And When I Die by Bianca Sloane

Author:Bianca Sloane [Sloane, Bianca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bianca Sloane

54

AVA

The air hummed with the jingle of Salvation Army bells and a small band of carolers in full Dickensian garb stood in front of the fountain at the head of Market Square, their breath billowing out in song, sporadic bits of snow swirling around them like confetti. Behind them, the bell of an approaching Metra train jangled. Strings of sparkling white lights, garlands, and wreaths blanketed the tiny shops, while ice sculptures of snowmen with carrots for noses, and real-life Nutcrackers filled the courtyard. Some weary shoppers clutching coffee cups parked themselves on the black metal benches and at the wrought iron tables that ringed the lawn as they listened to the carolers.

“Hard to believe by this time next year, I’ll be married,” Melody said, pulling her coat closer around her small frame as she and Ava stepped out of the bookstore and strolled in the direction of Coffee City, glittery red, gold, green, and silver shopping bags swinging from their arms. Getting swept up in the revelry of the holiday had loosened Ava’s shoulders considerably as she shoved her hot, gnawing guilt about Carly down into the farthest cavern she could find in her soul. Get through the holidays had become her persistent mantra.

“It’s hard to believe someone is about to get my brother down the aisle for the first time. Ever,” Ava said. “Woman, you are a saint.”

“Only a little,” Melody said, and the two women giggled.

Erica stepped out of Coffee City, a handful of shopping bags adorning her wrists, a large coffee cup in one hand, the bottom fringe of her black wool poncho fluttering against the top of her tall black leather boots.

“Oh, no,” Ava groaned, as she weakly returned Erica’s excited wave. Another happy hour invitation was coming, she just knew it.

“What’s wrong?” Melody asked.

“I’ll tell you later,” she murmured before forcing the corners of her lips into a pained smile. “Happy holidays,” Ava said brightly as the three women came together.

“Happy holidays to you, too,” Erica said as she pulled Ava toward her, who allowed for the dual cheek kiss ritual to boot. Erica glanced at Melody and smiled uncertainly.

“Erica, this is my sister—well soon-to-be sister-in-law, Melody. She and my brother are visiting for the holidays. Melody, this is Erica Mitchell.”

“Erica.” Melody paused before slowly grasping Erica’s extended hand.

“Looks like you’re getting in some last-minute shopping as well,” Erica said, quickly dropping Melody’s hand and gesturing to Ava’s bags.

“Yes, and thankfully, this is the last of it,” Ava said. “I’m officially done and if I don’t have it by now, it’ll have to wait until next Christmas. Are you all done?”

“I’m heading into the bookstore to grab a book for Jay and then that’s it, thank goodness,” Erica said. “How’s Carly? Jimmy?”

Ava ignored the pang of panic piercing her chest. “Carly’s okay. It’s been great having Jimmy home, of course.”

“How was his first semester?”

Ava smiled in spite of herself. “Dean’s List.”

“Well congratulations, Mom,” Erica said. “Sounds like he’s off to a great start.”

“So far, so good.

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