Ethan sits in his office.
His laptop is open to the Google search page, and he is typing frantically.
Avery
What are you doing?
Ethan snaps his laptop shut.
Ethan
I’m researching roofers.
Ethan
Yeah. Nothing exciting.
A grin spreads across Avery’s face.
Avery
Same as an hour ago, when you asked me last.
Avery
And same as twenty minutes before that, when you asked me.
Avery
And ten minutes before that.
Ethan
Ugh, sorry. I’ll back off.
Avery
It’s fine. Your concern is…refreshing.
Avery
But I’m not going to break, you know.
She steps further into his office.
Avery
I’m glad you’re looking out for me.
Avery
The last few weeks on the run have been kind of terrifying.
Ethan sits back in his chair.
Ethan
I’d never let someone hurt you. You know that, right?
Avery
I’m TRYING to know that.
Avery
The thing is, I’m kinda not into trusting people right now.
Ethan
I get it. I’m not asking that of you.
Avery
I DO like that you look like you could take on The Rock.
Ethan laughs, and Avery smiles at him.
Avery
I was thinking of making dinner.
Avery
I saw some steak in your fridge…okay if I commandeer it?
Ethan
Seriously? Go for it. I’ll be up in a half hour.
Avery
Awesome. See you soon.
Ethan flips his laptop open again, pulling the search tab back open.
Twenty minutes later, Avery returns to his office.
She looks on the verge of tears.
Avery
I may have oversold my abilities.
She’s fidgeting and avoiding his eyes.
Ethan
What does that mean, exactly?
Avery
I think I burnt it.
Ethan takes her face in his hands, so they’re staring face to face.
Ethan
I don’t know what he did to make you think you can’t make a little mistake.
Ethan
But I’m not him. It’s okay.
Avery nods, heaving in a breath and trying to relax.
Avery
Sorry. I just…I burnt dinner once, it was so awful, and I—
Ethan
Whatever happened that everything was so awful, that’s about him.
Ethan
You could set this kitchen on fire, and I’m not going to be mad at you.
Ethan
You can make mistakes.
Avery leans in, burying her face against his shoulder and breathing deeply.
Avery
I’m sorry I’m a head case.
Avery
I just don’t know how to let my guard down.
Ethan
I’m not asking you to.
Ethan
Just let me talk you through it when you get worried, okay?
Avery
I know you’re not. I can trust you. I’ll get there.
Just then, Avery’s phone rings.
Her face pales, and she meets Ethan’s eyes.
Avery
It can’t be him. I threw out my old phone and got a burner phone.
Woman
Hello, is this Avery Moore?
Woman
Hi, I just wanted to verify that you intended to pawn your ring.
Avery
I don’t understand the question.
Avery
You have my ring, and I have some cash. Is there a problem?
Woman
Yes, I understand that.
Woman
There’s just…there’s a guy here offering three times what we paid you.
Woman
If you meant to sell It, instead of pawning it, that would be good to know.
Woman
Sometimes our front staff just doesn’t explain the difference between pawning and selling, is all.
Avery nearly drops the phone, paling.
Avery
Wh—who wants to buy it?
Woman
He says his name is Luke.
