CHAPTER NINETY ONE - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN TO DECISIONS

Zaya frowned. "That must have been frustrating." "It was," Ava admitted. "But maybe it's for the best. We work so well together professionally. I don't want to jeopardize that." "But is that enough?" Zaya pressed gently. "Can you really be satisfied with just a professional relationship when you feel this way about him?" Ava was quiet for a long moment, considering her friend's words. "I don't know," she finally said. "I've never felt this way about anyone before. It's terrifying." Zaya squeezed her hand. "Love often is. But it can also be the most incredible thing in the world." Ava looked at her friend, vulnerability shining in her eyes. "What if he breaks my heart?" "Then I'll be right here with a gallon of ice cream and terrible rom-coms," Zaya promised. "But Ava, what if he doesn't? What if this is your chance at something amazing?" Ava took a deep breath, feeling a mix of fear and excitement coursing through her. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it is worth the risk." Zaya beam