Pure Redemption (Tainted Legacy) Read Free Page A

She steeled herself for that possibility because she needed to know that, too.
    “Molly, please,” Ava nearly whimpered.
    “Here’s the thing,” Molly said as she took off down the sidewalk . Ava had no choice but to trudge along after her , just as Molly knew she would . “Your parents are really worried about you. They know you need some cheering up. I suggested retail therapy and your mom thought it wasn’t a terrible idea. Your dad agreed too. I promised him I would take you shopping. You have to go. If not, you’ll be making a liar out of me. I can’t lie to a pastor. That’s just all kinds of wrong.”
    “You talked to my parents about me?” Ava groaned.
    Julia looped her arm through Ava’s as they walked. “We’re all worried about you. They’re especially worried because you insisted on moving into your cabin. You’re all alone out there. There’s nothing to stop you from thinking about…well, sad things.”
    “Your dad gave me this,” Molly said as she rooted around in her purse. She pulled out an envelope. “I didn’t open it, obviously, but I know it’s money. Enough money to have a little fun with.”
    She handed the envelope to Ava who simply stuffed it into her pocket.
    “So, after your retail therapy is complete, we’ll show you. But you have to shop and you have to at least try to enjoy yourself,” Molly told her.
    “Ava, whatever is going on with Gabe right now, he’d want you to be happy, wouldn’t he?” Julia carefully asked as Molly held the door of their favorite store open for them.
    Ava couldn’t answer. She clenched her jaw instead. Gabe had given up his life for her so yes, without a doubt, he’d want what was best for her.
    Before stepping inside, Ava’s eyes scanned up and down the sidewalk. At least they were down by the river, where Gabe had been seen. Maybe, just maybe…She took in every detail, every person. No one looked like Gabe. Not even close.
    Julia guided her into the little boutique. Molly had already begun circling the racks. Ava glanced around as Julia took off after something she’d spotted. Usually she loved this place with its unique collection of clothing but now…it just seemed overwhelming.
    “No more looking glum,” Molly said as she took Ava’s hand to tug her along. “Graduation is behind us. High school is behind us. It’s summer. It’s time to have some fun!”
    “That’s exactly why the two of you should shop and let me go home. After you show me where you saw this person. Then the two of you can have some fun without my grumpy mood dragging you down,” Ava suggested.
    Molly stopped with two identical tank tops in different colors slung over her arm. “Do you really think Julia and I can have any fun without you? Knowing how miserable you are right now? We can’t. It’s not going to happen. So get used to the idea that we aren’t going to leave you alone any time soon. We all know that if it were Julia or me in your position, you’d be doing the exact same thing. Now, which one do you like better? Turquoise or fuchsia? Or both?”
    “Both,” Ava decided.
    Molly rolled her eyes. “I know you’re just agreeing to both to hurry things along.”
    It was true. But yet…
    “I do like them both,” she told Molly. She plucked the fuchsia one from her friend and held it up to her chest. “What do you think?” she asked.
    Molly looked at her suspiciously.
    Ava gave her a weak smile. “I’m trying. I promise. You’re completely right. I would want you and Julia to be happy. I appreciate what you’re trying to do. I’m so lucky to have friends like you.”
    “Yes, you are,” Julia agreed as she tossed a lime green sundress over Ava’s shoulder.
    “What’s with all of the bright colors?” Ava wondered. She was n’t necessarily opposed but her friend s seemed to be going to the extreme with them.
    “I just read a n article on the benefits of bright clothing. Bright colors are known to lift your mood. You know, like