Between Lines and Lanes

PART XIV : AVA SINCLAIR

Maya: It's the weekend, Ava. Stop calling me so early in the morning.

Ava: And let you sleep? Never! C'mon. Wake up. I've got a meeting with a hotel manager in Milan.

Maya: Can't you take Milo? He's been extra respectful since your thing with you-know-who.

Ava: Again I say, I don't have a thing with him. And Milo is not my emotional support hire. Meet me in an hour under my apartment.

Maya: So bossy this early. Ugh, fine.

Ava: And don't put your head back on the pillow!

She heard Maya groan before the line went dead.

Ava sighed and got into the shower, her mind drifting as she passed by the bouquet Leo had sent her.

Was he serious about her, or was he just a playful flirt who would get bored once she actually reciprocated? She didn't dare to imagine.

After showering, she made a quick breakfast—grilled cheese and scrambled eggs. She scrolled through her phone as she ate, catching glimpses of today 's F1 headlines. All about Monaco's qualifications. Leo's face flashed on screen, smiling. 'Cute.' She shook her head and quickly scrolled past.

Maya was already waiting when Ava got downstairs. They walked together toward the hotel, a five-star luxury hotel that cost at least €1000 a night.

"This Imogen lady—how does she even know about us?" Maya asked.

"No idea. Maybe because we're nearby?" Ava guessed.

Maya raised an eyebrow. "It's a five-star hotel and spa, Ava. And we're not famous designers yet. Don't you think it's a little... off?"

"Oh no!.. You think she's trying to kidnap us?" Ava smirked.

Maya gasped dramatically. "You laughed now but you never know!"

Ava chuckled. "If a kidnapper took you, they 'd probably regret it in an hour and return you back."

Maya smacked her arm. "Shut up."

When they arrived, they were greeted personally by Imogen Rossi. They were led to a lavish meeting room where Imogen personally served them pastries and tea. That was unexpected. Ava exchanged a quick glance with Maya. 'What the hell?'

"Miss Ava Sinclair," Imogen greeted smoothly. "Pleasure to meet you. And you are?" She turned to Maya. "She's my assistant, Maya Amato." Maya waved politely.

"So, Mrs Rossi," Ava cut straight to business. "Where did you hear about us?"

"You 're well-known here," Imogen smiled. "And, of course, you designed the award-winning garden last year—The Most Therapeutic Garden of All Time 2023." Imogen said.

Ava nodded. "Yeah, so what can we do for you today?"

Imogen 's smile widened. "Our hotel recently changed ownership. The previous owner valued tradition, but the new one wants a fresh start. We need a complete redesign, from the entrance to the lobby."

Ava's brows lifted. "Just those areas?"

"Oh no," Imogen said, stirring her tea. "The entire hotel. We will provide anything necessary as long as it's up to your perfection. We're here at your service, Ms. Sinclair." she added.

Maya nearly choked on her drink.

"The grand reopening is at the end of the year, so that gives you about six months. What do you think about the timeline? Efficient enough for your likeness?"

Maya was still stunned but Ava didn't hesitate to question Imogen, "So, do you have an idea? I mean, do you have a theme?"

Imogen then started to discuss and give the input. The meeting almost lasted two hours. By the end of time, Ava had all the details she needed. She will need to do some brainstorming later. Until then, she had to finish her current projects. But Maya looked exhausted and sleepy.

"Thank you for accompanying me today, come.. I'll treat you to Strada's pizza," Ava offered.

Maya shook her head. "Nahh.. I'm too tired. Can you treat me some other time?"

Weird. She never passed on pizza. "You okay?" Ava frowned.

"Good. Good. Good. All is well. As I told you on the phone, it was too early for me," Maya muttered. "I need my beauty sleep. See ya." And with that, she took a cab home.

Ava then walked home and before arriving home, she grabbed some lunch—pesto pasta with barbecued wings. Later, as she skimmed through F1 news, she stumbled upon a latest video of a GP interview with Leo. She clicked on it.

Twenty minutes in—she thought he mentioned her name. Her fork nearly dropped when the interviewer said Leo called someone out. Has Milo seen this? If he did now.. He'd definitely think they were dating for real. Shaking her head, she went back to work. She texted Leo:

'Don't win.'

Two minutes later—her phone rang. *Leo*

She hesitated.

Should she answer? Her fingers hovered over the screen.

Then—she picked up. By the end of the phone call, she had realized that tomorrow was a big day for Leo.

And for her.