“Thank you for coming over.” He stood and held a chair for her.
“You call… I come,” she said, scooting her chair forward.
Justin sat across from her. “Let me start by saying your behavior last night threw me, because you’ve never been a vindictive person.”
“How was I vindictive?”
He cocked his head to one side as his eyes narrowed. “You disrupted a private dinner…”
“In which my father was in attendance,” she interrupted.
“A dinner my father had thrown for Ava and me.”
“I wouldn’t have had to disrupt a thing if you’ve taken my calls. From the moment you learned of this pregnancy, you’ve completely ghosted me.”
“I’m here now. Ready and willing to listen.”
Lindsey rested her chin on her palm. The tension in her face relaxed as she drew in a breath. “I don’t want to fight with you. We’ve been good friends throughout the years, and a baby shouldn’t make us enemies.”
“It won’t.”
“The last thing I ever expected was to become pregnant. I’m twenty-five with a thriving business. What do I know about taking care of a baby?” She wiped her eyes.
As long as he has known Lindsey, this was the first time he’s seen her become emotional. He ran inside to get her a box of tissues. “Thank you,” she said, pulling one out of the box.
“Let’s start from the beginning. When did you find out?”
“Weeks after we had sex. I missed my period, so I took a test.”
“And you haven’t been with anyone else?”
She narrowed her eyes. “It’s yours, Justin.”
“I don’t mean to offend you, but we’ve always been careful.”
She shrugged. “What can I say? One of your swimmers went rogue.”
He sat back in the chair with his arms crossed. “Why dragged both our fathers into this?”
“Because I didn’t know where you were! You were mixed up in that drama with your girlfriend’s ex. The police questioned everyone you knew every other day. I had my dad reach out to Chris in case he knew where you were.”
“When is your next doctor’s appointment? I want to be there.”
She shook her head. “That’s not necessary.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to cause problems between you and Ava. She seems like a nice person.”
“She felt blindsided by the news. But that’s on me. I can assure you she won’t come in between me and the baby.”
“In that case, my next appointment is in four weeks.”
Justin pushed his chair away from the table and stood. “Just text me with the when and where.”
“Sure.”
“I have to go. Can I walk you out?”
“I have to speak with Chris about a business proposition.”
“What kind?”
“I’m looking for investors to expand Bella Interiors.”
“Ava checked out your website, and it impressed her. She mentioned hiring you to design our next home.”
“I think that would be awkward.”
“For you, maybe. See you later.”
Justin returned home, and the quietness hit him the moment he stepped through the door. Although he and Ava hadn’t lived together long, he’d become used to the sound of the television blaring from the living room or the sounds of her pop music filling the halls. He switched on the television and sunk into the leather of his couch. He closed his eyes, and Ava’s image filled the darkness. Justin thought of the time he’d taken her to the Presidential suite at the Heritage Lodge. It was their second date, and the nerves she inhibited became evident as the night progress. It was clear she was nervous to be alone with him in the hotel room. When they’d met, she admitted to being closed off and unable to trust easily because of her past. Somehow, he broke through that barrier and gained her trust. That night she opened up to him and put her heart in his hands. They’d made love for the first time, and from that night she had forever changed him.
Justin came out of his thoughts at the sound of someone ringing his doorbell. He checked the security camera app and smiled. He jumped up and dashed towards the front door. “Chase, get in here, man!” He gave his friend a bro-hug.
“How ya holdin’ up?”
“Not well. Ava left, and I’m not sure when she’s returning.”
“No fear, I have a knack for perfect timing. Any beer in the fridge?”
Justin grinned. “Follow me.”
“I had to stop by after that fiasco last night.” Chase popped the cap off the beer with a bottle opener.
“I just saw Lindsey. We talked everything through. So, we’re good for now.”
“I’m still in shock you’re about to become a father.”
Justin shook his head. “It still hasn’t sunk in. I want Ava to come home, so we can face this together.”
“Where did she go?”
“She’s with her friends in Atlanta.”
Chase took a swig of his beer. “Man, I go away and now everything has changed. You have a baby on the way, have a girlfriend, and you moved her in. What happened to your life as a player?”
“I met Ava.” He shrugged.
“She must be a helluva woman to convince you to settle down. How did you meet her?”
“Nina had convinced me to look into a lakeside property in a town outside of Atlanta. So, after purchasing it for my upcoming resort. I’d flown down to oversee the first phase of the construction. It was supposed to be an in and out visit.” Justin moved to a seat at the kitchen island. “Anyway, Nina wanted me to attend a party her company had thrown for her. I’d just landed a few hours earlier and wasn’t in the mood. I was tired from the flight, but I agreed to go. I’m glad I did. I entered the venue and there she was. A sweet, beautiful vision.”
Chase shook his head and gave him a crooked smile. “Someone sounds like he’s in love.”
Justin stroked his chin. “Caught me completely off guard.”
Chase sat his beer on the counter and folded his arms. “I’ll state the obvious. Every woman you’ve been with has been blonde, big tits, and most were airheads. Ava is dark-haired, on the slim side, and anyone who finds finance exciting must be intelligent. She doesn’t seem like your type.”
