Gavin Knight: From Rags to Richest

Decisions

Gavin sat up as soon as he read Aya’s message. “Damn! She wants to meet and I am not ready to face her yet.” He rubbed his forehead for the two major decisions he needs to think about today. His situations with Veronica and of course this one with Aya; both could affect his relationship with Aya.

“Sis! Let me know when you are planning to come over. I’d love to see you.” He lied, keeping his fingers crossed that it wasn’t anytime soon.

“I’m not sure yet. But hopefully soon, I just thought I’d let you know. You might find me weird or something.” Aya replied.

Gavin exhaled a sigh of relief. “Not weird at all. Don’t worry about it sis. How was your day?” he replied as Ava.

“Hmm, nothing much. How about you?” Aya asked him back.

“Well, actually I am in a sort of dilemma right now.” Gavin replied. He actually wants to know what Aya thinks about his situation with Veronica.

“Juicy! Tell me more, sis.” Aya eagerly responded.

“You see, I am in this long distance relationship with my boyfriend. My boss gave me a task that involves getting in close coordination with a male co-worker. I am afraid that my boyfriend would get mad at me if I accepted the job.” Gavin’s response was vague, but he made sure to make the sentiment of the situation similarly.

“Well sis, is the job really important and is it only you who can do it?” Aya was trying to be rational.

“Yes, that is correct. I am the only one who can do the job and it may mean thousands of dollars in investment for my boss.” Gavin bit his nails while waiting for Aya’s reply.

“Then what is the problem? I’m sure your boyfriend would understand; it’s part of your job and nothing personal. That is; unless, you break his trust by cozying up with your co-worker,” Aya texted Gavin back.

Gavin finally let go of the tension build up in his chest. “No, I will never break his trust. I love him so much. Thanks, sis!” Gavin is getting better with his Ava persona. He never forgets to interject emotions and emoji.

Aya felt the sincerity in Ava's text. She feels the same for Gavin. They are out of contact but in her heart; it is still him. Gavin occupies a big space in her heart that she cannot just throw away or get rid of at will. It is like Gavin engraved his position in Aya's heart; to her very soul. "I so feel you sis. I wish I could tell my fiance how much I miss and love him." She said to Ava.

Gavin's eyes shimmered in tears. Aya is clueless she just did told it to her fiance. Gavin blew out his cheeks and typed in his reply. "I'm sure he knows you by heart, love. I mean you don't have to see each other or tell him that you love him to know how you feel. They say that soulmates were called soulmates because they connect with their souls. And I am sure that he loves you, too." 

Aya gasps when she read Ava's reply. It is as if she read her mind. "Maybe, we are soulmates too. You seem to know me beyond words." She replied.

"Well, if you can have two soulmates, then I'm taking that other slot!" Gavin could not hide his satisfaction. He suddenly felt that starting this Ava persona is the best thing he ever did so far.

Aya laughed. It was the first time she felt genuinely happy after Gavin left. Gavin introduced Ava to her life, maybe he knows that she was in an awful place in her life. She definitely needed someone like Ava. Aya felt her love for Gavin go deeper. It is not every day that you can meet someone who will love and care for you like Gavin. "Thank you for making my days lighter, sis. I love you." 

Gavin stood up. He does not know how to respond to Aya's text. "Is it normal for women to say this? Should I respond and tell her I love her too?" Gavin messed up his hair, thinking of what to do next.

"Hey sis, are you still there? Anyway, we should take a rest now. Good night!" Aya replied while Gavin was still contemplating on what to answer.

"Yeah sis, Sleep well. I love you." Gavin squinted his eyes as he sent that reply. He could not believe he was able to tell Aya that, but he sure was glad that he did. 

Gavin went near his window to drown his lungs with fresh air. He needs to savor the 'I love you's' he exchanged with Aya first before he talks to Veronica. Gavin drew in a long breath before he dialed Veronica’s number, hoping her offer still stands.

“Hello, Gavin.” Veronica answered the phone with only a few rings like she was waiting for it. It made Gavin raise an eyebrow, for he hadn’t even talked yet, but Veronica figured instantly that it was him calling.

“Yes, it is me.” He answered awkwardly. Veronica spoke even before he could finish his reply.

“When are you moving in?” Veronica asked, as if she already knew Gavin’s decision.

“You are freaking me out right now.” Gavin was honest with Veronica. It felt too creepy for him to be figured out just like that when they didn’t really know each other.

“Hahaha… I thought so. You could learn from me, Gavin. I will wait for you tomorrow. I want a heavy breakfast.” Veronica said before she ended the call.

***

Gavin is ready for his thirty-day deal with the one and only Veronica Wolfe. He brought just a few pieces of clothing and personal items. And the most important of all is Ali’s recipe book. He is determined to get that review from Veronica to help the couple that selflessly helped him when he was so down.

Ali was too excited about this chance that she barely slept last night. Bill was rubbing her back while they sent off Gavin. Bill lent his old but well-maintained under bone motorcycle. 

Gavin waved them goodbye. He sincerely felt like he had a family of his own with this couple. He is just lucky to have met them at the right place and at the right time. 

"Dear, I have to tell you something about Gavin." Bill said to Ali as soon as Gavin left.

"What is it?" Ali curiously asked.

"That woman. He knows her, she is his fiancee." Bill looked at Ali with sympathetic eyes.

"That, that woman?" Ali stuttered, trying to confirm what Bill just said.

Bill nodded to Ali who cried hysterically.