easy-going nature.

Gabe’s father stood, giving a brief handshake, his face serious but polite. “I’m Thomas. Nice to meet you, too.”

The initial awkwardness hung between as they all sat. Gabe leaned close to Avery, his leg brushing against hers under the table. She shot him a quick smile. No matter what happened, at least he was by her side.

“So tell us, Gabe. How is Egypt?”

Gabe took a deep breath. “Where to start? It’s amazing! My professor is very happy with our progress. I’m learning so much.”

Thomas nodded as he took a drink. “That’s great.”

Gabe explained the latest discovery, his passion lighting his eyes up as he talked about the artifacts and his team.

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