Nolan and his friend Ethan were at the Club.
"Where's Rachel? Isn't she coming tonight?" Ethan asked, looking around.
"After two and a half years, she got bored with me," Nolan said with a shrug. "She's moving to Connecticut. Says she met a guy who makes her happy. She returned the ring and asked if she could keep the car. I told her yes, to keep it, and that I never want to see her again."
"That's a rough deal, man. I'm sorry to hear that," Ethan said with compassion.
Nolan just nodded, taking a sip of his drink.
"It's for the best. A relationship that's run its course," he admitted, trying to sound detached. "Anyway, let's not stumble over such a passing trouble. Let's enjoy our night."
Ethan patted him on the back.
"Where did she meet this guy in Connecticut?" Ethan asked.
"At that last professional event she attended. The guy's a graphic designer; they share the same occupation. Remember when she called and said she'd stay an extra day? Seems that's when they met."
"I hope she finds what she's looking for," Ethan said sincerely.
"I told her I won't take her back," Nolan declared firmly.
"Let her be well," Ethan said, nodding.
"Well, I'm sure I'll find someone soon enough. I'll have my moments of sadness that will pass. You know what? I'm fine. You're a great friend, and I appreciate your presence. But I'm okay."
Ethan didn't want to dwell on Rachel anymore. He hadn't even liked her. It was the kind of relationship where you know the person is toxic for your friend, but you have no choice but to accept it. Rachel had always been a fiery woman. But hers was that wretched kind of heat. The kind you enjoy for just one night. Yet Nolan had fallen for her.
Ethan excused himself and stepped outside for some fresh air.
He thought of Ava. She was beautiful, funny, intelligent, and sexy as hell. She was the kind of woman you fall for.
Then he thought of Nolan and his situation with Rachel. He went back inside the Club. Nolan was still drinking and seemed tipsy.
"A lot of people are waiting for spots to open up. I'm thinking of buying the whole building for more space. The number of people wanting to subscribe to the club is growing, and I have to turn them away because we don't have enough room," Ethan said. "You handle the purchase and expansion."
"Of course. I know you'll do what's right—you always do. By the way, what are you working on these days? Or are you in love with Ava Bennett now? I saw you spending the whole night with her."
"You're right; I like her. The first thing that piqued my interest was that she didn't come to the club for a one-night fling. It was hard for her to start a conversation with me. She seems constantly on guard. I think she's been through a relationship that hurt her emotionally, but I see something special in her, worth fighting for. I want to help her heal and show her what true love looks like."
Nolan nodded in agreement.
"If I recall correctly, you were planning to go to Chicago in the next few days. Is that still happening?"
"Yes, you're right. I promised I'd be there, so backing out isn't an option. Tonight, I have an invitation to an event at Atrium, Ava's art gallery. Don't you want to come?"
"I'm not invited," Nolan replied shortly.
"After I get there, I'll ask her to invite you."
"Okay. Thanks."
Shortly after arriving at Atrium, Ethan was greeted by Ava, who exuded tasteful simplicity—the image of a perfect host. She wore an elegant black dress that highlighted her figure. Her shoes had a moderate heel, and her subtle makeup complemented her natural beauty.
"Welcome, Mr. Parker. I'm glad you accepted my invitation," Ava said.
"It's good to see you again, Ms. Bennett. I have a request. My friend Nolan Baxter expressed a desire to attend this event. If possible, could you send him an invitation?" Ethan handed her a business card with Nolan's phone number.
Ava resisted the urge to linger too long with Ethan. Eventually, she went to the restroom and looked at herself in the mirror. "I'm a foolish woman, fighting my feelings and fears alone. I should let my heart decide. "
Resolved, she returned to the main hall.
"Ethan, how are you enjoying the event?" Ava asked.
"I like it, what can I say? I was waiting for you. Isn't it obvious I came for you?"
"Straight to the point. Well, here I am. Since our last meeting, I read one of your books."
"Which one?"
"You'll figure it out yourself. I enjoyed it."
"I'm glad to hear that," Ethan said, smiling.
"Let's step outside. There's a park nearby," Ava suggested.
They sat on a bench and continued talking.
"I'll be away for a while in Chicago. An editor invited me to a book launch. If I got this invitation now, I'd decline," Ethan said, placing a hand on Ava's leg.
"Not now," Ava said gently, moving Ethan's hand away. "We've just started seeing each other, Ethan. I don't want things to move too fast," she explained.
Ethan nodded, understanding her hesitation. They continued talking.
Ethan leaned in and kissed her. Ava took Ethan's face in her hands and kissed him back deeply and sensually.
They returned to the gallery about an hour later. Meanwhile, David had arrived and wasn't allowed in since he lacked an invitation. Drunk and agitated, he caused a scene. When he saw Ava and Ethan together, he began shouting.
"Look at Ava. That's what she's done her whole life—men, always other men. Fresh meat, as she calls it. This woman will never tire of men. Now you see why we're no longer together. That's why I left her."
Security intervened and escorted him out. Over a guard's shoulder, David yelled at Ethan.
"I'm warning you. You're a dead man. Check on this woman tomorrow, and you'll find her with another man."
Ava felt a mix of embarrassment and anger. She couldn't believe David had sunk so low as to cause a scene like that. Ethan put an arm around her as the guards removed David from the event.
At the end of the evening, Ethan drove Ava to her house.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening," Ethan said and kissed her.
"I hope you return safely from Chicago. And I'm sorry about the incident with David. My ex-partner can't accept the breakup," Ava said before entering her house.