Page 143 of Seeds of Malice

I study her, wondering what she's up to.

Dad grabs the door and opens it wider.

Avery focuses on him, her smile widening. "Are you Mr. Ford?"

"Yes," Dad answers cautiously.

"Oh. I'm Avery. My dad's told me all about you. He says you're really talented and a great addition to his team! And Ivy's talked so highly of you too. It's really nice to meet you." She holds out her hand.

My father glances at me and then back at her. He takes her hand, and she offers him her dainty handshake, which should bug him.

It doesn't faze him the way it normally would. He replies, "It's nice to meet you too, Avery. Your dad tells me all sorts of good things about you."

I hold in my disdain. How dare Dax's father speak poorly about him and good about Avery? She's the devil. Dax is nothing but wonderful. I tell myself to hold my thoughts in, wanting to explode but not wanting to get into another conversation with my dad.

My dad releases Avery's hand.

She asks, "Are you ready to go, Ivy? We don't want to be late on our first day."

I'm unsure how to escape this situation or why she's even here. But riding to school with Dad seems like a bad idea as well.

"Is something wrong?" she questions when I don't move, her face full of concern.

Just go with it. She's better to deal with than Dad right now.

"No, sorry." I turn and hug my dad. "Have a good day."

"I was going to take you to school," he states.

"It'd be kind of silly for you to go all that way when I'm going to the same place," Avery interjects.

My dad smiles. "I guess you're right."

"Don't worry. I'm a safe driver. I'll bring her back to you before dinner," Avery claims and winks.

My dad chuckles, and my gut flips.

Is he seriously falling for Avery's act as well?

"Bye, Mr. Ford. It was great meeting you," she says, giving him another beaming smile.

"You too," he agrees, and I want to toss my cookies.

She gives a final wave and goes to her car.

"Bye, Dad," I say, following her. I slide into her Mustang.

She carefully pulls away.

I turn toward her, accusing, "What are you up to, Avery?"

Her eyes widen. "What do you mean? I'm taking you to school."

"Why did you just show up on my doorstep? What's up your sleeve?" I question.

Her face falls. She turns down the estate driveway, remaining silent, and drives toward the large metal gates.

"Avery!"

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