Page 36 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

Her fingers brush over the folded pieces of paper. “And these?”

I carefully unfold one of the notes. “Every lunch note my mom ever wrote me,” I say with a smile, the memory of her handwritten words filling me with warmth.

Ava looks at the contents of the box with an intensity I hadn’t expected, her expression soft and thoughtful.

“I buried this when I was nine,” I tell her. “I haven’t shown this to anyone until now.”

Her gaze meets mine, her eyes full of emotion. “I’m honored,” she says, placing her hand over her heart.

Then, with a small smile, she asks, “Can I add something to it?”

I nod, watching as she removes a bobby pin from her hair. “This is the bobby pin Ava Harrison added when she came to Chicago with you,” she says playfully, placing it in the box.

We exchange a smile, a quiet understanding passing between us, as I carefully put everything—including her bobby pin—back into the box.

As I bury it once again, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection.

“Maybe we’ll come back and visit it again someday,” I say, patting the soil into place.

Ava nods happily. “I hope we do.”

eleven

Ava

I’m glad I joined Sebastian. Sharing his company feels effortless, and seeing him with his mother brings out a side of him I never expected. He’s so much more than the playboy everyone assumes he is—he’s a talented athlete, a caring son, and, as I’m starting to discover, a genuinely complex person.

I find myself enjoying this side of him more than I ever thought possible.

After spending some time with his mother, Sebastian suggests we explore a bit more of Chicago. When I tell him I’ve never been here before, he seems determined to show me just how beautiful it is.

“You’re going to love this,” Sebastian says, grabbing my hand as we step onto a hop-on, hop-off tour bus.

The bus takes us past the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Illusions. With each new sight, Sebastian seems happier having me by his side, and I find myself soaking up every moment.

Chicago is truly a lovely city, full of charm and character. I notice the family-oriented atmosphere, so different from what I’m used to. It feels like a home away from home.

That afternoon, Sebastian and I stop at a café for a quick lunch.

“You’ve got to try this,” Sebastian insists, ordering us a deep-dish pepperoni pizza.

One bite, and I’m a fan for life. “This is incredible,” I say between mouthfuls.

“Wait till you try Harold’s chicken dinner,” Sebastian says, pausing his own chewing to grin at me.

As the sun sets, we board a scenic sunset cruise. The cool breeze plays with my hair, and the peacefulness of the moment feels unmatched. Standing with Sebastian, sipping champagne, I can’t remember the last time I felt this content.

“Thank you for coming with me,” Sebastian says, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. His words touch me more than I expect.

“I never knew Chicago was this beautiful,” I admit, glancing at the other guests on the cruise. “I can’t imagine why anyone would want to settle anywhere else.”

“I used to hate being away from family,” Sebastian says, gazing out at the water. “But when I got a chance to play in San Jose, I had to take it.”

In his eyes, I see layers of emotion he rarely shows. The more time I spend with him, the more I realize there’s so much beneath the surface—layers that no one else seems to have seen.

“You’re not as tough as you want the world to believe,” I say with a giggle.

Sebastian freezes for a moment, his expression shifting before he quickly recovers. “We’re minutes away from shore. How about that chicken dinner?” he says, steering the conversation elsewhere.

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