Chapter 324

Chapter 324 Suspicious Encounters
Ava’s POV

Running into Antonio at the mall was weird enough, but the way Theo nearly collapsed when he saw Avery made my suspicions skyrocket. Something fishy was definitely going on, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

After the movie and dinner, which actually turned out surprisingly pleasant, Antonio insisted on coming up to my apartment to get those math materials I’d supposedly promised him. Theo reluctantly left, and the teenagers followed me upstairs.

“Here are the materials, Antonio.” I handed him the books and study guides I’d pulled from my bedroom. As soon as the door closed behind us, I crossed my arms and fixed him with a hard stare. “Now tell me what’s really going on with all these ’coincidences’ today.”

“Wasn’t it awesome?” Antonio flashed me a smile so wide it practically split his face. “Just running into each other like that! Total coincidence!”

“Antonio, are you hiding something from me?” I pressed, my eyes narrowing.

“Absolutely not!” He maintained that suspicious grin. “Though, I do go to that mall a lot…”

I didn’t believe him for a second, but before I could interrogate him further, Avery jumped in, bubbling with enthusiasm.

“Ava, these two are just amazing. I was at home desperately wanting to see this movie with nobody to go with, and then my mom agreed because I invited them, and Mia agreed too,” Avery gushed. “I just love that actor so much!”

“Girl, me too! And I absolutely loved the movie,” I replied, deciding to let the subject drop for now.

Within half an hour, Avery and I were laughing like old friends. She was sweet, funny, and refreshingly genuine. After chatting for what felt like hours, I finally asked the question that had been nagging at me all evening.

“So how exactly do you know Theo?” I tried to sound casual.

Avery explained they’d met at her classmate’s birthday party, who happened to be Theo’s cousin. They’d gone on a few dates afterward, but her expression told me there was still something there.

“You still like him, don’t you?” I asked, already knowing the answer from the way her eyes lit up at the mention of his name.

“I just fell for the wrong person. He never fell for me.” Avery’s smile turned bitter. “But whatever happened, Ava, really, it’s okay. Theo is the kind of guy worth pursuing, so go for it.”

“Oh, Avery, you’re too sweet. But Theo and I are just friends.” I felt any potential spark between Theo and me fizzle out right there. Avery genuinely liked him, and I was just trying to move on from Joseph. I wasn’t about to get involved and break her heart.

We chatted a bit more before they decided to leave, but just before heading out, Antonio asked,”Aunt Ava, are we still on for Wednesday?”

“Of course, Antonio. Wednesday at that burger place. And girls, you’re absolutely welcome to join us,” I said sincerely.

“Oh, the kind gentleman didn’t invite us,” Avery teased.

“Well, I’m inviting you now. What do you say?” I replied, and they both seemed excited at the prospect.

After the group left, I immediately texted my friends. Eleanor told me Antonio had lunch with Joseph today at the office, but she hadn’t mentioned anything about Theo and me going out. She’d only told Joseph I was going to see a movie, nothing more. What a strange coincidence.

Ruby explained the history between Theo and Avery. They didn’t continue dating because Avery was in college, and Theo felt they were at different life stages. He thought the relationship wouldn’t last, so he decided to end things before they really began, despite being interested in Avery at the time.

I didn’t want to be caught in another complicated situation. But I still wanted to hear Theo’s side. I decided to invite him to lunch the next day. Seizing the opportunity, I texted him immediately, and he quickly accepted.

We met at a restaurant near my workplace—safer territory, away from Joseph’s spies.

“Ava!” Theo stood up to greet me when I arrived.

“Hi, Theo. Everything good?” I smiled.

“Yes, though our movie plans yesterday didn’t exactly go as expected,” he laughed.

“Yeah, quite the coincidence,” I commented, watching his expression carefully. “Especially since you already knew Avery, right?”

Theo sighed. “You already know?”

“Yes, I do. Ruby told me. Avery’s a nice girl, Theo. She only told me you two had a thing before, but it’s over now. Though she still likes you.”

“Is that a problem?” he asked, frustration evident in his voice.

“I don’t know, you tell me. I don’t want to get involved in anything unfinished.”

“I think I’m the one stuck in unfinished business, Ava. You have feelings for Joseph. I don’t want to be another Jax. So, I think it’s better if we just stay friends.” He had the nerve to look annoyed.

I narrowed my eyes at Theo. True, Joseph and I had only recently broken up, and I was still heartbroken. But I could tell Theo was making excuses, not being completely honest with me.

“You like her, don’t you?” I pressed, and he scoffed.

“Avery’s just a college student who parties all the time. I’m past that phase.”

“That’s not what I asked. But you don’t have to answer me.”

“No, I don’t,” he said defensively, clearly hiding something.

My phone screen lit up with a message. Alpha Draven urgently calling me back to the office.

“We should end this here, Theo. I don’t need another man in my life who can’t be honest with me,” I said, standing up. “But if you want my advice, don’t lose Avery over something stupid.”

“Wait, what about our lunch?” he asked before I could turn to leave.

“I have to get back to the office, my boss needs me. Sorry. You’re a good guy, though. Let me give you some good advice—call Avery!”

As I left the restaurant, I was certain Louise was right: boys really are stupid.