Between Lines and Lanes

PART XIX : AVA SINCLAIR

Ava had just arrived at Brera after Leo had dropped her off in his car. Before leaving, he said, "I have a couple of interviews and will be a bit busy before heading to Canada next week. But I want to spend as much time with you as I can. And, I have to say, yesterday was one of the best days of my life, my love. Thank you for planning such a wonderful date." He cupped her cheek, then gently tilted her chin up and kissed her.

She hadn't expected it, but to her surprise, she kissed him back. This time she meant it. He pulled away slightly, then placed another kiss on her cheek before tilting her head to the side and leaving a soft kiss on her neck. Their eyes met, and he deepened the kiss, his hands sliding into her hair, playfully biting his lower lip, making him smile before he kissed her forehead.

"You will be the death of me, Ava Sinclair." He dropped her off in front of her apartment, securing a second date before parting ways. She smiled and waved as he drove off. Just as she searched for her house keys, her phone rang.

Ethan.

She sighed. She had been trying to avoid him, which was why she had gone on a date with Leo to Lake Como. But she knew she couldn't run from him forever.

She picked up the call.

Ava: Hello? Ethan?

Ethan: Ava, $ )@+#($@=@%

Ava: What?

Ethan: I'm $%!=%+ sorry for $-%@! notcalling&-#-#+= you.

Ava: What?? Ethan? Are you there?

Then she heard a loud thud. The line went silent.

Her heart raced. "Ethan?" She called his name over and over, but there was no response.

She ended the call and redialed his number repeatedly until someone finally answered.

Ava: Hello? Ethan?!

Unknown: Your friend fainted.

Ava: Who is this?

Unknown: Michael.

Ava: Where did you find him?

Michael: In front of the Rosa Grand Hotel.

Ava: Can you do me a favor? Please wait there. I'm coming now.

Michael: Okay. Do I need to call an ambulance?

Ava: Yes! Thank you and wait for me, please.

Michael: Okay, okay. I'll wait here.

She rushed to hail a taxi and sped to Rosa Grand Hotel, where a small crowd had gathered around Ethan, trying to wake him. She quickly paid the driver to wait, then the attendant lifted Ethan into the ambulance.

She turned to Michael and thanked him. Then she instructed the taxi driver to follow the ambulance, "Casa di Cura La Madonnina, please. Quickly."

At the hospital, while registering Ethan, she hesitated. She barely knew anything about him—just his name. Desperate, she scrolled through his phone, searching for a familiar contact. She found Luca's number and called.

Luca: Boss? Where are you? It's been half an hour. Everyone's waiting for you.

Ava: Um, hi, Luca. It's Ava. Do you remember me from last time? Hurmm... Ethan collapsed while calling me. Long story short, I brought him to Casa di Cura La Madonnina. Can you come here?

Luca: What???! Of course! I'm on my way now!

She heard Luca shouting something to the people in the background before hanging up.