The hospital fundraiser was a huge success. They ended up raising over a million dollars. Plus her mother and father were correct, in their statement to her. There were multiple items Ava ended up wanting, at the silent auction. She desired tickets to the Russian Ballet's Nutcracker Suite in December, a pair of diamond hoop earrings, and a pair of 24K gold crystal hoop earrings. But then she craved chocolate for a year from Sweetie's, a Louis Vuitton large tote bag, and a 5K gift certificate to Nordstrom (her favorite store).
She bid on three items (chocolate for a year, the gift certificate, and a surprise). Johnny bid on the Russian Ballet (against his wishes, but thought it would be a nice date for Ava) and also this cool Casio watch. Her parents bid on the tote bag and other pair of earrings, for her. She ended up winning all of the things. Although two of the items she had to put up a fight for. One was her surprise which was not shocking and the other was the chocolate.
On the large display board, she kept seeing the bid for the chocolate go up every time she raised her own bid. It caused her to wonder, who the heck is bidding on this chocolate? She will hunt them down! Practically running back to the chocolate table, she stood there so that anytime the bid was raised she could raise it back.
She's using her money from her checking account (which comes from allowance, babysitting, and tutoring). The money has accumulated substantially since ninth grade. This is something she's proud of, but she doesn't want to use too much on the chocolate. Chocolate isn't worth thousands of dollars. Or is it?
She can go to three hundred max, but that's it. That's her final limit. When the bid raised to two-fifty, she started perspiring a little. She raised that bid fifty dollars more and that was it. Period. A balding, heavyset doctor was the other bidder and he told her "You must really love chocolate. Alright then, it's yours." She thanked him and walked away with a year's supply of the best chocolate on the planet. Sweetie's is handmade and confection perfection.
Johnny laughed at her. But never get in the way of a girl and her chocolate. Chocolate is God's apology for Mondays and English peas. Blech to both.
Also that evening, she and Johnny danced and danced and danced. They made for a pretty couple. She is wearing a gold sequin overlayed silk dress, with dainty little cap sleeves. It has a crewcut neckline with pleating and a precious satin black bow around the waist. She's super cute and contrasting to Johnny's black pants, pale blue shirt, and grey plaid blazer. The evening was perfect until he dropped her off at home. Then it became... well... awkward.
He walked her to the porch and they stood there. Their faces flushed from dancing, talking, and the deep jolt they both felt in the pit of their stomachs. They both knew it could happen, the kiss. Eyes locked in on each other, his head started to lean in. At the last minute, she turned her head. His kiss landed on her cheek instead of the real target. She hugged him and went inside, leaving a stunned Johnny on the front porch. The whole rest of the night, she laid in bed wondering why she did that? He wondered the same thing too.
The next morning, she needed clarity and reinforcement. After a sulky breakfast, she dressed for the day with a pair of camo joggers and a sweatshirt that says Cozy. Which is ironic cause she's anything but cozy inside. A sweatshirt with the word Frustrated or Annoyed, is what she needs. Putting on a pair of brown boots, and running into the kitchen, she grabbed a bag of candy corn. The candy corn will serve as the currency for much-needed advice.
Then gathering courage, she walked. Out the front door and across the street into the preppy, funny snake's lair. She knew Tommy was here, cause his car was in the driveway. Knocking on the front door of his house, she waited. Tommy's mother, Ms. Brenda, answered. "Ava! How nice it is to see you. Won't you come in?" She let Ava inside.
Ms. Brenda is such a sweet lady. She has a bohemian spirit which can be noted in her style of dress. Today she's wearing grey pants with black pom poms attached to the bottom of each leg. A long flowing red printed silky wrap draped her frame, with a white T-shirt underneath. Bunches of bangles grace her arms.
Remembering why she's there, Ava asked "Is Tommy available?" She also glanced at the inside of the house. Clean but messy with toys. This is to be expected with Tommy's five-year-old brother and three-year-old sister.
"Oh yes, he's available. Very single and on my nerves. Are you interested, or know someone who is? Please say yes." his mother remarked. She has a quick wit, similar to her son's.
