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later, Rene handed Ava a white and hot pink top with horizontal stripes, and some too-little jeans. She didn’t want to hurt her friend’s feelings, but Rene could’ve left those garments on the rack. Ava changed back into her clothes and toddled out of the fitting room.
    The associate stood outside the dressing room, grinning. “How’d everything look?”
    â€œNone of it worked for me.” Ava handed her the clothes. She probably would’ve had more success with the bracelet idea or other accessories in 5-7-9.
    â€œOkay, ma’am. Would you like to try another style or size?”
    â€œNo, thank you.”
    The sales associate returned the clothes to their racks. “Well, have a nice day.”
    Yeah, whatever. “Thanks, you too.”
    Ava trudged toward the exit, Rene following her. Next time, they should just go straight to the food court.

Chapter 4
    Ava and Rene ordered their favorite dishes from Chinatown Grill. After sitting down with the chic food court trays, it only took Ava a few minutes to make a good-sized dent in her chow mein noodles. She chewed the delectable bitter-salty combination as she watched a couple flirting with each other a table over. Craving that closeness, she mentally removed the female from the scene and pictured herself feeding the man and cleaning his chin with a napkin.
    Rene’s cell phone went off. She blew out a heavy breath of air.
    Ava looked up from her plate. “What’s the matter?”
    â€œIshmael keeps texting me saying he wants to start the making up process.” She twisted her fork in her fried rice.
    â€œAre you up to it? I mean, do you want to see him?” Ava hoped Rene’s answer would be a definite no.
    â€œYeah, I guess. He’s said sorry a thousand times and I know people make mistakes.” She put her fork down and tapped her fingers on the table. “Part of me misses him, but I’m getting tired of every time I turn around there’s some drama waiting for me.”
    Ava wiped her mouth with her napkin. What would be the best advice to offer without sounding like a hater? “Don’t see him until you’re ready. There’s no rush. He ain’t going anywhere. “
    â€œI don’t know if my mind is ready.” Rene smiled. “But my body is.”
    â€œNo, you didn’t, girl.” Ava lowered her eyes. “I knew you two had slipped up before, but I thought you guys were putting it on hold until the wedding night.”
    â€œI know, Ava. But I’m not as strong as you. I need to have him next to me. In more ways than one. He definitely has the good stuff with some to spare.”
    â€œPlease spare me the details.” Did Rene not think Ava would’ve loved a man next to her too? But that feeling only lasted so long. And after the comfort of a man’s affections went away, the woman would be left with his clothes on the floor, him being more concerned with impressing his homies than keeping things on the up and up with her, and gas coming out of every part of his body. If Ava was to put up with all that and more, she’d want it to be from someone she liked and not just lusted for.
    â€œNo, I’m just saying. He is the best I’ve ever had. So gentle and sweet, but at the same time he takes care of his business. And don’t even get me started on his equipment.”
    â€œOkay! TMI. I don’t want you to get started on that or anything else.” Was Rene trying to sabotage Ava’s newfound celibacy?
    â€œI’m sorry.” Rene snickered. “And I know premarital sex is wrong, but anything that feels that good can’t be wrong. Am I right?”
    â€œWell, since you keep talking about it; what about how you feel when it’s over? I want the day when I can enjoy sex with my husband and not feel guilty afterward.” She looked around to see if any bystanders were listening. Rene asked for candidness and Ava