The Personal Shopper

I narrow my eyes at her. She pats my arm. “Relax, pretty sure her dad only put that rule in place because he didn’t want anyone dating his daughter.”

I just raise my eyebrows at her. “How does that make the situation better? That’s what I’m trying to do. Date Ava.”

Just then I feel Ava’s hand on my shoulder. “What are you guys talking about?” She asks, but I know she heard that last part. How could she not have?

I wrap my arm around her legs and look up at her. “You.”

She smiles back at me but then pushes me away. “Parker.” She grits through her teeth. I can’t tell if she actually cares if her dad finds out or if she is just trying to protect herself and doesn’t want to be too serious with me. I need to change her mind about both, but it’s not going to happen in a day, so I just let her go for now.

Doug walks back into the waiting room. “Hey Peter just came out of grandma’s room. Said we can go in now.” We all stand and head into her room. I try to stand back as her family talks with her, but of course grandma Pearson notices me standing there. “Is that my handsome boy Parker over there?”

I smile and come up to kiss her on the cheek. “Hey granny how ya feeling?”

She just smiles back at me. “Oh you know me. Always getting into trouble. Don’t you worry though, they got me on those good meds. I can’t feel a thing.”

We all laugh, and then she pulls me closer and whispers loudly. “So have you finally come back to marry that great granddaughter of mine?” I just laugh. “Something like that.”

Geez. Did every single person know how I felt about Ava? Grandma Pearson smiles so big. “Oh good! Ava honey, when is the big day? You know I’m not going to be around much longer. You need to get married to this man before I die.”

Peter walks back in then. “Ava married? We’ll be lucky if that happens before I die.”

Ava just glares at him. “Dad! Can you not?”

He just pats her on her shoulder. “What’s the matter dear? Are we embarrassing you in front of Parker?” He leans over to me and pretends to whisper. “See what I told you about that crush?”

Ava just sighs. “Oh my gosh. I can’t deal with this family today.” Then she turns to Grandma Pearson. “Except you Grandma. I’m glad you’re okay. I’ll come visit you tomorrow. Let you get your rest tonight.” She leans down and kisses her forehead.

“Oh alright dear, but make sure to bring your handsome little friend over there with you again.” Ava just rolls her eyes. “I’ll see what I can do, but it’d help if you promised him some of your cookies.”

After Ava hugs Becca goodbye, she turns and walks out the door without even waiting for me, which is funny because we took my car. She can’t exactly go anywhere. “I guess we’re leaving. See everyone later.”

Peter shakes my hand and says. “Since you are back in town, we’d love to have you over for Sunday dinners aga

in. I know Ava really enjoyed when you used to come.”

I just smile back at him. “I’d like that.” Then I leave to go chase after Ava.

I find her out by the elevators. “You trying to leave without me?”

She just smiles. “Yeah, well I had to get out of there before they started naming our children.”

I laugh at that. “Yeah, when exactly did I become the new Jeff?” I give her a wink.

She cringes. “Oh god. If you want to try to run away, leave now before you are permanently the new Jeff. I can call a car.”

I just laugh. “Hey, you’re the one who is trying to just use me for my body and not tell anyone.”

She just rolls her eyes. “C’mon lover boy. Maybe you’ll actually get lucky yet tonight.”

She didn’t have to ask me twice.

???

We arrive home 45 minutes later, and Ava is asleep in the passenger seat. I go around and scoop her up like a little kid. She stirs awake a little. “What are you doing?” She giggles but never opens her eyes.

I just kiss her forehead. “Well, apparently not getting laid” She giggles again.

I bring her up to her bedroom and lay her in her bed. “Goodnight Ava.”