Page 36 of Defend Her Heart

I know she just sobbed into me for god knows how long, but I also remember how much better she always felt after a good cry when we were teenagers. Sometimes she’d watch heartbreaking movies on purpose just so she could let it all out.

“I am, actually. I always feel better after a good cry.”

“I remember.”

Two words. That’s all it takes for her shield to come back up. I watch her school her expression and slip her mask back on.

“It’s late. I should probably get going.”

She’s looking anywhere but at me again. As badly as I want to stay and make her come inside with me, just so I know she’s really okay, I nod.

“Are you sure you’re okay to drive yourself?”

Avery’s eyes soften for a split second before she nods. “I’m sure.”

Turning, I open the car door and swing my legs out. It takes me a moment to find my bearings after being smooshed in there, but I finally stand. Instead of closing the door behind me, I turn and duck down to look at Avery one last time.

“Can you at least let me know when you get home okay?”

I know she blocked my number. I remember quite vividly the day I figured that out. It was her birthday. I never missed wishing her a happy one, but when I sent the text, it turned green instead of blue. After it went unanswered for two days, I tried texting her again. When that one sent but turned greenagain, I reached out asking one of our friends if she got a new phone or changed her number. They told me nothing had changed and I figured it out shortly after that.

She hasn’t said anything so I push slightly. “It’s the same number as before.”

Finally, she nods. Not wanting to push my luck any further, I gently close the door without another word. I stand on the sidewalk and watch as she pulls out onto the street. I don’t move a muscle until her taillights are out of sight.

I’m lying in the pitch black of my bedroom, staring at my phone next to me on the bed. It’s been almost a half hour since I watched Avery pull away. Maybe she lied to get me to close the door and isn’t going to reach out.

Frustrated, I set my phone on the nightstand and stand to go get ready for bed. I’m mid-step when I hear my phone vibrate. I grab it so fast, I nearly drop it on the floor.

Avery

Home safe.

Thank god.

Thank you.

I’m ready for that to be the end of the conversation when I see the bubble pop up indicating that she’s typing. My pulse quickens as I wait for her message to come through.

Avery

Thanks for sitting with me and letting me cry it out.

Anytime.

Avery

Hopefully that’s the last time you have to see me like that lol.

A grin stretches across my face. I think we’re finally moving forward. I could sit here texting with her all night, but I don’t want to ruin a good thing when it’s just getting started.

Well, if it happens again and you need someone, you know where to find me now. Good night, Aves.

Avery

Night, Connor.

Seeing Avery like that again tonight nearly broke me, but ending the night with a text from her has me feeling more content than I’ve felt in a long time.