This made her laugh. His mom laughed too. Ava told her, "I'm actually back together with Johnny. But there might be someone interested in him. We'll see." She pushed the candy corn up into the top of the bag, playing with it.
After briefly talking with his mother, who expressed her happiness that she's back together with Tommy's friend, she waited while Ms. Brenda went to get her son. He came downstairs wearing old jeans with holes in the knees, a purple polo, and a smile on his face.
"Ava! Long time no see at my house. What brings you by?" he questioned. Not that he's upset. They used to talk all the time until things got weird after she and Johnny broke up.
She went closer to him. "Well I need your advice and I brought you something to sweeten the deal." She held up the bag of corn. His sweet tooth is massive and sometimes gets him into trouble. Ava will never forget the time he was six. Before his birthday party, he had gotten into his cake. Half the cake disappeared. "It was magic Mommy. Like unicorns it magically disappeared into my stomach," he exclaimed.
Snatching the bag out of her hands, he tore it open. "You know me so well. Come, step into my office. Uncle Tommy will help you out with all your troubles." He put a handful of the sugary candy into his mouth and led them up to his room.
Once inside he closed the door. Ava scrutinized Tommy's room. Totally different from Johnny's. Messy, messy, messy. Clothes are all over the floor. Is that a dirty sock on his bed? Ew, disgusting. A brown banana peel was laid by the trash can, along with several beer cans that didn't make it into the wastebasket. Cassette tapes littered his desk and bay window seat. She cleared off a place there and plopped down. He pulled up a red bean bag and put his feet on the other end of the seat.
Unable to help herself, she complained to him. "Tommy your room is a pigsty. How can you live like this?" Her nose scrunched in disgust. It also smells of "boy".
Huffing out a breath, he responded. "Oh, that? I'm still waiting for the scene where all of the animals come from the forest to clean up my room. It'll happen any day now. Are you here to criticize my cleaning habits or talk to me about something?"
Letting out a breath of her own, she explained to him what happened. Then admitted "I messed up. I should've let him kiss me but I didn't."
He tried to remain cool, not let his face give away his surprise. He wasn't sure what he was expecting her to say, but kissing Johnny was not on the list. However, "Yeah you messed up." Her face gave him a look that says DUH. "But we can save it. Never fear Uncle Tommy's here."
She threw a cassette at him. "Tommy you're not my uncle and it's just a tad creepy. Don't say that again."
"Well, what about Dr. Love?" He put another handful of candy into his mouth.
Shaking her head she replied "No. That's just weird too."
"Hater," he mumbled. She grinned. "OK so first of all, Johnny has insecurities. Many of which he hides. To be honest you're the only girl he's actually himself with. He never really was his true self with Ali. It was always this fake, larger-than-life persona. We all knew they wouldn't last, but were shocked they lasted as long as they did."
Interesting. "Why do you say that? Everyone thought they were SO cutesy together. At least that was the word around the school." If she had a dollar for every time she'd heard those words, she'd be independently wealthy.
Looking off in the distance, he answered. "They clashed personalities and priorities a lot. He's not that way with you. With you, there's less of a need to impress and no anxious energy. There's more of a calm mellow vibe happening. It's a good thing. It means he's secure." He tapped his chin with his finger.
"But if you didn't kiss him and he tried to, then he's definitely not feeling secure right now. His insecurities are coming back up. He probably thinks you don't like him and are waiting for the right moment to dump him again." After talking, he put another handful of candy corn into his mouth.
Oh great. What Tommy says is probably super close to the truth. He's probably in his room right now feeling like crap. Insecurity kills beautiful things. She needs to put his insecurities to sleep and let him know he's wanted and loved. But how?
"Tommy, what should I do besides coming right out and kissing him?" she played with one of his cassette boxes. Opening it and closing it.
He has a perfect idea. "Well, that depends. What are you doing this afternoon?" Curiosity is written on her face. "We're all going to Golf 'N Stuff. I think you should call your girls and meet us there too" He raised an eyebrow in challenge.
