From Factory to Forever: An enemy to lovers romance by Myra Nash

Author:Myra Nash [Nash, Myra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Ava

Lingering frustration. As the hall emptied, I walked alongside my friends and Stacy. The air was thick with the unspoken heaviness of the situation. Silence hung between us like a heavy cloud.

The four of us ambled through the quiet streets of Westlake, the fading sunlight casting long shadows. Mariah, usually vibrant and talkative, remained mute the entire time.

I felt sad for Stacy, knowing, like me, she was dealing with a lot of pain. The sense of injustice clinging to her about her father losing his shop. As we walked, I felt weary of the burdens we were forced to bear. I yearned to find the right words to ease their burden.

“I’ll be heading home now.” Stacy stopped. “Night, guys.”

A murmur of goodnights escaped our lips while we had a group hug before continuing our trip. We held hands like teenagers, comforting each other through the sheer touch. My steps faltered at my doorstep.

“This is it, guys. I’ve lost the store.” My throat burned with unshed tears as I fought to stay strong. “It’s over.”

Cindy pulled me into her arms. “You’ll be fine, baby. It might be over there, but something better is coming.”

Mariah glanced at me. "We know this is tough on you. And you don’t have to be strong around us. Do whatever you need to be okay. We're here for you."

I managed a small smile, grateful for their unwavering support. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot."

Inside my apartment, the weight of the day settled in. The walls that were once a haven of comfort now echoed the unspoken disappointments of the community. I sank onto the couch, and Mariah and Cindy joined me, the somber mood enveloping us like a heavy fog.

Mariah broke the silence first. "This isn't the end, Ava. We'll find a way to make things right."

But it is the end. I was never going to be that proud Mixologist for my Parents. I couldn’t even get back the one thing they held dear.

Cindy nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting determination. "We're a team, remember?"

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I rested my head on Cindy’s shoulder. I am leaning on their support to help me through this sinking feeling.

***

I lay in bed all day, too exhausted to do anything. Despite Mariah’s attempt to get me to step out, I insisted on staying indoors. Eventually, we settled for home movies and some fun games. Though halfway through the activities, I was buried deep in my head.

By evening, I was a bit myself and could relentlessly tease my friends.

“Don’t tell me this is what our weekends will be like.” I scowled at Mariah, who was still in her jocks. “Get changed, girl. What if my man walks in.”

Both my friends scoffed.

“Like there’s any man!” Mariah rolled her eyes.

“You guys suck. You’re almost thirty, and you don’t have any serious relationships.” Cindy feigned indignation. “What company am I keeping!”

Mariah and I exchanged a look and nodded as we said, “Drake’s fiancé!”

Cindy grabbed two throw pillows and flung them at us.

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