She set down the stack of plates next to the sink and started filling it with water and soap.
When she heard her name, she turned and smiled when she saw it was Nia. She returned to the water.
Nia came to stand beside her, putting down her own stack. “Are you okay?”
Startled, Ava glanced up, confused. “Yes, I’m fine.”
Nia smiled and put her arm around Ava. “I just wondered. I worried a little when Sean took an interest in you. I was worried he would scare you.”
Ava shook her head. “He’s just being friendly.”
Nia laughed. “Sean, friendly? Oh, he’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong. He’s one of the best friends we have, and he’d do anything for us, but friendly to most people, no.”
“He’s just being nice to me.”
Nia looked worried.
“He wants you, Ava. I’ve never seen him the way he is with you. Granted, I haven’t known him long, but we’ve all spent quite a bit of time together. Since I’m at Travis’s office all the time, I see him regularly.”
Ava switched off the water and turned toward Nia. “He doesn’t even know me.”
“Travis didn’t know me at all when he decided I was the one for him.”
Ava shook her head. “That can’t happen. I don’t know when or even if I’ll be able to have a relationship with a man.”
“I’m so sorry. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to call me anytime.”
Ava wiped her hands on a towel and hugged Nia tightly. “You don’t know how much that means to me. I haven’t had a girlfriend in so long.”
Nia held her at arm’s length, looking at her intently. “For goodness sake, why?”
Ava looked down. “I wasn’t allowed to.”
“Oh, wow, I’m so sorry.”
Ava squared her shoulders. “It’s done. I moved on with my life.”
Nia gave her a quick hug and smiled. “Yes, you did. Now about Sean.”
Ava shook her head. “There is no Sean…”
Both women twirled around when the sliding door closed.