Page 37 of Just One Chance
David leaned back on his pillow, his phone pressed against his chest. How could he respond? For a fleeting moment, he thought about just telling her the truth.Oh nothing. He just wanted to threaten me again, intimidate me out of telling you that he’s engaged to someone else and is using you.But then Lucy’s words echoed in his mind.You don’t want to mess with the King family. He dropped his phone onto the bed beside him and rolled over, punching his pillow a few times before settling onto his side. Why did he even need to respond? Let her wonder what Tucker wanted. She could always askhimwhat he wanted. Let Tucker be the one to lie.
His phone buzzed with another text and he reached for it, annoyed with himself over how quickly hope swelled in his chest—hope that she’d texted him again.
Sorry,she had typed.You’ve probably been up all night. I should let you sleep!
David sighed.It’s okay,he texted.Not sleeping yet.
He tapped the side of his phone against his bare chest. Now what was he supposed to say? Withholding information was one thing, though that made him feel rotten enough. But he couldn’t outright lie. His conscience wouldn’t let him.
Another message from Avery popped up.It isn’t what it looked like. Tucker being at my house. We didn’t...nothing happened.
Relief washed over David, even as doubt niggled at his brain. That wasn’t what Tucker had said, though he was definitely more inclined to believe Avery over Tucker.You don’t owe me an explanation,he texted back. Because she didn’t.
I know,she responded.But I still wanted you to know.
David debated whether or not he should tell her what Tucker had said. Or implied, at least. But what good would that do?
So what did he want?Avery asked again.He was complaining about his wrist hurting and I told him he should ask your opinion. Was that it? I didn’t think he’d hit you up so soon.
I didn’t mind,David keyed out, grateful he didn’t have to lie outright.It wasn’t a big deal.
Oh. You looked angry,Avery texted back.I was worried.
I worked all night,David responded.I was just tired.
Anything exciting?her next text read.
David sat up, knowing he’d never keep texting if he stayed horizontal.I delivered a baby in the parking lot. I think that counts as exciting.
DEFINITELY,Avery texted back.
David stared at his phone, loving that Avery had initiated a conversation, even if it had started about Tucker.
I hoped they’d name the baby after me. Alas, it was a little girl.
Davina could be cute.
David smiled.
Another message popped up.Or, since this is the South, Daveen.
Davidina?
Oh! I googled it. Davinia is an actual real name.
Actually, they named her Avery,David replied.
WHAT. You’re joking,Avery texted.
Nope. Avery Jane. I like it.
I AM TOTALLY FREAKING OUT JANE IS MY MIDDLE NAME.Her message was followed by several *mind blown* emojis.
That’s crazy. Good karma for the baby, though. I mean, you’re pretty amazing, so...
When Avery didn’t text back, David briefly wondered if he’d overstepped. But he shook his worries away. He wasn’t going to apologize for how he felt about Avery. But maybe heshouldapologize for how their conversation had gone the last time they’d talked.
Avery,he typed.I’m sorry.He deleted the words and tried again.
