Cari answers “I'm not sure I understood the ending- who...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Exciting Times:

I'm not sure I understood the ending- who did Ava end up with?

Cari <spoiler>While it is open-ended, I think Ava does not go back to Julian. Her big realization is that she finally understands what she feels for both J…more<spoiler>While it is open-ended, I think Ava does not go back to Julian. Her big realization is that she finally understands what she feels for both Julian and Edith. She and Julian will always be friends. Their relationship is one of mutual benefit, compatible personalities and affection. Ava knows their companionship will never be love and is finally willing to accept she wants a loving relationship.
It is very telling that, before she goes, Ava not only wants to get rid of most of her clothes but wants to do it in such a way that all traces of her are gone from it, which is why she decides on donating them (vs just tossing them in the trash). It is implied several times that Julian bought her many things, presumably these clothes too. This gesture points not only to a new beginning but to the severing all ties with the past.

During their last conversation on the phone when he is already in the new apartment, Ava tells Julian "Thank you for everything." This is reminiscent of their previous conversation when they thought they were going separate ways and were parting on good terms. Julian notices and would seem like Ava doesn't, or pretends she doesn't. Her answer that she is a grown person could be interpreted to mean that she is agreeing to continue with their plan, but it can also point to the fact that she is finally certain of what she wants and is willing to start taking responsibility for herself.

In the last pages, Ava does something she had not done before. She takes the initiative. Not only is she the one who calls Edith in the end, but also is determinedly going to her as the novel wraps up. This is in direct contrast to what Edith told her during their breakup fight: that Ava never put herself out there when it came to their relationship. While it is unclear if Edith and Ava will end up together, it is clear Ava will make sure that Edith knows how much she means to her.</spoiler>(less)

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