Chapter 28. The Confession

Ava

I had just settled down on the couch with a steaming mug of tea, the events of the day still fresh in my mind, when the doorbell rang.

I sighed heavily, knowing exactly who it was. Martha was the only person stubborn enough to show up uninvited.

“I told you not to come,” I grumbled as I opened the door, holding it halfway to block her entrance.

Martha just smiled, bouncing on her heels excitedly as she tried to peek over my shoulder. “Come on, Ava! You can’t leave me out of the juicy details forever. Besides, I brought muffins!”

She held up a white paper bag with a flourish, the sweet scent of blueberry and lemon wafting out enticingly. I felt my resolve weakening, stomach rumbling traitorously.

“Ugh, fine,” I relented, stepping aside to let her in. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Martha practically skipped inside, making a beeline for the living room. “Your stepdad is hot as hell, by the way,” she called over her shoulder, plo