“And that’s what makes her special. She’s unlike any woman I’ve been with. She’s smart, independent, down-to-earth, and the list goes on.”
“Why are you wasting your time sulking? You should fly out and bring her home.”
Justin frowned. “She asked for space, and I promised to give it to her.”
Chase waved off the thought. “Women say one thing, but always want you to do the opposite. She told you to give her space, but deep down she wants you to chase after her.”
“What makes you the guru on the female psyche?”
“I just am.” He shrugged with a smirk on his face. “So, are firing up the jet to chase her down?”
Justin rubbed his chin. “I have to fly to Atlanta to meet with Becky about the sewer lines. But that’s not until next week.”
“Call her and move up the meeting.”
“And Ava won’t think I’m being too pushy?”
“Not a chance.”
Chapter Eight
The rise of the morning’s sun pierced through the blinds of the lone window in Meghan’s guest room. Ava slowly opened her eyes, immediately realizing she was not in the bed she shared with Justin. Last night was the hardest. She wanted to call him but decided against it. Hearing his voice would have weakened her, and she had to remain strong.
She moved out of the bed and wrapped her robe around her body. Ava opened the bedroom door and ran right into Meghan.
“Oh,” she said, “Did I wake you? Morning is not an ideal time to organize pots and pans.”
“I didn’t hear a peep,” said Ava.
“I made scrambled eggs and bacon.”
“You didn’t have to cook breakfast.�
� Ava entered the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. “I’m not hungry.”
Meghan moved beside her in the small kitchen. It had two rows of countertops separated by a kitchen cart she used as an island. She placed two strips of bacon on a plate alongside a heap of scrambled eggs. “Eat!” demanded Meghan, setting the plate on the table.
Ava cut her eyes at her friend and sat in the chair like an obedient child.
“You barely touched your food last night at the restaurant. Tess had to force you to get a to-go box.”
“I can never eat when I’m stressed.” Ava broke off a piece of bacon and placed it in her mouth.
Meghan rested her arms on the wooden table and looked Ava dead in her eyes. “Why are you here?”
“What?”
“I’m delighted to see you, but why are you here?”
“You know why.”
“You’re not breaking up with Justin, so what was the point of you leaving?”
Ava shrugged. “Once I learned about the baby, all I wanted to do was get away. I needed time to decide if I should continue with our relationship.”
“And what did you decide?”
“The moment the plane was in the air, I knew I couldn’t leave him. However, we can’t move forward if he continues to keep things from me.”
Meghan nodded her head as if she understood. “How do you plan to deal with baby mama?”
“Not sure. She lied when we first met.”
“How so?”
Ava explained how she ran into Lindsey on her walk. “She knew I was Justin’s girlfriend, but she neglected to share her connection to him.”
Meghan twisted her lip into a frown. “Keep your eye on her. She might have a hidden agenda.”
“I believe you’re right.” Ava finished the last of the eggs. Meghan was right to force her to eat. She can be pushy, but her intentions are always good. “What are your plans for the day?”
“I have to go to work.” She lifted herself from the chair. “I put the spare key on the fireplace mantle in case you need to go out.”
“Thanks. Tess is arriving in an hour. I’m spending time with her and Scott.”
“I guess I’ll see you later this evening.” Meghan placed the dirty dishes in the sink and set off out the door. Ava checked her phone for any messages. She expelled a deflated sigh after seeing one text from Tess. She had hoped Justin would’ve reached out.
An hour later, Tess sat waiting in the driveway. Ava locked up and jumped into the passenger side. “Change of plans,” she said, as Ava shut the door.
“We’re not going to your house?”
“No. Samantha is in class all day and Scott is in a mood.” Tess peered over her shoulder as she backed the car onto the street. “I know you don’t want to talk about him, but Brandon’s sentencing is at the end of the month.”
Panic set in the pit of her stomach. “You’re not taking me to see him, are you?” asked Ava.
“Of course not. But Scott and I will be at his sentencing.”
Ava rolled her eyes. “I understand your loyalty is split because of Scott. Just remember the hell Brandon put me through.”
“I haven’t forgiven him for what he did to Justin or being seconds away from killing you. I’m attending to offer Scott moral support.”
She could only imagine how Brandon’s crimes have put a strain on Tess and Scott’s relationship. Her boyfriend’s best friend attempted to kill her best friend. “You still haven’t told me where we’re going.”
“Shopping.”
Ava smiled. Nothing cures heartache like retail therapy. “Are we going to the mall?”
“The mall?!” Tess gave her a dirty look. “No, someone in my group suggested several new thrift stores in Kennesaw.”
Ava scrunched her nose. “We’re going to thrift stores?”
“Yes.” Her eyes gleamed. “It’ll be fun. You’ll see.”
Ava sunk further in her seat and did not say a word against the idea. It was something her best friend enjoyed. Therefore, she’ll go along for the ride. It beats sitting at Meghan’s consumed with thoughts of Justin.
