As Avery sat on the couch in her sleek office, she couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter at Ryan’s thoughtful gesture. The aroma of the delicious lunch he had brought filled the room, and for a moment, she allowed herself to savor the small pleasure of being cared for.
She picked up the container of quinoa salad, its vibrant colors immediately catching her eye. The base was a mix of fluffy quinoa and arugula, topped with roasted sweet potatoes, fresh avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It was paired with a side of perfectly grilled chicken, seasoned just right with hints of garlic and herbs.
“This is really good,” she said, looking at Ryan as she took her first bite.
“I figured you’d appreciate something healthy,” Ryan replied with a grin. “Plus, I remembered you ordered something similar at dinner last night.”
Avery smirked, shaking her head as she took another bite. “Impressive memory. If you keep this up, you might set the bar too high for yourself.”
Ryan laughed, his hazel eyes lighting up. “Noted. I’ll pace myself.”
The coffee he had brought was just as satisfying—a creamy cappuccino topped with a delicate swirl of foam. As she sipped it, Avery felt the tension of her busy morning melt away, replaced by a sense of ease she hadn’t experienced in months.
After Ryan left, Avery returned to her desk, her gaze drifting to the empty containers on the coffee table. The warmth of his thoughtfulness lingered, but as the quiet of her office enveloped her, a pang of guilt settled in her chest.
Shawn.
It hadn’t even been a few months since he had passed. The thought of him brought an ache to her heart, his memory still fresh and raw. She had loved him deeply, and the tragedy of his sudden death had left a void she wasn’t sure she could ever fill.
And yet, here she was, sharing laughs and meals with someone new. Someone who made her smile in ways she hadn’t expected.
Avery leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes for a moment. “Am I moving on too quickly?” she murmured to herself.
Shawn had been her anchor, her partner in everything. The idea of letting herself feel something for someone else—even the smallest flicker of hope—felt like a betrayal of his memory.
Unable to shake the guilt, Avery reached for her phone and dialed Janice’s number.
Her best friend picked up on the second ring. “Hey, Aves! What’s up?”
“Hey,” Avery said, her voice quieter than usual. “Are you free tonight? I was thinking we could have a girls’ night in.”
“Of course,” Janice replied without hesitation. “You okay? You sound… off.”
Avery sighed, leaning her forehead against her hand. “I don’t know. It’s just… things feel complicated right now.”
Janice didn’t press, but her voice softened. “I’ll be over in an hour. I’ll bring wine and that terrible rom-com you secretly love.”
Avery let out a small laugh, her first genuine one since Ryan left. “Thanks, Jan. I’ll see you soon.”