Page 24 of If Everything Was Easy

“Me too.” I nodded.

We painted the clay, and then Margo carried it off. “It’ll have to dry it and then I’ll fire it this week. You can come by next weekend sometime to grab it,” she called as she disappeared. “Feel free to look around before you leave.”

“Look around?” My brow furrowed.

“She has a gallery in the other room.” Carter helped me remove my apron, and then led me to an open door. Inside, it was like another world. Sculptures, oil paintings, and pottery were on display. Some under glass. “Wow!” I gasped. “She’s really talented.”

“She is. I told her I’d help her getting a showing when she was ready.” He smiled.

“This isn’t ready?” I was confused. She had what looked like an entire collection.

“She doesn’t think she is.” He sighed. “Artists have a hard time putting themselves out there at times. Their work is personal.”

“I get that.” I nodded. “This was fun. Thanks for bringing me here.” I continued to walk around, looking at every last piece in the gallery.

“You’re welcome. Wanna grab some food?”

“Yes, please.” I grinned. I couldn’t help it. This was so unexpected and fun. Carter was full of surprises.

The ride home was quiet. I didn’t think either of us was ready for it to end. We’d had pleasant conversation at dinner, and pretty much talked about everything. Talking to Carter was easy. It was as if we’d known each other for years. Moving from friends to this wasn’t as weird or hard as I thought it would be. The key was not letting on that we were together when I came for PT. I only had a handful more sessions, so I was hoping it wouldn’t be as difficult as Carter made it seem. I didn’t really understand why it was such a big deal, but Carter said he could lose his job over it.

When we got back to my apartment, he walked me to the door just like he said he would. We stood there awkwardly before I decided to invite him in. He turned me down, stating that he didn’t think that it was a good idea. He needed to be a gentleman. It stung at first, but knowing he felt that strongly about things made me respect him even more. He gave me a sweet kiss, and promised to call the next day.

That night, I lay in bed playing over the evening in my head. I didn’t think it could have been more perfect, and I was chastising myself for ever thinking this wouldn’t be a good idea. Just as I was starting to fall asleep, my phone buzzed with a text.

Carter: Had a great time tonight. Looking forward to next time.

Ava: Me too. I get to pick the next date.

It didn’t buzz again, so I rolled over and let sleep overtake me, wishing for dreams of Carter to fill my head.

Chapter 16

Ava

It finally felt like spring outside, and I couldn’t be happier. Change and second chances were what this meant. I had one more week of rehab, and then I could start working toward playing in the spring season. It put a fire in me, and I’ve been working even harder to make it back.

“How far did you go this morning?” Ashley yawned as I burst through the front door.

“About six miles.” I grinned as I stretched in the living room. My leg ached, but it was a good ache. It wasn’t throbbing or swollen, and it seemed the harder I pushed myself, the better I felt.

“Coach will be happy about that.” She moved about preparing herself breakfast. “How does Carter feel about it?”

“Me running?” I furrowed my brow, twisting my lip at the same time. “Fine, I guess.”

“I mean about you not needing him anymore.” She grinned. She knew what me being finished with PT meant.

“I haven’t really asked him. We pretend nothing’s changed when I’m there.” I went to grab a water.

“I’ll bet he’s happy. You guys can be a real couple.” She giggled.

“Yeah, probably. He’s been kinda weird lately about that. It’s been two months since our first date, and other than a few sweet kisses, he barely touches me. I keep telling myself that he’s not Danny. Sometimes I have a hard time believing it though.” I sighed as I leaned against the counter.

“When is the official last visit?” She stepped around me, grabbing her toast in the process.

“Tomorrow. Tomorrow is my last session, then hopefully I’ll get clearance from the doctor to return to soccer.” I was nervous. Tomorrow was D Day sort of. I had a doctor’s appointment in the morning, and they would forward the results to Carter. I’d find out what the plan was when I went to PT that afternoon. I needed everything to work out better. I needed to be in the gym and on the field with the team.

“It’ll be great,” Ashley assured me before heading to her room. “I’m going to head out for a run. I need to be ready to keep up with you.”

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