After traveling through stop and go traffic, the ladies finally made it to their first destination. They entered the store and Ava watched as Tess’ face lit up. She laughed to herself just thinking about how anyone could get excited about previously worn clothing. Tess filled her basket of children’s clothes and a pair of unworn baby Nike shoes. While Tess continued up and down the aisle, Ava ventured off to the home decor section. To her surprise, she found several glass vases in varying shapes and colors that caught her eye. She grabbed two and found Tess to place them in the basket. Tess shot her an I told you so look. Ava smiled and ran back to get a large woven basket at an unbelievable price. “This is perfect to use in our bedroom for blankets.”
“Our bedroom?” Tess asked as they stood in the checkout line. “So, you’ve forgiven him.”
“Mostly. We must have a conversation. His lies by omission can’t become a thing.”
“When are you leaving?”
Ava shrugged. “Maybe at the end of the week. That’ll give him enough time to miss me and reflect on what he did wrong.”
“Most times, that’s all it takes.”
After visiting more thrift stores, Ava had purchased more items than Tess. She had to admit, it was more fun than she expected. Each store was like a treasure hunt. She still resisted purchasing clothes, but she definitely had fun going through the knick-knacks. Once they completed their checkout at the third store, they drove to a nearby seafood restaurant for a late lunch.
“How is it having your sister full time?” asked Ava, biting into her fish taco.
“She’s less of a bitch,” laughed Tess. “Seriously, Samantha doing what she’s supposed to. She’s going to school and staying out of trouble. She seems happier.”
“What school is she attending?”
“Her GPA wasn’t good enough to get into a university, so she’s taking classes at a community college.”
“Hey, it’s less expensive to start at a community college. She’s only taking the basics for the first two years, anyway.”
“We just need to work on her respecting me more. She has a sassy mouth on her.”
“Just stand firm. Make sure she understands you’re doing her a favor, and if she doesn’t respect your home, she can always return home to mama.”
Tess grinned. “That’s why I need you here.”
“No, you don’t. Remain firm, and don’t let her walk all over you.”
It was almost dark by the time the ladies made it to Meghan’s. Ava noticed the lights were out inside the house. She thought Meghan would have made it home by now. She checked her phone for a text, and there was none. “Maybe she had errands to run,” said Ava, as she removed her three bags from Tess’ trunk.
“I’m sure everything is okay. Just enjoy the alone time,” said Tess.
Ava waved as her friend put the car in reverse. She proceeded up the stone pathway to the front door. She placed the key in the door and open it wide enough to place her bags inside. Ava turned on the lamp in the living room and set her purse down. She fell onto the nearest chair, and before her mind could move to her next thought the doorbell rang. She glanced at the time and thought maybe Meghan had forgotten her key. Without checking, Ava opened the door. Her brows furrowed and her lower jaw dropped. “Justin?”
Chapter Nine
Ava held open the front door in shock. Her heart raced and excitement coursed through her veins. She wanted nothing more than to jump into his arms, but she restrained a smile. She had to remain strong. “Why are you here?” she asked. Her voice flat with feign displeasure.
Justin stood with his hand held out towards her. “Come with me,” he said.
Her eyes wandered from his waiting hand to the waiting blacked-out SUV parked along the curb. “You can’t just appear out of nowhere and expect me to leave with you.”
“Do you trust me?” His voice
low and his blue eyes bore into her soul.
“You know I do.”
“Then come with me.”
Ava bit down on her lower lip as she contemplated whether she should continue her facade of being annoyed or leave with him. “I should leave a note for Meghan. I wouldn’t want her to worry.”
“I’ll wait.”
Ava dashed inside, scribbled on a memo pad, and grabbed her purse on her way out. Her heart fluttered as Justin wrapped her hand in his. A driver stood beside the opened back door, and he promptly closed it as Ava entered the back seat. “Where are we going?” she asked Justin, who scooted beside her.
“Our beginning.”
“Our beginning? I don’t understand.”
“You will.” He sat quietly and fiddled with his phone. His behavior was mysterious, and he refused to answer her questions. So, Ava followed his cue and asked nothing else. Instead, she stared out of the window and tried to gather clues along the way. Halfway through the drive, she knew exactly where they were headed. Thirty-minutes later, they arrived at the presumed destination. The Heritage Lodge Hotel. It was where they had their second date, and their relationship propelled to the next level. “Why are we here?” she asked.
“I’ll explain once we’re in our room.”
Justin took her hand as they entered the hotel’s lobby. Her thoughts immediately flashback to their last visit. Anxiety had possessed her body over the rapid progression of their relationship. That night, she’d lowered the barrier that had enclosed her heart and allowed him in.
They rode the elevator to the top floor and entered the Presidential suite. The corners of her mouth curled into a slow smile. “You booked the same room?”
He stroked her hair. “I wanted us to return to the place that changed us both.”
Ava proceeded down the foyer and when she reached the living area, she found the room filled with beautiful bouquets of red and pink roses in every direction she turned. “When did you have time to do all this?”
Deceived by You Page 5