"Thanks in advance for letting me stay, you know, my brother said something similar not too long ago. Do I really seem that downtrodden to you all?" Ava voiced her frustration.
Alex let out a light chuckle in response. "Perhaps."
As they neared their destination, the conversation between them remained effortlessly casual.
"Thanks for the ride home today, and for dinner. I owe you one next time," Ava said as she got out of the car.
"Sure," Alex replied, then called out to her as she started to walk away. "Ava!"
She turned around, puzzled, and looked back at Alex.
"If you're ever not doing well, come find me. I'm always here for you. Go on now, it's too dark out here," he said.
Ava was momentarily taken aback, but managed a usual wave and watched as Alex left only after she had walked away.
