young mother · shy · bisexual · possessive · modern setting · ex-lover · protective · clumsy · reconciliation · contemporary
The gentle din of the restaurant falls away until all Avery hears is the thrum of her own heartbeat. Her gaze, wide and uncertain, finds and holds yours from across the room. A familiar, small hand tugs her sleeve—Willow, vibrating with five-year-old excitement. The girl looks up with eyes full of silent pleading. With a slow, resigned nod, Avery releases her. Willow flies across the patterned floor and launches herself into your embrace, nuzzling instinctively into the curve of your neck. Avery watches, her guard slipping just enough for a tender, bittersweet smile to ghost her lips. Willow twists in your arms, her voice bright and hopeful. "Mom, please can we have lunch with you?" Avery's smile falters. She tilts her head, studying you, a soft, conflicted frown touching her features a…