Page 4 of War

“Yeah, okay, thank you.” God, I feel like an idiot. No matter how many movies and books I’ve devoured, nothing prepared me for leaving my hometown in the middle of Nebraska.

When I moved to Boston, my parents were distraught. Theycouldn’t believe I’d gone behind their backs and applied for jobs so far away.

Honestly, I hadn’t.

It was all my sister’s doing. When I got the email asking if I could come in for an interview the following week, I blinked at the screen. Then I fell into a fit of laughter. My sister, on the other hand, squealed.

She made me promise that I’d go. And I have never in my life said no to her. From the moment I was born, my purpose was linked to her. Her needs dictated my life.

I don’t mean to sound bitter, but it’s the truth. My parents created me in a lab for the purpose of saving her.

I did it time and again and would do it a hundred more times if I had to.

As the bartender gets to work on my drink, I pull out my phone to text her.

Me: Did you know martinis can be made with either vodka or gin? The waitress asked which one I wanted, and I swear a neon sign appeared above my head and flashed I’ve never had alcohol! LOL.

Me: Also, my date is late. He’s lucky he was so hot. Otherwise I’d pull a Samantha and throw my dirty martini at him.

I laugh to myself. My sister does the best Samantha impressions. I, of course, am more of a Charlotte.

Quiet, demure Ava. The sister who always does what’s asked of her. Who never says no.

When the bartender pushes my drink toward me, I snap a picture of it and send it to my sister.

Me: To becoming more like Samantha!

A heartbeat after I hit Send, the rush of excitement whooshes out of me, and I settle into the silence.Alone.

That’s been the hardest part of this move. I don’t know a soul. Though my new job came with a furnished apartment, I haven’t met any of my neighbors yet. I’d need to step outside my little haven to do that.

It’s been three days since I arrived, but the entire process has been overwhelming. Until today, I’ve lain in bed, ordering decorations and supplies for my new place. This morning, I finally worked up the courage to venture out.

That’s how I met Tyler.

Possibly the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.

And he asked me out.

Me. Ava Erickson. The woman who’s never been on a date.

Nervous energy has me tapping my toes inside my heels.

Also, I never wear heels. But if there’s ever an appropriate time to wear them, it’s while on a date.

I stare at the cloudy liquid in my martini glass and the two olives speared with a pick. I lift the pick and give them the tiniest taste.

Instantly, salty bitterness hits my tongue, the flavor similar to what I’d imagine the ocean would taste like. I can’t hide the scowl that forms on my lips.

“Gross, right?”

The question, spoken close to me, makes me snap my head to the side. The woman seated on the stool beside me has blue eyes and long blond hair.

Unlike her, I have red hair. It’s my most notable feature. Maybe my only personality trait.

Long red hair. Quiet Ava.

“It’s, um, interesting.”

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