Page 70 of Where Are You Now
“Maybe.”
There were lots of reasons, she had decided. Given her choice and what was meant for her, there really was no reason she should see any of it yet. But after everything over the last month or so, she was certain there was something beyond the emptiness.
Lucas set down his fork. “After you told me about your near-death experience, I looked the subject up.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I wanted to know what you’d gone through.” He leaned back in his chair. “There are tons of experiences. And some of them happen in that ‘void’ you mentioned. People have noted that their loved ones were often waiting in the wings. Maybe your dad was there, but just out of sight?”
Warmth surged through her. “I did feel like someone was there with me. I wasn’t sure if it was the source of the voice or not.” She rubbed her face. “It all sounds irrational, I know.”
“Not so much anymore, really. The thing is, you thought you were supposed to find me to save yourself, but in saving yourself, you savedme,” Lucas said.
“I know.”
The love from the void that had filled her radiated outward, reaching others in her path. Ava’s experience had definitely affected her mom—Ava was closer to her nowthan she’d ever been. But her coming back had also changed Lucas’s life. What would he have dealt with if she hadn’t returned? And it had also caused her to slow down and pay attention to her faith.
“Ever since you told me of your experience, I’ve had an entirely different perspective on what happened to me,” Lucas said. “While the guy on my table that day won’t see his wife, I can at least feel some hope that maybe he will one day. It’s too bad you didn’t see your dad. Then we’d know that we see our loved ones.”
“Growing up in church, we learned we’d see them when we get there.”
“I guess that’s the element of faith we all have to have,” he said.
“I have faith that there’s more and that I’ll see my dad one day.”
Just then, a breeze blew around them, and Ava hoped it was him.
With only themoonlight and the flickering fire in the firepit behind them, Ava and Lucas sat cross-legged on the edge of the deck, overlooking the lake. After their pie and cider, they’d moved over near the water and spent the last few hours talking about everything and nothing at all.
Her sore muscles needed a break, so Ava lay back on the deck and looked up at the stars twinkling in the inky, dark sky. Lucas followed her lead.
“I think the last time I looked at the stars was with you when we were kids,” he said.
“Same.” She turned her head toward him. “That’s kind of sad, isn’t it? Why didn’t we ever climb trees again or look up at the stars?”
“For me, it was because I never had anyone besides you who made me think to.”
Emotion welled up; she swallowed it back down. “Promise me I won’t lose my best friend again,” she said.
His gaze roamed her face. “I promise.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Over a piece of toast for breakfast, and still slightly sore from therapy, Ava took it easy and sat at the kitchen table, searching sewing shops on her mother’s laptop and making a list of leads in a spiral notebook. She’d called three shops so far and left messages.
Martha, who’d been busy organizing the project, came from the office and into the kitchen with a large piece of paper.
“My favorite part of the process is conceiving the ideas for the different bags. So late last night, I drew up a more formal pattern so we can give it to a seamstress if we find one. That will allow me more time to come up with designs.”
“That’s a great idea.”
“How’s the hunt for help going so far?”
“I’ve left a few messages at various sewing shops,” Ava replied as she dialed the fourth number on her list. This time, someone picked up. Excitedly, she waved at her mother to let her know.
“Hello, Seam & Stitch. How may I help you?”
Ava explained what she was looking for.
