27
Gage
I knew Avery’s parents didn’t like me. Honestly, I couldn’t blame them. I wasn’t exactly the kind of man they probably envisioned their daughter ending up with. But I would win them over… eventually… I hoped.
Avery wanted to tell them that I had gone to prison for my brother’s crimes, but I couldn’t let her do that. Besides, I had another plan that, with a little luck, just might work.
I waited until I knew Avery was at the library studying, then went to her parents’ house. When her mother answered the door, it took her a moment to recognize me with my newly clean-shaven face and trim haircut, but once she did, her lips pursed just before she said in a clipped tone, “Avery’s not here.”
She moved to close the door in my face, so I quickly said, “I know. I’m here to see you and