She accepted it. "Challenge accepted. Just make sure he's there. What time are you going to arrive?"
After telling her around four-thirty, they talked about dinner afterward. Then he for real challenged her. They played Donkey Kong on Atari, until after lunch. Ava left feeling much better although her stomach was twisted up with knots.
At three she went home and phoned Charley, to tell her of the plans. Kara is there with her. They both said they're up for some Golf 'N Stuff. Then she phoned Joy, and of course, Rachel is with her. They're both going too and said they'd be by to pick her up at four. Perfect, that gives her almost an hour to get ready.
Taking a quick shower, she decided to leave her hair down in soft waves. He likes it that way. She wants to look feminine and pretty, but warm because of the weather. In her closet, she grabbed a pair of dark wash skinnies, a cream peplum tank, and a rose-colored knotty cardigan. Her tall brown boots will go nicely with this. As will her gold arrow necklace, and crystal hoops she won at the auction. Which reminds her...
Tonight would be a good night for the surprise she also won. It was going to be part of his Christmas present, but he could use it now. Plus it will be super fun to see his face. Taking the envelope from her dresser drawer, she placed it inside her brown hobo (which luckily doubles as a crossbody when needed). The only things left are a little light makeup, red lipgloss, and a spritz of perfume. Looking in the mirror she said, "This is as good as it's gonna get."
Slinging her hobo on, crossbody style, she walked downstairs. In the living room, her mother was laying on the sofa with her dad. She had her head in his lap. They were laughing about something, probably in the movie, they're watching together.
"Mom, Daddy I'm going out with my friends to Golf 'N Stuff. We'll be back by curfew," she told them. Her curfew is at eleven, which is nice. It's twelve on Friday and Saturday, which is even nicer.
Nicholas Green, or Nick as he likes to be called, is a handsome man. Muscular, suave, hazel eyes, perfect head of hair, sophisticated, everything a hunky doctor should be. Except he's totally taken by his wife, Linda (or Lindy as he calls her). They've been married for a ridiculously long time, ever since he was twenty-one and in med school. She clipped coupons and shopped at bargain basement stores, to help with the financials during that time.
Even though being a neurosurgeon takes him away from home, and sometimes across the country, they make it work. And when he is at home he's always with his family, his wife, or on the golf course (usually with Ava).
Taking his eyes off his wife, her father asked "Do you need any money, Sweetie? Even if you don't go get my wallet and bring it to me. It's in my jacket pocket, in the study."
She traipsed into her father's study. It's so masculine with leather seats and a leather sofa. Behind his desk is their family picture. They're all wearing a classic white shirt and khaki pants. She loves looking at it. Reaching into his coat pocket, she grabbed the wallet and returned it to its owner. Her dad took out a bill and handed it to her. "Spend it wisely, as I know you will." She leaned down and hugged him and did the same to her mother (who kissed Ava's cheek).
Before putting the money into her own wallet, she looked to see how much he had given her. With eyes bugging out, she could not believe he offered a hundred. She'll definitely use it wisely and probably won't even use it at all. There's still a lot leftover from babysitting last week.
Standing by the door, waiting for Joy, her idiot brother came to annoy her. With a suspicious look, she questioned him. "What do you want?"
He drank some soda. "I saw you last night. You flaked out when Rat Face when in for the kill. Sucks for you." Then he let out a long burp.
"You're revolting," she mentioned fanning the air away.
Staring right at her, he said "I may be disgusting but at least I'm not a cornflake. You love Johnny. Everyone knows you love Johnny. So why don't you do something about it?" He took his soda and walked off, burping as he went.
Gah!! Her brother drives her nuts. Who does he think he is saying those words? She's not a cornflake. But she did flake out last night. However, she's going to fix this in about an hour. Hearing the honk of Joy's BMW, she ran outside ready to fix it.
Getting into the vehicle, she said hello. They talked, laughed, and sang all the way to Golf 'N Stuff. Rachel wanted to know if Bobby would be there. "I have no idea but Tommy said they. So I'm assuming he would be part of they."
