She Met Him Online

I’d love for you to read this excerpt, let me know what you think and share it with others. Then you can find the novel here.

To set up the clip, Ava and Alex’s marriage is hanging by a thread. While things keep getting worse between them, she meets an intriguing man online. They’ve been corresponding for  some time when she decides . . . well, read it for yourself.

***

Standing in front of the bedroom dresser, Ava examined the diamond ring on her finger. Since [she and Alex] lived like roommates, what did it symbolize anymore? She spun the [wedding] band around a couple of times, then glided the ring off and into a velvet lined jewelry-box drawer…temporarily.

She knew where to find some warmth for the chill at home, but willed herself to stay away from [him].

…remember your wedding vows.

Fantasies took the place of [talking to him online], until a surprise email showed up.

Hello Ava,

I noticed you haven’t posted on the forum in a while. … Maybe you’re just busy. We’re missing you on the boards and hope all is okay.

Stay in touch,
John (S8Johnsong)

Hey John, Not to worry, everything is fine. …. I miss our discussions, but life seems to get in the way sometimes. Thanks for your concern, Ava

Hi Ava,

Glad to hear everything is okay.

Listen, since we met on the congressman’s msg board, we must live in the same district. It would be nice to meet in person. Why don’t we meet for coffee? Let me know.

Best wishes,
John

Hi John, I’m not sure it’s such a great idea to meet up. After all, I’m an aide to the congressman. Plus, I’m married. Don’t think it would look good. Thanks for asking though. Ava

Ava,

I apologize if I was too forward. We’re just friends, but I understand if you aren’t comfortable. It’s one of the things I like best about you, your integrity. It’s an open-ended invitation. If you change your mind, let me know.

Best,
John

All those times she yearned to know about his life, he must’ve wondered about hers too. Did he really only want to be friends, or did his compliment about her integrity mean something more? His words captivated her—what might happen if she looked into the eyes of the long-haired bad boy?

He probably meant nothing more than friendship, and they could be friends, right? A coffeehouse would be a safe, public place to meet.

Ignoring the ache under her ribs, she wrote him back and they set a date.

***

Read an excerpt about Ava’s sister-in-law, Meg, here.