Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 39

Chapter 39 Playful Banter 

15 Pentic 

Ava gave up on caring about appearances. She took the tissue Keith handed her and wiped her mouth. 

“Let’s play again! Ava finally won this round. You’re a fast learner,” said Jane teasingly. 

Of course, she wouldn’t actually embarrass her. 

Ava looked at Keith. “Stop feeding me. That’s enough.” 

“Okay.” Keith nodded. 

“And don’t distract me with your words either,” she added. 

“Got it,” he said. 

Jane snorted, bursting into laughter. “Cassius, Louis, bring your A–game! I’m going to dominate the next game!” 

A few more rounds followed, and surprisingly, Ava climbed to the top. 

Jane ended up at the bottom. She threw down her cards dramatically. “I quit! I quit! I lost again!” 

Counting her winnings, Ava realized she had actually made a small profit. “Clumsy, stubborn, and still loves to play–that’s you, Jane.” 

Jane let out an exaggerated wail. “Life’s so cruel! Even you are ganging up on me! I’m an honest person, yet this family is coming together to bully me!” 

What nonsense is she talking about? Ava thought. 

Hearing the commotion, Lila ran out from the next room. “Who’s been bullying you, Jane?” 

Jane pretended to cry. “I’ll acknowledge Aunt Claire’s wins, but you played so ruthlessly, Ava! Life is so unfair.” 

She even posed with a dramatic, heart–in–hand look, but it only made her look ridiculous. 

Ava cringed. 

This woman seemed possessed by a drama queen spirit every day–if she didn’t try her luck in show business, the industry would be missing a rising star. 

“No friends at the table. If you’re weak, you need more practice,” Ava replied, standing up and pulling out her Holoband. “Now, who’s paying up?” 

“Jane, you’re too much!” Jane pounded Louis lightly with her small fists. “Ava’s no longer sweet and lovely. She’s getting bolder now!” 

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Chapter 39 Playful Banter 

Cassius laughed and handed over some coins. “Is this enough? Should I give you an allowance too?” 

“That’s so kind of you, Cassius!” 

After returning to the Morren Residence for so many days, this was the first time Ava showed such lively. mischievous energy–a touch of the playful charm typical of girls her age. 

Jane’s eyes welled up with tears. “Just wait and see! Next time, I’ll get my revenge and make you lose everything!” 

Claire watched the two sisters teasing each other and couldn’t stop smiling. “My two little darlings! Come, I’ll give you some pocket money. Spend it however you like.” 

Jane wiped her tears and smiled. “So, you do care about me, Aunt Claire.” 

Ava told herself, Just play along. If you want to act, I’ll play my part in your little performance!. 

Lila glanced left and right, then ran over to Ava. “Did you beat Jane, Ava?” 

Ava nodded. “Yes. I’ll get you something fun later.” 

After a while, Claire got a bit tired, stood up to stretch, and asked, “Check with the kitchen–how much longer until dinner?” 

Jane had lost money but didn’t mind; she went over to look at the fish in the indoor tank. 

Everyone else had left, but Ava stayed where she was, holding her Holoband and checking her balance. Her eyes held a calm, deep glint, and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. 

Keith walked over and softly called her, “Ava…” 

Ava looked up. “Yeah?” 

“You never added me on your Holoband,” he said, half accusingly. 

Ava held it out to him. “You can add me. I had my Holoband set to block strangers, so non–friends couldn’t send messages. When my grandfather passed, I left my Holoband in a drawer. I never saw those friend requests.” 

“That’s nice of you to clear things up.” Keith was slightly touched. He hadn’t expected her to explain something so small and long past. 

“Something like that. I suppose it was my fault anyway.” 

They added each other on the Holoband. 

Keith suddenly asked, “I heard your grandfather used to call you Avie. Can I call you that too? Just privately.” 

Avie was Ava’s childhood nickname. Since her grandfather passed, no one had called her that; the Morren family called her Ava instead. 

“How did you know?” 

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Chapter 39 Playful Banter 

“The hospital in the care home where you sent your grandfather is affiliated with my family. Your family came looking for my parents, and I realized it was you. Later, I went to Dr. Doyle to learn more about your situation. I’m sorry we weren’t able to help your grandfather.” 

“My grandfather passed away peacefully. He found where he came from and found home, and he left with no regrets. You can call me that if you want. It’s just a name–it’s me either way.” 

“Okay, Avie,” Keith said softly, lowering his voice as he spoke the words. 

Ava felt a shiver run down her spine when she heard him calling her that. It was like when her grandfather had said it, and goosebumps prickled her skin. 

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