Rachel was quiet the rest of the ride. Which was fine because Ava wanted to be in her thoughts anyway. She needs quiet to clear her own tumultuous mind. When they drove into the parking lot, her eyes searched for signs of Johnny's Avanti and saw it parked next to Tommy's Mustang. Her eyes brightened and her heart fluttered. Not to mention she was just really nervous to see him.
Once Joy parked, they got out and went to find Charley and Kara. Those two were near the entrance waiting on them to arrive. Ava knew it's terrible but all she really wants is to see Johnny, not her girlfriends. Growing antsier she put on a friendly smile. They paid and entered. Now the mission is clear find the Cobras.
The mission became derailed when Kara wanted to buy a big pretzel. And of course, once Kara wanted one, Joy did too. Charley purchased a large soda, as did Rachel. Ava just shook her head. Don't her friends know she must see Johnny? She has to make it right.
When all of the food was purchased, they walked around snacking. In the game room is where the girls found the Cobras. They were standing around watching Jimmy and Bobby play Dragon Slayer. "We can't just walk over to them and be like Oh hi boys. That would be too obvious," Charley told them.
Sadly Ava agrees. Johnny might totally be put out and not wanting to see her. "OK so let's just play some random game." She motioned with her hand. The girls liked her idea and went to play Pac-Man, a few ways down from the boys. They took a long way around, so as to not "notice" them.
But Johnny noticed. He noticed Ava the minute she walked in, from the corner of his eye. When Tommy drug his ass from his bed, he knew something was up. He knew it even more when he complained and told him he didn't feel like going. Not taking no for an answer, Tommy threw clothes at him. "Get up and get your ass in gear."
Upon seeing his girlfriend he suddenly felt hot and his pulse sped up. Maybe he's coming down with something? It can't be love, because he's tired of trying and getting blown off. All he wants is to know he matters to her. When he leaned in to kiss her, he didn't expect her to pull away. It was the ideal moment. But his expectations always lead to heartbreak. It's ironic how his heart can still get hurt by something he should've seen coming.
But maybe they can talk through it since she's here. Maybe she still wants him. Maybe. His eyes went back to the game. Bobby is winning so far.
Dutch looked up and spotted the girls playing Pac-Man. "Oh look it's hot chicks." He elbowed Johnny. "And your girl is one of them."
As soon as Bobby clobbered Jimmy, the guys walked over to Pac-Man. Dutch sidled up to Joy. "Hey, Joy you see my sweater?" She shook her head. "You know what it's made of?" She gave him a look. "Boyfriend material." She pushed him away.
Ava had hoped Johnny would stand beside her, but he didn't. He stood by Jimmy. It's clear he's upset about last night and is hiding his heart away. She overthinks and he over feels. What a great pair they make. But tonight isn't about overthinking, it's about doing. "Who's up for go-karts?" she asked.
"Lame," Dutch responded with a bored voice. "Let's just get out of here and go somewhere else. Like dinner. I'm hungry."
They all agreed. "I know! Let's go to the karaoke bar. They have great burgers and fries and hot wings. I love hot wings," Charley commented.
"Yes let's go eat some WINGSSSS," Tommy shouted. He loves hot wings.
Johnny wanted to ask Ava to ride with him, but she had taken off with her friends before he could. This left him annoyed and bothered. There's only one thing to do when he feels like this, drive. Once all the cars were behind each other, and on the highway, he sped up. He knew where they're going, so he took the lead.
Bobby freaked out in the passenger seat. "What the heck Man? I don't care to be roadkill."
Motioning with his hand, he responded to his friend, "Calm down Mom. I'll get you there in one piece. Sit back and enjoy the ride." Sometimes Bobby can be such a nag. He sped up a little more just to see him squirm.
From the rearview mirror, he noticed Tommy followed him. The girls were last. When they got there, they went to reserve tables. They had beaten the chicks by seven minutes. Once they did show, pitchers of soda and water had been placed on the tables along with cups.
