Chapter 9 A CLUMSY ENCOUNTER

**The Next Day

6 PM

Barry's Clubhouse

"What about this one?" Julia asked, holding up a red, mini-sized turtleneck dress.

"This is pretty. I bet it would look great on Ava." Tamsin commented, taking the dress from Julia.

Ava wrinkled her nose at the sight of the dress, already imagining the discomfort.

"Helloooo! That thing looks like it was made for a ten-year-old."

"Come on, Ava! This is the fifteenth dress you've rejected. I'm starting to think you want to wear a wedding gown instead. 'It's too short, it's too tight, it's too small' enough already! We're going with this dress and that's final," Julia snapped in frustration.

"Oops, I had no idea I said those things," Ava feigned surprise, making Tamsin burst into laughter at their antics.

Tamsin smiled and sat beside Ava on the green couch, gently taking her hands in hers. With a sigh, she said,

"I know you don't want to do this and I get that it's not an easy situation. But I believe in you. No matter what you choose comfortable or not this night will bring you joy. And most importantly, it will save your brother's life."

"Thanks, Tamsin. And I'm sorry for being such a pain. I didn't realize my nervousness had reached its peak," Ava said, her voice trembling as she wiped away a stray tear.

Julia set the dresses aside and opened her arms with a warm smile. "You knucklehead, bring it in."

Ava rushed into her embrace, letting out a quiet sob. Tonight, she had to swallow her pride for the sake of her brother. It was the right thing to do yet she couldn't shake the overwhelming nerves.

"I love you, stupid. Don't you dare cry over something as silly as this. It's just one night after this, we'll never speak of it again. Okay?" Julia reassured her.

With their support, Ava felt lighter. The weight on her shoulders eased and she finally took a deep breath.

"Are you ready to pick a dress?" Tamsin asked, gathering a few scattered outfits from the couch.

"I think so," Ava murmured.

Julia immediately grabbed the red dress again. "I say we go with this one and these black wedges. Trust me, men love a woman in red."

"Not you again with that dress," Ava groaned, making Julia grin mischievously.

"Just try it. I bet you'll love it," Tamsin urged, making Ava reconsider.

With a reluctant sigh, Ava grabbed the dress and stepped into a separate room to change. When she returned, her expression was a mix of shock and awe.

"This is... surprising," she admitted, staring at her reflection.

Julia smirked. "Told you."

"It's actually comfortable," Ava said, disbelief clear in her voice.

"No way! Can I get one?" Julia asked excitedly, only to receive a playful smack from Ava's

"Heyyy! It's a really pretty dress. I just want one!"

"Whatever."

Tamsin chuckled and stood. "Alright, ladies. My job here is done."

"Thanks so much, Tam. You really helped us out," Julia said, also getting up.

"It was fun. And don't worry about cleaning up, the staff will handle it," Tamsin reassured them.

"Thanks, Tamsin," Ava said with a genuine smile.

"It's a pleasure. Bye!" Tamsin waved and left.

As the door closed, Ava turned to Julia."She's really nice, don't you think?"

"Yeah, she is. She's Barry's baby mama, actually. I think he's in love with her," Julia whispered.

"No way!" Ava gasped. "And what about Sasha?"

"I have no idea, you little gossip," Julia whispered back and they both burst into laughter.

Julia glanced at her phone. "Come on, let's pack up. I ordered an Uber and it should be here in five minutes."

**Merlin's Hotel**

9 PM

A black Camry pulled up to the grand entrance of Merlin's Hotel. Ava stepped out alone, watching as the car disappeared into the night. She had hoped Julia could tag along but her friend had to visit Brent at the hospital.

"I promise to get the job done and join you as soon as possible," Ava had assured her.

"I'll be waiting," Julia had replied.

Now, standing in front of the towering luxury hotel, Ava inhaled deeply. The sight was breathtaking, the building an architectural marvel of glass and gold.

She walked inside, nervously adjusting her dress. The moment she stepped through the doors, she felt the weight of wandering gazes especially from the security guards whose stares made her skin crawl. She ignored them and headed straight to the receptionist's desk.

"Good evening," she greeted politely, handing over the details Barry had given her.

The receptionist scanned the crumpled piece of paper and nodded before sliding a key card toward her. "Fifth room on the 15th floor," she instructed.

"Thank you," Ava said with a small smile, relieved that things were running smoothly so far.

She turned toward the elevators but before she could take a step, her stomach let out a loud, unmistakable growl.

Embarrassed, Ava quickly glanced around, hoping no one had noticed. Thankfully, the staff were busy with their work and the guests were preoccupied.

Maybe I should grab a quick bite first.

She spun on her heels to ask the receptionist for directions to the restaurant only to crash into someone.

A loud thud echoed through the reception as both of them tumbled to the floor. This time, Ava's clumsiness didn't go unnoticed.

"I am so sorry!" she gasped, quickly getting up. "Are you hurt?" She extended a hand to help but the woman she had bumped into smacked it away.

With a sharp glare, the woman stood up and smoothed out her shimmering, diamond-studded mini dress.

"Watch where you're going, bitch," she hissed, her tone dripping with venom.

Ava blinked in shock. "I...I didn't mean to! I was in a hurry and didn't see you"

"Oh, spare me your pathetic excuses," the woman snapped, snatching up her swipe card from the floor.

Ava bit her tongue and picked up her own card, slipping it into her small black purse. Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Heaven knew how hard she was trying to keep her temper in check. Otherwise, that woman would be leaving with a broken tooth.