Chapter 3: Unsettled Feelings

Ava spent the next few days replaying her evening with Lucas repeatedly in her mind. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, that there was more to Lucas’s past with Victoria than he was letting on. The way Lucas had tensed when he saw Victoria, the intensity in their brief exchange lingered in Ava’s thoughts, casting a shadow over what should have been an exciting start to something new. Ava tried to focus on her work, burying herself in her campaign planning and meetings, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Lucas. She wondered if she was being foolish and letting herself get swept up in something she didn’t fully understand. But then she remembered his smile, the way he looked at her, and she couldn’t help but feel drawn to him all over again. It was late afternoon, and Ava was working from her home office when her phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at the screen and felt her heart skip a beat. It was Lucas. “Hey, Ava. I know things got weird the other night. Can we meet up and talk? I want to clear the air. I’ll bring coffee. :)” Ava hesitated, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She knew she should step back and give herself space to think. But she also knew she wanted to see him and understand what was happening between them. “Sure. Come over,” she replied, her heart racing faster than usual. Within half an hour, there was a knock at her door. Ava opened it to find Lucas with a smile and two cups of coffee. “Hi,” he said softly. “I hope you like vanilla lattes.” Ava laughed, feeling a little of the tension melt away. “How did you know?” Lucas grinned. “Lucky guess. Can I come in?” Ava nodded, stepping aside to let him enter. “Come on in.” They settled on the couch, and Ava tried to ignore the flutter in her stomach as Lucas sat close to her, their knees almost touching. He handed her the coffee and looked at her with those intense, deep-set eyes. “Ava,” he began, “I wanted to apologize for the other night. I know Victoria showing up like that must have been a shock. It wasn’t planned, I promise.” Ava sipped her coffee, trying to keep her voice steady. “I believe you, Lucas. But I have to be honest—I felt… unsettled. You two have unfinished business, and I’m unsure where I fit into that.” Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I get that. And I don’t blame you for feeling that way. Victoria and I… we had a complicated relationship. It ended badly, and I thought I was done with it. But she seems to think otherwise.” Ava frowned, trying to understand. “What do you mean?” Lucas hesitated, then continued, “She’s… trying to get back into my life. I don’t know what she wants, but I’m not interested. I’m not interested in going backward. I want to move forward.” Ava felt a flicker of hope but also caution. “And you think that’s with me?” Lucas’s gaze softened, his hand moving to touch hers gently. “I do. I know this is happening fast, but I feel something with you, Ava. Something real. And I don’t want to lose that because of my past.” Ava’s heart raced at his touch but forced herself to stay grounded. “I want to believe that, Lucas. But I need to know you’re ready for this. For us. No baggage, no ex-girlfriends showing up out of nowhere.” Lucas nodded earnestly. “I am. And I promise you, I’ll do everything I can to ensure Victoria doesn’t get in the way of whatever this is between us.” Ava smiled, feeling a mixture of relief and nervousness. “Okay. I’ll give this a chance. But I need you to be honest with me, Lucas. Completely.” Lucas squeezed her hand. “You have my word, Ava.” They continued talking, their conversation flowing easily as they shared stories about their lives, dreams, and fears. Ava felt the walls around her heart soften, and she opened up to him like she hadn’t been with anyone else in a long time. She could see the sincerity in his eyes and feel the warmth of his touch, and she wanted to believe that he was being truthful. At one point, Lucas leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You know, Ava, you’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met. You have this… light about you. It’s rare, and I don’t want to lose it.” Ava felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Lucas…” But before she could say more, a knock was on her door. Ava’s heart sank as she stood up, wondering who it could be. She opened the door to find Victoria standing there, a strained smile on her lips. “Ava, isn’t it?” Victoria said, her voice dripping with forced politeness. “I’m sorry to drop by unannounced, but I hoped to speak with Lucas. Is he here?” Ava felt a surge of irritation and glanced back at Lucas, who had gone pale. “Victoria, what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice tight. Victoria shrugged, her eyes darting between them. “I just wanted to talk. Clear the air.” Ava crossed her arms, trying to keep her tone calm. “I think you’ve done enough of that.” Victoria’s smile didn’t falter. “I’m not here to cause trouble, Ava. I want to have a word with Lucas. Please.” Ava turned to Lucas, sensing the tension radiating from him. “Lucas?” Lucas sighed, standing up and moving toward the door. “Fine. Five minutes, Victoria. That’s all you get.” Victoria nodded. “Thank you.” Ava watched as they stepped outside, feeling a knot form in her stomach. She knew she shouldn’t feel jealous but couldn’t help it. She hated the way Victoria seemed to have a hold over Lucas, the way she could show up and disrupt everything. A few minutes passed, and Ava couldn’t resist seeing what was happening. She quietly moved to the window and peeked outside. Lucas and Victoria were standing close, speaking in low voices. She couldn’t make out what they were saying, but she could see the intensity in their expressions. Suddenly, Victoria reached out, touching Lucas’s arm. Ava’s heart clenched as she saw Lucas pull back, clearly frustrated. She could feel the tension even from inside. She stepped back, feeling a mix of anger and insecurity. Why did Victoria have to be here? Why couldn’t Lucas tell her to leave? Ava took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the uncertainty gnawed at her. A moment later, Lucas walked back in, his expression conflicted. “I’m sorry, Ava. She’s leaving.” Ava crossed her arms, trying to keep her voice steady. “What did she want?” Lucas sighed. “She wants to talk, to figure things out. But I told her there was nothing to figure out. We’re done.” Ava searched his face for any sign of doubt. “And are you? Done?” Lucas moved closer, his eyes locking onto hers. “Yes, Ava. I’m done. I’m here with you, and that’s where I want to be.” Ava wanted to believe him but couldn’t ignore the fear gnawing at her heart. “Lucas, I want to trust you. But I need to know that you’re not just saying that.” Lucas reached for her hands, his voice filled with sincerity. “I’m not just saying it. I mean it. You’re the one I want, Ava.” Ava looked into his eyes, searching for any doubt or hint of hesitation. But all she saw was sincerity, which made her heart soften just a little. “Okay, Lucas. I’ll trust you. But please, no more surprises.” Lucas nodded, relief washing over his face. “No more surprises. I promise.” Ava smiled, feeling a flicker of hope. “Good. Because I think this could be something… something worth taking a chance on.” Lucas grinned, his eyes lighting up. “I think so, too.” But even as they shared a quiet moment of understanding, Ava knew this was far from over. Victoria wouldn’t disappear so easily, and there was still so much she didn’t know about Lucas’s past. As she watched Lucas leave, she felt excitement and unease. She wanted to believe that this was the start of something real, something good. But deep down, she knew the road ahead would not be simple. And for the first time, she wondered if she was ready for the twists and turns ahead.