Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Ava returned home, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She entered her apartment, shedding her coat and bag, and slumped onto the bed without bothering to change out of her work clothes. The events of the day played over and over in her mind, and she realized she should call Bella to share everything that had happened.

With a sigh, Ava glanced at her phone, considering reaching out to Bella. However, her fatigue seemed to overpower her will to make the call at that moment. "Bella's probably waiting for my call," she mumbled with a faint smile, promising herself to narrate the day's events to her colleague at work the next day.

Resigned to catching up on Bella's life updates in person, Ava finally mustered the energy to start undressing. She had almost finished changing when her phone suddenly rang, displaying Bella's name on the screen.

" Talk of the devil, " Ava muttered playfully, answering the call.

" You b*tch! Did you ever plan to call me at all?! " Bella shouted immediately Ava picked up.

Ava winced and put the phone inches away from her ear. Bella could be very loud at times.

" Will you take a chill pill and let me explain? " In contrast to Bella's tone, hers was quite calm.

" You better do right now or I'll... " Bella threatened playfully and left her words hanging deliberately.

Ava seemed to let out a sound and they both laughed.

" Okay, I'm all ears " Bella said seriously.

" Bella, you won't believe how my day went, " Ava exclaimed, her fatigue momentarily forgotten as she launched into recounting the details of her lunch with Bryan and the unexpected ride home.

Bella's excited voice spilled through the phone. " Spill it all, Ava! Tell me every little detail! "

For the next half-hour, Ava animatedly narrated every moment of her encounter with Bryan. She described the lunch, the curious stares at the office, and Bryan's polite offer to drive her home. Bella listened intently, interjecting with exclamations and questions.

" He drove you home? Ava, spill! Did he try to make a move or something? " Bella inquired mischievously.

Ava laughed. " No, not at all. He was a total gentleman. He just dropped me off and left. It was...nice, actually. "

Bella's curiosity peaked. " Nice? You mean like romantic nice or just nice-nice? "

Ava hesitated, unsure of how to describe the emotions that lingered after spending time with Bryan. " It was...pleasant, I guess. But you know me, Bella. I'm not getting my hopes up. "

" Why didn't you ask him to come in for tea? He was probably waiting for you to invite him in or something " Bella said thoughtfully.

" Uh... I don't know, didn't think it was normal to invite a guy into my home " Ava replied quietly.

" Geez " Bella said and Ava could feel her disappointment " And how are we supposed to get you a lover if you keep acting like that? "

" Last time I checked, I didn't tell you anything about wanting a lover, did I? " Ava asked quietly.

" You didn't have to tell me, it's what you need at the moment " Bella insisted.

She continued " Who knows? Something might have happened if you had let him in "

Ava raised her eyebrows in question " Something? What do you mean, Bella? "

" Duh, we both know what I mean. You might have gotten laid of course "

" Bella! " Ava exclaimed, feeling her cheeks turned pink.

" I'm here, darling " Bella replied, sounding unfazed.

" You're really something, you know that? " Ava sighed and shook her head.

" And I know you love me " Bella replied and they bursted into laughter.

Their conversation continued, weaving through speculations and analyses of the day's events until Bella finally bid Ava goodnight, promising to dissect the situation further at work the next day.

With the call ended, Ava resumed undressing, finally ready to settle into bed. She couldn't shake off the mixed feelings swirling within her but was glad to have shared the day's happenings with Bella. As she drifted off to sleep, thoughts of Bryan and the unusual turn of events echoed in her mind, leaving her wondering about the unforeseen connections that seemed to be forming.

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The next day at work, Ava found herself once again subjected to the curious and resentful gazes of her colleagues. The stares that had unsettled her the day before seemed to have resumed, irritating her more this time. Determined not to let it affect her, she made her way to the office she shared with some colleagues, trying her best to brush off the unwanted attention.

As the morning progressed, Ava focused on her tasks, trying to ignore the lingering stares and the undercurrents of gossip that seemed to float around her. When it was almost lunchtime, Bella entered her office, a knowing look passing between them as they understood the limitations of discussing personal matters at work.

With a silent exchange, they agreed to have lunch together, an opportunity to catch up outside the confines of their shared office space. As they stepped out of the office, Ava felt a sense of relief, escaping the prying eyes and unspoken judgments of their colleagues, even if only momentarily.

Once outside, they settled on a nearby cafe, eager to have a more private conversation over lunch. As they perused the menu, Bella glanced at Ava with a raised eyebrow. " So, spill. How was it yesterday? With Bryan? "

Ava sighed softly, her frustration evident. " Honestly, the stares are getting to me, Bella. But, about yesterday... it was interesting. Bryan was a total gentleman, but I'm not sure where it's heading. "

Bella nodded sympathetically, understanding Ava's dilemma. " The stares will fade eventually, don't worry. As for Bryan, you'll figure it out. Sometimes these things take time, you know? "

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