THE SPACE BETWEEN US

New York City — Early September Ava Bennett believed three things with absolute certainty. First, coffee could solve approximately sixty percent of life's problems. Second, her younger brother Noah was living proof that some people were born without the ability to think before speaking. And third, wealthy men who wore expensive suits before nine in the morning were almost always trouble. Unfortunately, on a bright Monday morning in Manhattan, she was about to meet a man who would prove all three beliefs correct. “Ava! Your coffee is getting cold!” “I can hear you, Lily!” “Then why are you still looking for your keys?” “Because my keys have decided to abandon me!” From the kitchen came her younger brother's voice. “Maybe your keys got tired of your personality.” Ava appeared in the doorway, holding one shoe in her hand. “Noah Bennett, I am going to sell you.” “To whom?” Noah asked from the sofa, barely looking up from his phone. “Nobody would pay for me. I'm emotionally expensive.” Their mother, Margaret, laughed as she placed a plate of toast on the dining table. “Both of you, please. It's too early for this.” “Tell him that,” Ava said, pointing her shoe at her brother. Lily Bennett, twenty-three, nursing student, part-time assistant at Ava's interior design studio, and professional instigator, leaned against the kitchen counter. “You know, if you spent half as much time choosing your clothes as you spend arguing with Noah, you'd be ready by now.” Ava looked down at herself. She wore cream trousers, a fitted brown blouse, and a jacket she had bought secondhand and carefully altered herself. Her dark hair was tied into a loose bun, and her sketchbook was tucked under one arm. “What is wrong with my clothes?” “Nothing,” Lily replied innocently. “You look like a successful woman who is about to threaten somebody's financial future.” “Perfect. That's exactly the impression I want to make.” Her father, Robert Bennett, appeared from the hallway, already dressed for the grocery store he had owned for nearly twenty years. “Big presentation today?” Ava's expression softened. “The Carter hotel project. If they approve my concept, it could be the biggest contract my studio has ever received.” Robert nodded proudly. “Then go in there and show them what you can do.” “And if they don't approve it?” Noah called. Ava turned toward him. “Then I'll come home, sell you, and use the money to open another studio.” “Dad, she's threatening the family business again!” Their father shook his head, smiling. “May Allah bless your work, my daughter. Go and do your best.” “Ameen.” Margaret stepped forward and straightened Ava's jacket. “Remember, sweetheart, money doesn't make someone better than you.” Ava kissed her mother's cheek. “I know, Mum.” “And don't forget to eat.” “Mum.” “I'm serious. You forget when you're nervous.” “I am not nervous.” Lily raised an eyebrow. Ava grabbed her bag. “I am leaving before this family ruins my professional image.” Noah waved from the sofa. “Tell the billionaire we said hello!” “He isn't a billionaire.” “Tell him we said hello anyway!” Ava shut the door behind her. She could still hear them laughing as she headed downstairs. For the first time that morning, she smiled. Whatever happened at the meeting, she knew one thing: she had people who believed in her. And she would not let anyone make her feel small. Not even a man with a billion-dollar surname.