The car dropped us off at the hotel one hour before our meeting. Ava kept her distance and didn’t speak much on the ride over.

I was thankful. At first, I thought we could talk through everything but she wasn’t having it. Then I decided to enjoy the ride and close my eyes.

It was better than fighting myself with the wants and needs of the situation. I wanted to lean over and kiss her. To suck the words right out of her mouth.

Then again, I wanted her to listen to me. ...