Rachel instantly sat by Bobby and Kara by Tommy. Which left places beside Jimmy, Dutch, and of course Johnny. Ava knew it would be odd and ridiculous to sit anywhere except by her boyfriend, especially if she wanted to fix things. So she sat but it was uncomfortable and strained. Almost like ninth grade all over again.
The whole meal was disappointing. How can wings, burgers, and fries be bittersweet? He feels like someone has kicked him in the teeth. She won't even look at him. The desire to blurt out "I seriously wouldn't mind if you just grabbed my face and kissed it" came to him. But that would require her wanting to do so. Apparently, she doesn't.
During the middle of the meal, karaoke began. Several people got up and performed. Some sang Beach Boys, others sang Elvis. Then one lady in red pants jumped up and sang The Supremes song You Can't Hurry Love. Ava felt it in her heart. You can't hurry love, not one that's real. She thought of the guy sitting beside her.
And then, just like that, she decided to sing a song. Totally spur of the moment and on the fly. The first song that popped into her mind doesn't really go with their relationship. It kind of does in a way. Maybe? Then she decided she'd sing another song to make up for this one.
Before she talked herself out of it, she stood up and pushed her chair back. As she walked to the front her friends gave her looks. She never does anything like this. Usually, it's Charley or Kara. Even Johnny seemed shocked. She told the sound guy the two songs she wanted to sing.
Little do her friends know, she lives the double life of a singer (not really but she sings in the shower). That counts right? The music to Voices Carry hit and she took the mic in her hands. Following the words on the screen, she sang along. There were whistles and claps. On the chorus, she started to feel comfortable and stopped looking at the screen. She knows this song so well since she sings it all the time in her car.
In the last part of the song, she belted it out. When the song ended the next track played, The Promise from When In Rome. This is the one that means something. She sang from her heart, and the chorus almost choked her up. Taking her eyes off the screen and looking at Johnny, they locked eyes together. The song's ending made tears form, cause she meant it.
"I'm sorry but I'm just thinking of the right words to say. I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be. And if I had to walk the world I'd make you fall for me. I promise you, I promise you I will."
When the song was over, she wiped her face with her hands. The crowd clapped and her girlfriends jumped on the stage beside her. "Don't go anywhere," Joy whispered. They all grabbed mics and the music hit. Ava couldn't help but smile and sing 9 To 5 with them.
After their big finale, Ava left the stage. She's all sung out, but her friends stayed singing Dancing Queen by Abba. Back at the tables, Johnny was missing. "Ava who knew you could sing," Tommy stated.
Her eyes connected with his and the Cobras. "I know right. Where's Johnny?" Bobby pointed towards the back deck. She took a drink of soda and got her wits around her. Then she followed the path Bobby pointed.
Sure enough, leaning on the railing with his arms propped on it is her guy. She lightly stepped to stand beside him. He continued leaning and she stood, both of them staring out at the nighttime beach. The sound of the waves felt serene. It helps calm her nerves.
"You meant it? That song?" his soft voice questioned.
Inching closer to him, she admitted "Yeah I did." Her head nodded even though he wasn't looking. "This is my confession. I adore you to pieces and I wish I had kissed you, but I was nervous. Cause you make me nervous, in a good way."
He stood up straight. Stared into her eyes. And then he kissed her. Without warning but only because he didn't know what else to do. There was nothing he could say to respond to her, so he responded with a kiss. He needs that kiss, the one she's been holding onto. It belongs to him and he wanted it back. He kissed her so deeply, and with such passion, she forgot how to breathe and what her name is.
As for him well he knew there would be fireworks. Of course, there would be. It's her. But what he didn't expect was for her lips to set his whole heart, and soul, on fire. His body blazed and melted into goo. No butterflies, just fire. All-consuming fire. They've exchanged thousands of kisses with their eyes, but nothing prepared him for this kiss on the lips. It's like their hearts connected in truth. It's like he's been waiting for this his whole life. He's been waiting for her. And that's when he knew... Oh crap! He's in love, for real.