Part 5 (1/2)

”For what?” I said, but I saw in his mind for the first time. He was thinking about that house from my last vision. I realized that I remembered it from our histories. Our family taught about that...house...

The coffee cups fell from my hand. It was then the world came back to me and I saw several of the people in the coffee shop staring at us. Even Paul had stopped making coffee and was looking at us, like maybe he wanted to intervene.

I pushed Seth's chest a tiny bit, my hands aching and scolding me for doing so. He went without a fight. ”Ava,” he reasoned, pleaded.

”I've got to go.” I turned to go, my heart banging in my chest.

He grabbed my hand gently, his calm, the very thing I'd always wanted, shot through me and I couldn't stop the sigh, yet I still yanked my hand away. ”Ava, please. Let's just talk for a minute.”

I burst through the door and ran to my Volvo parked in front. Seth followed me, but didn't try to stop me. I got in and shut the door, pressing the push-start b.u.t.ton crank the car. He stood outside my window, gripping his hair in his hands as he watched me back out. I heard him in my head as I peeled from the lot.

I'll wait for you however long you need. It's okay. I understand. I'd hate me, too.

I loved his voice. It ran over me like a silk nightgown...and I hated and loved that.

I went straight to the center, blowing through the doors, tears running down my face. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared, but I looked for Daddy. When I didn't see him with any of the kids, I went right to his office. He was on the phone, but hung up on whoever was on the phone as soon as he saw me.

”Ava-”

”Daddy,” I sobbed.

He stood quickly. ”What happened?”

”I...imprinted...”

”You did?” he grinned and hugged me to him. ”That's amazing, Ava. Where? Who? Why are you crying? Was it-”

”No, Daddy, no.” I leaned back.