Page 51 of Why Not Now?

She’s already taken a step back. “No, it’s okay. We don’t have any claim on each other.”

She’s wrong. Even if we haven’t talked about it, she has a huge claim on me. And I want to claim her, but she’s backing away toward the door, not letting me explain. I blame my disconnected brain for fucking this up so entirely.

“Ava. That’s not—”

I’m saved from my own idiocy when the person I’d been waiting for comes in the front door without knocking.

“Hey, Derek,” Lis says. “Come get this stuff. Oh, hi Ava. You’re early.”

Ava looks between me and Lis. “So I’ve been told.”

“Here,” Lis says, holding up a bag to me. “Make yourself useful.”

I take the bag. “Are there any more?” I ask.

“Yes. In the car. Set that in the kitchen and come with me.”

Ava looks interested now in what’s happening. Hopefully, she’s figured out that I’d not been planning to fuck someone else right before she was set to come over. I follow Lis to her car and bring in another three bags.

“Do I really need all this?” I ask as we bring the bags to the kitchen. Ava stands at the end near the dining room watching the proceedings as Lis lays out what she brought.

“Probably not, but I like to be prepared.” She hands me a piece of paper where she’s written instructions. I go to take it from her, but she holds on to it until I meet her eyes. “I do not give this to just anyone. You share this with anyone else, I will find you and I will cut you.”

“Duly noted.” She lets go and I scan the recipe. “And you’re sure this one is easy?”

“It’s really straightforward. But baking isn’t like cooking. You have to follow the instructions exactly. Fuck around too much and it won’t turn out. Which is why I prefer cooking. Anyway, here’s everything you need.” She’s organized the ingredients into sections and points to each. “For the cookies. For the hot chocolate. For the popcorn. Remember what I said about listening to the popcorn. You have to pay close attention or you’ll burn it.”

Suddenly, she stops and looks at me. “Are you okay, Derek?”

“I’m fine.”

She arches a brow. “You’re wearing your glasses again. Do I need to call for reinforcements?”

“Everything is fine, Lis. Thank you for your concern. I promise I will sleep better tonight, and I’ll be wearing my contacts tomorrow. You’re coming right?”

“Of course.” She sends a sly look to where Ava has been watching the whirlwind that is Amaryllis Stone in my kitchen. “I’m sure youwillsleep better tonight. But don’t think I’m not going to mention this to Spencer. We’re worried. All of us.” She gives me a hug. “Take care of yourself.” She goes to Ava and hugs her as well. As she’s leaving, she sings over her shoulder, “Have fun.” Then she’s gone.

After the door is closed, Ava says, “How many times has he called?”

“Twice since Monday.”

“Do you know what he wants?”

I shake my head.

“Is he usually this insistent?”

I shake my head again.

“Are you going to answer?”

Each question is soft and free of judgment. I’ve thought a lot about why he might be calling, if something has happened to him or if he just wants something again.

“I don’t know,” I finally say.

Ava steps closer, taking my hand in hers and squeezing it. Then she looks over the items Lis has brought. “I assume we are not going out tonight.”

“No. I had other plans for us.” I move toward her, my eyes devouring. “But I was also kind of interested in your plans.”

---