Second Time Around...

The deep rumble of Jax's Harley-Davidson, a familiar and comforting sound, vibrated through the quiet afternoon air as it approached down the street. Avery, lost in a swirl of memories evoked by the old photographs scattered across her small table, was abruptly pulled back to the present. A soft smile touched her lips, anticipating his arrival. Deciding to greet him at the entrance, she gathered the faded snapshots, her fingers lingering for a moment on one depicting a sun-drenched beach scene from what felt like a lifetime ago. Carefully placing them back into their cardboard box, she rose and walked through the modest office space to the building's main door.

With a deliberate turn of the handle, she pulled the door open and leaned against the cool metal frame, her hip providing a casual support as she watched Jax maneuver his powerful motorcycle to a stop at the curb. The afternoon sun glinted off the chrome of the bike and the worn leather of his jacket as he swung his leg over the saddle and dismounted. After a moment spent securing the bike, his attention turned to the hard, lockable saddlebags. He fumbled briefly with the latches before extracting a white paper bag, the familiar red characters of their favorite Chinese takeout restaurant emblazoned on its side. Holding the bag in one hand, he turned and began walking towards her, his gaze meeting hers as he closed the distance.

"Chinese okay? I got you beef and broccoli," Jax said, a warm smile spreading across his face as he held up the bag slightly. The aroma of soy sauce and ginger wafted towards her, instantly making her stomach rumble.

A genuine surprise flickered across Avery's features. "You remembered my favorite," she said, a touch of wonder in her voice. It had been some time since their last takeout from New China, and the fact that he recalled her specific order, the beef and broccoli she always gravitated towards, was a small but significant gesture that warmed her heart.

"Of course I did," Jax replied, his eyes holding a tenderness that made her breath catch. He stopped directly in front of her, the paper bag now resting gently against his leg. Reaching out, he placed a tender kiss on her lips, a brief but meaningful connection that spoke volumes. "Now let's go eat. I'm starving."

With his free arm, the one not holding the precious cargo of food, he draped it comfortably over Avery's shoulders, drawing her close to his side. Side by side, they stepped back into the small office. The room, though functional, held a certain charm with its mismatched furniture and the lingering scent of old paper and ink. They made their way to the antique wooden desk situated in the center of the room. Avery settled into the worn leather of the desk chair, its springs groaning softly in protest, while Jax perched himself on a stack of sturdy cardboard boxes pushed against the wall. With a practiced hand, Jax began distributing the containers of food, the clatter of plastic and the crinkle of paper filling the air. Soon, they were both absorbed in their meals, the comfortable silence between them punctuated only by the soft sounds of their forks against the takeout containers. It was a familiar intimacy, a quiet understanding that had deepened over time, allowing them to simply be in each other's presence without the need for constant conversation.

After finishing their meals, Jax cleaned up the empty containers while Avery called Mrs. Morrow to see when she could meet at the bank to start on the papers for the sell off the house.
Just as Avery was finishing up on the phone, Jax walked back into the office.

"So, when do you sign the papers?" He asked, leaning against the desk.

"I had to meet her tomorrow at 10:00." Said Avery.

"Want me to come along?" Asked Jax.

"Nah, I think I can manage." Said Avery smiling up at Jax.

"I don't mind," Jax said, wanting to ensure she understood he was completely on board.