Old Flames
1336 Words
Los Felis Motors Dealership — Service Department
Los Angeles, California
June 11th, 2022 — 2:37 PM
I sighed in annoyance as I leaned against the sleek granite countertop in the dealership service lobby, scrolling absently through my phone. My pony car had decided she’d start whenever she damn well pleased, and today she chose violence. I was tired, irritated, and ready to snap on somebody if I had to spend another minute inhaling tire rubber and oil fumes.
“Ava?”
That voice. Deep, rough around the edges, familiar in ways that made my heart seize instantly. Before I even turned around, my body was already reacting, pulse quickening, skin warming, butterflies awakening from a long slumber.
Slowly, cautiously, I turned and faced the source of that voice. There he stood, larger than life, broad-shouldered and breathtakingly familiar. Austin Lancaster. Time had only enhanced his rugged charm, sharpening the angles of his jaw and softening the smile lines around his deep green eyes.
“Austin…” My voice was a breathless whisper, betraying every emotion I’d fought years to suppress. “I…hi.”
He hesitated, a brief flash of hurt shadowing his eyes before a cautious smile emerged. “Hi yourself.”
The silence hung awkwardly between us, stretching until Austin finally broke it. “So…how’ve you been, Ava?”
“I’m good. I mean, really good,” I stumbled, laughing nervously. “I’m married now. A housewife, even. I’ve got two fur babies, Rocco and Bella.”
Austin smiled softly, something bittersweet reflected in his eyes. “Married, huh? Well, congrats. He’s a lucky man.”
“Thanks,” I replied softly, heart twisting. “What about you? You look...good.”
Austin nodded slowly. “Yeah, things eventually turned around for me. But back then, after you left…” He trailed off, his expression darkening slightly. “I won’t lie, Ava, it was rough.”
Guilt twisted in my stomach. “Austin, I…I'm sorry. I should’ve been there for you, but—”
“But what?” he interrupted, gently but firmly, stepping closer. “You thought I was like every other guy who ever hurt you? You really thought I could hit a woman, Ava?”
“Austin, I panicked,” I admitted, voice trembling with honesty. “My ex did a number on me, and you were the first man I opened up to after him. When everything went down, I freaked out.”
He exhaled slowly, nodding. “Yeah, I get that. But Ava, you left me in jail. Four months. Lost my job, my reputation hell, almost everything.”
My eyes widened, horror tightening my throat. “Oh my god, Austin—”
“But I got through it,” he said firmly, voice calm again. “The truth eventually came out. Case was dismissed, not guilty verdict, restraining order on Melissa—the whole deal. But it wasn’t easy.”
I shook my head sadly. “I had no idea, Austin. I'm truly sorry.”
He sighed deeply, eyes softening. “I forgave you a long time ago. Holding onto anger wasn’t helping me heal. But it doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hell.”
I reached out instinctively, gently touching his arm. “I never meant to hurt you, Austin.”
His eyes locked onto mine, the familiar intensity surging back. “I know.”
A mechanic shouted my name, pulling us both from the moment. Austin smiled faintly, nodding toward the doors. “I’ll walk you out.”
Outside, the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the parking lot, sparkling off the freshly detailed paint of my black beauty. Austin chuckled softly, shaking his head.
“Still got a thing for muscle cars, huh?” he teased gently.
I laughed. “Jordan bought it for me. Funny enough, she’s temperamental. Won’t always start.”
Austin shrugged. “California’s lemon law. Maybe you should trade her in.”
I laughed softly, feeling some of the weight lift. “Maybe I should.”
His eyes lingered, the humor slowly fading, replaced by something deeper, older, familiar. “You look really good, Ava. Seriously. Here take my card maybe we can meet up for a coffee sometime.”
My heart skipped wildly as I took the card and slid it into my purse. “So do you. I think coffee would be cool.”
The air thickened between us, heavy with old desires. Before I knew what was happening, we were closing the gap between us, his lips suddenly pressed firmly to mine, rekindling flames I thought long extinguished. His hand cupped my face tenderly, and for a brief, perfect second, the years disappeared completely.
But reality crashed back as suddenly as the kiss began. Panicked, heart pounding, I jumped back, eyes wide with guilt and fear.
“I can’t, Austin. I’m sorry.” My voice shook, betraying the rush of emotions flooding my body. Without waiting for his reply, I rushed into my car, pressing the push to start ignition. The beast of a car roared to life, loud and angry, and I sped away, glancing back in the rearview mirror. Austin stood watching, hands in his pockets, hurt clear on his face once again.
Ava and Jordan’s Home, Los Angeles
Later that night
I sat anxiously across from Jordan at our dining room table, my hands shaking uncontrollably. “Baby, I have to tell you something,” I began quietly, voice strained.
Jordan’s brows knitted in concern. “What's wrong, Ava?”
I took a shaky breath, gathering my courage. “I ran into Austin today. At the dealership.”
Jordan’s jaw tightened, but he remained calm. “And?”
I lowered my gaze, shame burning my cheeks. “We kissed. I’m sorry, Jordan. It just happened. I didn't mean—”
He sighed heavily, leaning back, eyes gentle but wounded. “Did it mean something to you?”
“No!” I insisted, tears filling my eyes. “It was a stupid mistake, a moment of weakness. I’m begging your forgiveness, Jordan.”
He took my hand, squeezing gently. “Look, Ava, old flames die hard. I get it. And part of this is on me, I haven’t been around enough because of work. But promise me one thing.”
“Anything,” I whispered.
“Never let it happen again,” he said softly but firmly. “I forgive you, but don’t break this trust again.”
The Lake View Hotel Los Angeles, Penthouse Suite 161
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 — 2:15 AM
"b***h!" Keisha snapped, rolling her eyes dramatically. "See, your man gave you an inch, and your black ass took a whole mile. Jordan was way too easy on you.”
Toni threw up her hands, laughing. “For real! He should’ve checked your ass hard enough that you’d never even think about another man again.”
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Trust me, I know. He was kind, maybe too kind. But at the moment, Jordan understood I made a mistake."
Camille sat forward. “Mistake or not, Ava, you reopened a door you knew better than to touch. Old flames are old flames for a reason, they burn the deepest.”
"I know. And I wish I could say that was the last mistake but y’all wanted my truth, so here it is."
Nia smiled softly, compassion in her eyes. “We appreciate your honesty, Ava. But you know we’re gonna read you for this, right?”
I chuckled weakly. “Trust me I deserve every bit of it.”
Latrixa leaned forward, sipping her champagne. "Then keep going, Ava. Tell us how one kiss turned into an affair."
I swallowed hard, meeting their expectant eyes. “That kiss reignited every feeling I ever had for Austin Lancaster. But the problem wasn’t just that old flame, the real trouble was that I knew exactly how dangerous the fire was, and I still couldn’t resist playing with it.”
- Writer
