Viola huffed lightly as Ava backpedaled, insisting on blaming herself for snooping. "You just happened to overhear him talking to my father on the phone, didn't you. It probably wasn't even your fault."
She shook her head, her lip curling in disgust. "I'll show him my full potential--" she began to vow, but then the tension in her shoulders deflated. She would have, if she had any other choice. But she didn't, now. The dream of running away had already come true, as much as it could, and now it was time to jump back into the cold, dark waters of reality.
"You didn't do anything wrong, Ava," she said, a little more gently now. "And of course you're coming back with me. Why on earth would you want to stay here?" All at once, a little smile played around her lips, her tone turning teasing. "Unless a certain person has caught you eye?"