Tangled

101 Ava: Calling Clayton

A plate of mixed greens, topped with an obscene amount of sliced chicken and shredded cheese, is slid

in front of me as I wait for Clayton to answer the phone,

There’s a lot of sound in the background, and I can hear Vester shouting that I’m on the line.

Stabbing a bite of salad, I crunch at it, the sound grating against my eardrums as I wait.

“Ava?” Clayton’s voice, usually so strong and assured, wavers with a vulnerability that catches me off guard. The sound tugs at my heart, a pang of guilt piercing through the layers of confusion that has settled

between us.

I should have asked Lucas to let me talk to him a long time ago. He’s probably been worried. He’s too responsible and caring to have just let things go without wondering how I’m doing.

I’m a terrible person.

I never really thought about him in this time.

1/7

101 Ava Calling Clayton

“Hey,” I manage, my throat tightening around the word. “How… how have you been?”

Lisa’s eyebrows shoot up at the sound of my words, her gaze fixed on me with an intensity that suggests she’s hanging on every word. I ignore her, focusing instead on the static–laden silence stretching across the connection.

“How are you feeling?” Clayton asks, dodging my question with one of his own. “Are you healing alright?”

There’s a lump in my throat at the sound of his

concern. Damn. I swallow hard. “I’m fine,” I assure him, though the words feel hollow even to my own ears. “I actually called because… well, I was worried about Ivy. I wanted to know how she’s doing. And I wanted to talk to you.”

He’s silent for a long time. “Ivy’s doing well. She’s healing, but slowly. She doesn’t heal much faster than

humans.”

I know that pain.

daily soreness from exercise remains stubborn, not

15:19

Ava: Calling Clayton

what it means

to talk to me?”

her eyes sparkling. She loves a good romantic drama,

everything happened. I figured you would be

I want to know how

healing.”

alone. I’m sure you know everything that happened by now, so I won’t rehash it. I’m glad I’m not with my parents anymore.”

answered the phone, and I wonder

you, Ava.”

is so startling that I

15:19

Calling

I supposed to answer? I don’t miss him?

much?

I’m starting to feel awful about

Well, not a lot… but a

Clayton.

The hope in his voice

him. He’s a nice person. Responsible. Steadfast. He took care

stranger.

course, he’d also kept me locked away for my own safety, but

my ear, the way his gentlemanly demeanor changes

floods my cheeks, and I shake my head at Lisa as her eyes widen. She can’t hear him on the other end, so she has

haven’t chosen

his odd question.

15:10

him. Us It seems like the

now, though

is words are like a

we’re on slightly different wavelengths. It sounds like I’ve said something that’s soothed him in some way. T’ll never hold that against you.”

Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and

happiness at my response, and that niggling feeling inside of me

what it is.

calling to check on Ivy. I guess I’ll let you go. I’m sure you’re busy.”

blurts out. “Give me your

YES! at me. “It’s the same one I’m calling

I call

but how can I say no when