Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Harrison Keene,” she whispers, glancing at a display case to her right. “He spent a lot of time looking at that case over there.”
I glance in that direction. “What do I owe you for this?”
She shakes her head. “Nothing. Harrison paid a rush fee for the charm. That more than covered this.”
I reach into my purse to tug out the gift card that Declan gave me for my birthday. “I don’t mind paying.”
Her gaze drops to the card. “Save that for another time. You can use it when you come back to get Harrison a wedding ring.”
My eyes flood with tears because it feels as though she crawled into the middle of my imagination to view my greatest wish.
There was a brief moment in time when I thought that I could one day become Ava Keene, but that will never happen.
“It’s not… Harry and I aren’t…” I stammer, trying to put words to what I feel. “It’s not like that.”
“Really?” Her eyes widen. “I’m sorry, Ava. I just assumed, based on how long he looked at engagement rings, that he was planning on coming back to purchase one.”
“Not for me,” I whisper.
“I’m embarrassed,” she admits as her cheeks blush. “I thought you two were together.”
“I’m his best friend’s sister,” I tell her. “That’s all I am to him.”
“I’m sorry.” Her hand moves to cover mine. “I put my foot in my mouth. That was my mistake.”
I put my heart in Harry’s hands. That was my mistake.
“Let me help you put the bracelet on.” She picks it up. “It’s beautiful, Ava. It tells a story of a woman who loves London. Is that where you’re headed tomorrow? Is it for a trip?”
“I live there,” I say as she fastens the clasp on my bracelet. “I’m going home to the place I belong.”
It’s only a half-lie because right now, I don’t feel I belong anywhere.
As I step into my apartment, I glance down at the screen of my phone and the text message that just arrived.
Roxy: R U coming to Harrison’s party? It’s in 33 days. Signed, Roxy.
This is only the second text message Harry’s youngest sister has ever sent me. The first was yesterday when she asked me if playing the piano is hard. I sent her a message back telling her that it takes a little time to learn how to play, but after that, it’s more fun than hard.
I don’t answer her message immediately because Harry wouldn’t want me at any party he’s at.
Roxy: It’s Harry’s MS party. All his friends come. U should.
I stare at the screen of my phone. Curiosity sends my fingers over the screen to type out a reply.
Ava: What’s an MS party?
As I wait for her to reply, I make my way to my bedroom to finish packing. My flight to London departs La Guardia at six in the morning. Declan somehow managed to clear his schedule for the week, so he’s sitting in the seat next to me.
I’m grateful for that.
A chime from my phone lures my gaze back to it.
I read the message once and then again, not sure if I’m reading it right or if Roxy is confused.
Roxy: Multiple sclerosis. Harry told us he has it. He has a party for it every year. I get to go this time!!!
I drop to my ass on my bed, emotions swirling inside of me.
I had no idea that Harry has MS.
He underwrites a fundraiser every year for a charity that is researching a cure for MS. I know that because last year, Sean sent me a photo of him and Graham all decked out in their tuxedos on their way to the gala.
Harry also backs a half dozen other charitable endeavors, according to my brother.
Roxy’s next message arrives before I have a chance to respond to her.
Roxy: He told me he’s not going to die. Come to the party, k?
She follows that with a string of emojis, including a party hat, a balloon, and a heart. Just as my trembling hand moves to reply to her message, another pops up on the screen of my phone.
Harrison: I’m in front of your building. Please let me up. I need to talk to you. Please, Ava.
As a tear from my eye drops to the screen, I open the app on my phone that enables me to open the building’s door, and I buzz Harry in.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
Harrison
I almost drop to my knees when she opens the door to her apartment.
I can tell she’s been crying. I know it’s because of me. Walking away from her was selfish and cruel. I’ll regret it until the day I die.
“Come in,” she says, signaling for me to enter.
I do, softly shutting the door behind me.
Her eyes don’t leave my face. “Harry.”
“Ava.” I take a step toward her. “I’m so sorry.”