“No, it only matters if the age difference is one year or more.”
“So, if they’re you’re the same age, you can call them by their first name?”
She frowns. “It takes a level of familiarity before you can use each other’s first name. If this was a new to you person, I would suggest an honorific that matches. Like agasshi for a young or unmarried woman. It’s like saying miss.”
“How long do I have for this?” I ask teasingly.
She makes a peace sign. “Two days.”
“I think I’m going to brew coffee.”
She laughs. “This is going to be so much fun. You’ll see why I’m totally hooked on K-Drama now. Am I going with you to the audition?”
“You’d better.”
She claps her hands. “I’ve always loved road trips with you.”
“Me too, agasshi.”
“Yes.”
The excitement in her voice makes me laugh out loud.
“WAIT. WHY ARE WE PACKING right now?” Ava asks.
“Because you love me.” I fold my tank top and turn to face the leggy blonde with doll-like features. With her wide, blue eyes, little, upturned nose, and thin lips, she seems delicate. In truth, she’s a powerhouse vocalist of a local rock band. Teaching guitar and working at the local instrument shop during the day, she spends her nights rocking out with the same bassist, lead guitarist, and drummer she’s had since high school.
“That is a given. Give me more details.”
“As long as you promise not to laugh.”
“Oh, I can’t do that with as worried as you look.”
I sneer, and she giggles. “I’m auditioning for a contest.”
“Oh my God. Like Face-Off? I’ve been telling you for years to try out—”
“No.” I shake my head and laugh, exasperated by her intense energy. “For a Korean K-Drama.”
She quirks an eyebrow up. “Wait. To do make-up for them?”
“More like, to compete to win a meet and greet and a roll on the show.”
“Wow. I thought behind the lens was more your thing, but if you want to branch into acting, that’s cool.”
I roll my eyes. “We all know my face needs deliverance too much when I feel a certain way to ever be an actress.”
“You said that, not me.” She points at me.
“This is for Fiona. She loves K-Drama, and her favorite actor is on the show, Secret Heiress.”
“That’s incredibly sweet.”
“Her entire face lights up when she’s watching, Ava. For that hour, I have my sister back. I know grief is a process that looks different for everyone, but I want to end this year on a better note for he
r.”
Ava wraps her arms around me and pulls me close. “It’s been a tough year for you, too. I think what you’re doing is amazing. Fiona is lucky to have you as a big sister.”