The Encounter

“Just calm down, Mom. It’s gonna be okay. It always is. Should I take a cab?” Glancing down to stare at my shoes and thin legs, I already know what the answer is.

“Oh, Ava, listen, sweetheart. Joe is gone, so we need to watch the money. Ask your principal. I’m losing my mind. You have no idea what an asshole he is.” Her voice cracks.

“Let me guess: he’s gone back to his wife?” I’m trying to be sympathetic, but really, if I know this at thirteen, you’d think she would too.

“We are screwed, Ava. The bastard is kicking us out. Where are we going to go?” Her voice is high-pitched and growing louder.

“Mom,” I shout to get her attention. It works and I hear her take a deep breath. “Don’t worry, we’ll think of something.” My voice sounds positive. That’s what I do. I take care of her.

“Yes.” She sniffs. “Ava, you’re the only good thing I’ve done. We’re going to be better than great. You’re going to make it big in modeling and we’ll move to Milan. Actually, I think we should go back to Wilhelmina, or maybe Ford Models. You’re almost fourteen now.” Great, the never-ending dream that I’m going to be a super model and save us. If only I’d grow another three inches. At five-foot-seven it’s tough.

“Sounds good to me.” My voice is chipper and phony, but my mom needs that right now. I peek over my shoulder to look at Jax, and for a split second I wish I were him. Gorgeous, male, and rich, but I’m not, so rather than having to deal with Principal Keely…

“Okay, Mom, I have a ride. I’ll be home soon.”

“Good. I’m going to call Ford right now and insist that they see you again.” Her voice sounds stronger already. See? Just need to distract her with things that normal people think are unattainable and my mom is on it.

“Good idea. Bye, Mom.”

I hang up and look at my shoes again. It’s all going to be okay, I chant in my head, and maybe Ford modeling agency will want me. Last year they said they wanted to see how much I’d grow. Other than Kate Moss, female models have a minimum height requirement of five nine. Guys, they don’t care about. Women? So unfair. I spin around and face Jax. This guy hasn’t said one thing to me this whole year, and today of all days he’s asking to help? Well, truthfully, he wanted to know why I was talking to myself, but whatever.

“Everything okay?” He slips his hands in his pockets and for a second, I almost say no. I almost let out everything and tell him the truth, but stop myself and nod.

“Yeah, that was my mom saying we’re moving to Los Angeles.” He cocks his head as if he’s trying to see if I’m lying, which aggravates me.

“I’ll take that ride,” I snap.

He slowly grins, and my heart thuds as he grabs my hand. Electricity zings through my body as if my skin is alive and tingling. I go to pull back, but he tightens his grip and walks us toward the black SUV.

“Bummer you’re leaving.” He looks back at me, and now my mouth’s gone dry. What is wrong with me? All I’m doing is holding his hand.

The tall driver opens the door for me.

“Thanks,” I mumble, then stop when I see Tess Gallagher and Reed Saddington inside. They sit looking like everything they are.

Beautiful, rich, confident.

Reed has his arm around Tess as she throws back her head laughing at something he whispers in her ear. I debate not getting in because I hate all of this, mostly Jax. I hate that he’s him and I’m me.

“You going?” I shiver. He’s too close. I can smell his fresh scent. It’s like I’ve jumped into a bottle of Downy and money. Jax moves around me and slides in the way back and pats the seat next to him. Great, now I have to, and Tess and Reed are staring at me.

I clear my throat and let my bag slide down my arm, preparing to step in. The driver reaches to help me. I glance at him. His eyes are full of understanding. Sympathy? Maybe even compassion. Clearly, he knows I don’t fit in.

I hate it. Hate that he knows I’m a fraud. Yeah, the driver knows I’m not rich. Even with the clothes and Prada bag, he knows I’m hiding, not letting anyone see the real me.

That ends today. I may not be rich, but I’m just as good. Better even. I nod at Tess then Reed and sit next to Jax, who smiles and slips an arm casually on the back of the seat.

“Hey?” Reed turns back to look at us.

“Hey.” I smile back at him, causing Tess to frown. Yeah, I may not have money now, but one day I will. I’m as good as everyone in this vehicle.