26
Lily
I thumped down the stairs two steps at a time, and on reaching the bottom, lunged at the handle, flinging the door wide open.
Ava stood there in her multi-lined jacket, under the stark whiteness of the porch light.
Without saying a word, I pulled her inside, slammed the door closed, and hugged her until she couldn’t breathe.
“I can see you need some help.” She squeezed me back.
I grabbed her warm hand and led her quickly upstairs to my bedroom. We sat on the edge of my bed, hand in hand.
I started to say something and burst into tears.
She guided my face to her shoulder. “Just cry it out.” She patted my back gently.
I stopped crying.
“You okay now?”
I nodded.
“Tell me what’s going on.” Ava’s voice was sympathetic and inviting.
I explained about Matteo last night.
“It
