Page 6 of Tears of Revenge
Her legs wobbled as they descended to the ground floor. “How have you and Varos been doing?”
“Very well. We’ve been travelling quite a bit but have been staying in Houston the past few months.”
“That sounds exciting.”
“I would ask you to tell me all about your newfound freedom, but I think Varos is eager to hear it too. He said he would find us a table at the coffee bar around the corner.”
“I heard they have really good sweet tea too.”
“Well, we should get you one so you can try it out.”
Marcus was only a few inches taller than Ava, not quite as tall as Varos. He had thick, muscular arms that made her feel safe. It was odd because she’d gotten used to the quiet and the lonely, but at the same time she liked this too.
Varos was waiting at a small table in the shade, with three to-go coffee cups before him. His eyes met hers, and his face lit up. “Wonderful, you came!” He gave her that gorgeous smile she’d committed to memory.
“Why don’t you sit with Varos, and I’ll get you that sweet tea?”
“No coffee?” Varos asked, more curious than upset.
“It’s fine if Varos already got coffee.” She tried to protest, but Marcus was already laying her hand into his friend’s and disappearing inside the shop.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you’d already gotten us something.”
“How could you have? I should’ve waited on you. How long is your break?”
Troy would have scolded her, so Varos’s forgiving response was… odd. Refreshing, but odd. “I think another forty or forty-five minutes.”
“We’ll make sure you’re back in time,” he assured, pulling out a chair and gesturing for her to sit.
“Thank you. Marcus told me you’ve been travelling a lot.”
“We have, but the past few months we’ve been here. You look well, Avalon.”
“I feel good too.”
Marcus reappeared, setting another cup in front of her and taking the empty seat. “Now, why don’t you fill us in on what you’ve been up to?”
“Not much. I’ve just been trying to enjoy myself and find me again, you know?”
“Have you been here all along?” Varos asked curiously.
“Yes. The original plan was New Orleans, but Troy knows I want to visit there so I made the decision to stay here.”
Varos unknowingly repeated Marcus’s praise. “That is very smart.”
“I told her the same. What have you been doing with your freedom?”
“The typical things someone does after a breakup: changing my hair and eating as much ice cream as I want without being chastised for it.”
Varos nodded in agreement. “As you should. Have you made many new friends?”
“Not really. I kind of like being by myself and just explored Houston after I found my footing. I’ve even started painting again.”
Varos’s eyes sparkled and Marcus leaned closer in interest. “You paint?”
“Not very well, but I like doing it.”
“Maybe one day you’ll feel comfortable enough to show us something.” Marcus seemed hopeful without sounding pushy.