Page 19 of Barrett

Ava laughed. I’d take this version of her over the angry one any day. “Do you want to walk with us? Reghan won’t let me go on the other side of the building.”

Without missing a beat, Dash said, “I get it. Why do you think I’m walking Latte back here?”

“You live on the same block?”

“Only part time. But it’s also because I enjoy doing things without people recognizing me and wanting photos. How about we stay back here where no one will see us, or less people will anyway?” He tugged on his baseball cap, bringing it down over his forehead more.

“Okay,” she replied, no longer hesitant.

Dash shot me a wink then the three of us were on our way down the street.

We walked a few blocks, even going behind Hartley’s studio, where he was busy working. Ava said she didn’t want to bother him. He was working on multiple projects and had been coming home late, causing Jordan to grumble and growl more. He’d also tried to hire additional employees for Hartley, so he’d have help. Hartley wouldn’t hear of it, saying he could hire his own staff.

It was interesting to listen to their conversations. I’d never repeat them, but damn, some of the stuff I heard, the arguments, it was a lot.

“What’s your favorite day of the week?” Dash asked Ava. He was a good guy, always happy, always ready to lift the mood.

“Saturday. I can sleep in, and I don’t have to go to school.”

“That’s a good one. I’m partial to Mondays. It’s weird, I know, but hear me out. My schedule isn’t the same as most people’s. I work when the moment strikes or when the recording studio needs us there, when the tour is going on, and I have to be on a bus or a plane. Everything I do is on a strict schedule. Mondays are usually lighter though. After a busy weekend of playing, we travel, or we rest. It’s nice not having to always be on. Mondays are a fresh start. A new beginning to every week where I can leave the previous one behind and focus on what’s to come.”

“I never thought of it that way.”

“You will now.” He grinned. “Besides, it’s not fair that Monday gets all the hate. It’s just hanging out, trying to get it done, and everyone gives it shit. Poor Monday.”

“It’s still a school day.”

“Yeah, there is that, but it’s not forever. You won’t be in school for the rest of your life. Plus, there’s always summer.”

Ava stopped so Morgan could go to the bathroom. She was good about picking up after her. Vail had explicitly told every guard in the building no one is to take care of the dog unless Ava isn’t physically able to or isn’t home. She’s responsible for her dog.

Luckily, there was a dumpster up ahead that she threw the bag into when she got there.

“What’s your favorite time?” Dash asked.

“Time?”

“Yeah. I love it when it’s noon, then I know it’s lunchtime. Not first thing in the morning when I’m still tired, or late in the day, or very early the next morning when I’m winding down. Noon is the happy middle point.”

“I guess if I had to pick, nine at night, maybe? By then I’m in my room and can message my friends. We play games together and talk.”

“That sounds nice. It’s how you relax. School isn’t easy. I don’t miss it one bit, but you have to go. You never know where you’ll end up in the future. It’s good to have an education.”

“I know. Vail tells me all the time and reminds me how important my grades are.”

“Then I don’t need to.” He winked.

Ava gaped like he just bestowed something amazing on her.

“How about your favorite flower?”

Dash kept asking her questions while I scanned the area. My lips quirked up every now and then from the questions he asked her. By the time we got back to the building, Ava was in a much better mood. Upstairs, she couldn’t wait to tell Vail and Jordan about seeing Dash and Latte during our walk.

“He called you Jordy,” Ava said. “I’ve never heard anyone call you that before.”

I swore I could hear Jordan grinding his teeth.

Vail laughed. “And you won’t. That’s just between Dash and Jordan.”

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