This is a short story based on characters that I do not own and references to established works.
"Ava Comes Through"
"Austin, I really need you to be available now, not later," Ava thought after she found out that Dr. Gatlin-Holt was busy with a patient. Realizing that she had time to kill until Austin was free, Ava decided to go see if she could get an update on Curtis's condition. As she got off the elevator, she immediately saw Trina.
"Trina, hi!" Ava exclaimed, as she walked over to Trina quickly. Trina jumped up from her seat and met Ava with a long, tight hug. It had been a while since they had seen each other for any serious amount of time. Dex, who had seen Trina and was preparing to approach her, decided to make himself scarce since Trina looked like she was in good hands.
"I'm so glad that I ran into you. I was here to see someone, but they're tied up right now. So, that worked out because I get to see you," Ava said excitedly, as they both sat down.
"First of all, how's Curtis? That's why I came to this floor to see if I might be able to get an update on his condition," Ava continued.
The change of Trina's facial expression when Curtis was mentioned concerned Ava, as she waited for Trina's response.
"Trina, honey. Has something happened to Curtis?" Ava questioned again.
Trina took a deep breath before answering. She let Ava know about Curtis refusing to see her and how that concerned her since their last talk was not that pleasant.
"Curtis is dealing with a lot right now, Trina. He's having to face a devastating prognosis and a lot of unknowns. He just needs time to process it all. You'll just have to be patient and let him know that you'll be here when he's ready to see you," Ava encouraged Trina.
Trina, definitely appreciating Ava's support, nodded.
"I know that I need to be patient. It's just hard, especially with the other things that I'm dealing with right now," Trina replied.
"Let me guess, those other things wouldn't happen to be Spencer, would they?" Ava asked.
Trina smiled a weak smile and nodded.
"Well, technically, it's not really Spencer. It's my relationship with him and my mom's feelings about it," Trina replied. "She's still so focused on his past, as well as his current living situation with Esme, which of course I'm not happy about. But, I know that he's only doing it for his baby brother. So, Spencer and I decided that it would be best if we...if we kept our relationship low-key."
"Low-key meaning what, exactly?" Ava inquired.
"Well, we decided that we would keep our distance from each other, especially when my mom is around," Trina replied.
Ava looked perplexed. "So, you're going to limit your time together because of your mother?" Trina nodded.
"So, when will the two of you ever get to see each other? Your relationship is still relatively new. It needs to be nurtured, and it certainly can't be nurtured at Laura's with Esme lurking about," Ava replied.
"Ava, those are good questions and considerations. Ones that we haven't fully figured out, yet," Trina replied, looking concerned. "And by being low-key, I'm not really sure when we will."
A thoughtful look came across Ava's face, as she remained silent for a few moments.
"Ava, where'd you go?" Trina asked.
"Just into my wheelhouse of ideas," Ava said, with a sly smile. "Let's consider your lack of options, shall we? The hospital is out. Your house is out. Laura's place is out. Do I have that right?"
"You are right," Trina replied, starting to feel slightly better knowing that Ava was on her side and, even better, on the case.
"Well, do you think that Wyndemere would work as a place for your low-key meetings?" Ava asked.
"Ava, what are you talking about?" Trina asked.
"I'm saying that I live in a huge castle, which has several rooms, as well as wings. Also, it is a place where your mother does not frequent and where Esme would not dare show her face. If you and Spencer need a place to meet or to just spend some alone time together, Wyndemere would be the perfect place. So, what do you think?" Ava asked, definitely impressed and excited by her idea.
"Well, it's definitely out of the way and we wouldn't have to worry about running into my mom or Esme," Trina replied.
Ava nodded.
"Ava, I know that you and Spencer have had your issues, so I have to ask..." Trina continued.
"Why would I do this? Is that what you were going to ask?" Ava asked.
"Yes," Trina replied.
"First of all, you should know that I would do anything for you, Trina. Secondly, I know how much Spencer means to you. And, lastly, believe it or not, I know that Spencer has changed. I've seen the efforts that he's made to be a better person. So, I want both of you to have a chance to make it as a couple. Goodness knows that both of you deserve it, considering the parental issues you've been dealing with this year," Ava replied.
Trina leaned in and hugged Ava.
"This means so much to me Ava. I'm going to call Spencer right now and let him know that we have a place for our secret rendevous," Trina said, with a slight laugh.
"Perfect, I'll let the staff at Wyndemere and at the launch know that you and Spencer are welcome anytime," Ava said, as she noticed an incoming text from Austin.
As she prepared to leave, Ava gave Trina another hug.
"I'll see you two soon," Ava said.
"Hopefully, sooner rather than later! I have a feeling that this is going to be great for us," Trina replied.
Ava walked over to the elevator on her way to see Austin. Before the doors closed, she could hear Trina on the phone saying, "Spencer, guess what?"