Ava Comes Home Read Online Free

after that September shoot. If she’s this hot, can’t she simmer for a couple of months? Surely people won’t forget her name that quickly.”
    If the tips of his blood-red ears were anything to go by, Trent’s blood pressure was escalating at an alarming rate. “I am a highly successful, highly sought-after film agent. You are a baggage handler. I believe I know the best course of action for my client’s career.”
    Lola nodded her head. “And there’s the rub. You’re concerned about the career. I’m concerned about the woman.”
    Trent gave Ava an exasperated look. “Tell your lap dog to go bite someone else’s ankles.”
    â€œLola is a friend of mine. Being rude to her isn’t going to help your case.”
    â€œAva…”
    â€œI’m sorry, Trent, but I can’t discuss this now. We have a slew of appointments this afternoon and we’re already late. Aren’t we, Camilla?” Camilla took the hint. “Yes, we’re in an awful rush.” All three women rose from their chairs.
    Trent had a face on him like thunder. “You haven’t finished your sandwich.”
    Ava ignored him. “Would you mind picking up the tab, Trent? I’ll pay you back later.” She walked away before he could answer.
    When they got back in the car, Ava turned to them. “I don’t want to talk about this, all right?”
    The afternoon was spent looking at glorious gowns in designer showrooms. Ava could have asked for the samples to be sent to the house, but she liked to gather her own impressions of the establishments and their work ethic. How they treated their employees was something she always factored in. She had once refused a magnificent gown that she’d been planning to wear to an AIDS fundraiser. When the designer screamed at the young man in charge of bringing them coffee, Ava walked right out the door without a backward glance.
    Harold, her personal stylist extraordinaire, knew all about this quirk and took pains to forewarn the designers ahead of time. They were kindness itself when Ava was in the room.
    Harold took a stunning dress of aqua-blue chiffon off the rack. “This would set off your eyes beautifully.” He held it up to her. “Why don’t you try it on?”
    Ava wrinkled her nose. “There’s no front. I’d be spilling out everywhere. I don’t want a ‘wardrobe malfunction.’”
    â€œAs you well know, I’m a master with double-sided tape.”
    Ava’s eyes went to the rack. “For this occasion, I want classic. Simple.”
    Taking another gown off the rack, Harold draped it over his forearm. “What about this? It’s got a floor-sweeping train. It’s in the most delicious shade of cloud, with just the tiniest hit of blue.”
    â€œCloud?” Lola repeated. “Is that what we’re calling grey these days?”
    â€œIt’s got a ridiculously huge bow in the front.” Ava touched the offending item. “I’d be fiddling with it all night.”
    â€œRidiculously huge bows are very hot right now,” Harold said.
    â€œThere’s that word again,” Ava muttered. “Hot.” She rubbed her head and tried to ignore the fuss going on around her. The people in the room were at her disposal and so spent most of their time staring at her. This aspect of fame wore Ava down. If only they knew who she really was, they wouldn’t bother to look at her.
    The designer wanted to take her measurements again but Harold held up his hand. “There’s no need. She’s a perfect size 2. I should know. I’ve been dressing her for years.”
    Ava reached into her cream Chloe Betty Bag and searched for some Tylenol. Lola tapped her on the shoulder and produced two pills in the palm of her hand.
    â€œHow do you always know when I have a headache?”
    â€œYou get that look,” Lola smiled.