“What girl?” Ava asks.
“The one with the sick little brother.”
“Layshell?”
“Yeah, her.”
“Is she okay?” Ava sits up slightly, turning toward me.
“She’s fine. I made sure she got some decent food.”
“And what are you getting out of it?” Ava’s tone is somewhat harsh.
“Just a sleeping mat,” I say softly. “Her baskets looked nice.”
“She’s an excellent weaver.” Ava looks over at the basket where she placed the apple seeds. “It’s not enough for her and her brother though. She’ll never make enough staying in Plastictown. She needs to travel, but her brother isn’t strong enough, and he’s too young to be on his own.”
“I can see about getting her some coin for it,” I say, wondering why my usual bartering seems to be upsetting her. “It was a good trade though.”
“It’s fine,” Ava says softly. “I just don’t want anyone taking advantage of her.”
“I wouldn’t do that.”
“I know.”
“Are you going to tell me why you’re so obsessed with her?” I ask as Ava settles down once again with her back to me.
“I’m not obsessed.” Ava snorts and shakes her head. “I just…I didn’t like the questions she was asking me.”
“Didn’t want her to join the harlot sewing circle?”
“Not funny.”
I stroke her arm, hoping my badly timed joke didn’t really upset her.
“We all do what we have to to survive,” I finally say. “There isn’t any shame in that.”
“Isn’t there?”
“No,” I say more insistently, “there is not. Do you think I’m ashamed of finding lost items in the homes of the Thaves?”
I tighten my grip around her, push my body up close, and run my nose up her neck to her ear.
“Besides,” I whisper, “I know your secret.”
“Oh, do you now?” She giggles softly. “And what’s that, then?”
“You like girls.”
She stiffens for a moment but recovers quickly. I hear her take in a long breath before she responds.
“What makes you say that?”
“I’m very observant.”
Ava turns over, scowling at me.
“I don’t know why you keep it a secret,” I say. “It’s not like anyone really cares.”