“I helped my father recover from his stroke, but I haven’t forgotten what he did.”
“But you forgave him, right? Just like you did with Corrine.”
“My relationship with my father has nothing to do with us. We’ve always had each other’s back since high school. It wasn’t until I showed interest in Ava, a different side of yourself emerged.”
She rolled her eyes, and he could see her fighting back tears. Confused. Justin stood and moved to her side of the table. He stood over her with his hand out. Nina grabbed a hold of his hand, and he led her outside to his car. Whatever was on her mind required privacy, something a restaurant could not provide. He opened the passenger side door for her and then moved to the driver’s side. He didn’t utter a word as he sat in the middle of the parking lot waiting for her to get what she needed off her chest.
“This is hard to admit, but I’ve had feelings for you since we were kids in high school,” she said, wiping a tear. “I kept quiet, because I wasn’t sure if you felt the same.”
“I’ve always known how you felt. I assumed you understood I only saw you as a friend.”
She stared straight ahead, avoiding eye contact. “When your mother asked me to lie to police the night Jack died, I didn’t hesitate. I wanted to protect you because I thought it would make you like me more.”
“Nina…”
“I know it was stupid.” She closed her eyes and grimaced. “I was sixteen and had a crush on the most popular guy in school.”
“High school was a long time ago. You and Dean have a solid marriage with three wonderful kids.”
“You don’t get, do you?” She faced him with more tears in her eyes.
“I chose Dean because I grew tired of waiting for you.”
“Waiting for me? Why?” he asked, even more confused.
“I’ve watched you throughout the years go from one woman to the next. Like other men, I assumed it was something you needed to get out of your system until you were ready to settle down. When that time came, I thought you would choose the one person who had seen you at your worst and best. As time went on, I couldn’t wait any longer for you to see me how I’ve always seen you. I had to move on with someone who had shown an interest in me.”
Justin thought of her words and took note of the anguish in her eyes. He never thought her unreciprocated feelings for him ran that deep. “Nina, you and I never had one discussion about your feelings or expectations.”
“I know,” she said in a quiet voice. “It hurt me to see you become serious with Ava, and I’ll admit I was jealous. She’s smart, gorgeous, and had the one guy I’ve always wanted.”
Justin rubbed his chin and expelled a heavy sigh. “Nina, you’re married to a man whom I respect a great deal. I’m Uncle Justin to your kids. You must get over your jealousy and any torch you carry for me.”
She nodded her head and wiped her nose with a tissue.
“I’m completely in love with Ava. If you care for me at all, you’ll accept her in my life and treat her with respect.”
“I will.”
“Good, because I would hate for things to become weird between us.”
“I’m glad we had this talk.” She faced him and smiled.
“So, do I.” He eyed his watch. “I’m needed back at the office.”
“Oh, okay.” She opened the passenger door, and Justin ran to her side to hold the door open. She smoothed down her hair and placed a thin smile on her face. “I promise to be a better friend to you.”
He rested his hands on her shoulder and looked into her eyes. “Nina, you are more than a friend. You are the sister I never had. That makes you family. Ava is now a part of our family. Understand?”
“I do.”
He pulled her into a hug before saying goodbye.
Chapter Thirty-six
A tickle to her scalp woke Ava from her sleep. Through the slits of her eyes, she saw Justin standing over her, holding a mug in his hand. “Good morning, sleepyhead.”
Ava adjusted her pillows and sat up in the bed. She reached for the hot coffee. “Thanks. What time is it?” The brew warmed the inside of her mouth.
“Seven.” He sat beside her on the bed. “I need you to pack an overnight bag.”
“Why?”
“I have to fly to San Francisco to check on a property. I thought we could go together and spend the night.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She placed the mug on the nightstand. “I’m spending the day with your mother.”
He made a face. “You are?”
“Yeah, I told her I was interested in artwork for the dining room and she offered to take me to her favorite galleries.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you reschedule. Would you rather spend your day in one boring art gallery after another or with me in San Fran?”
“First off, art is not boring.” She smiled and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “But you’re right, I would rather spend time with you any day. I’ll call Corrine to reschedule.”
Two hours later she and Justin sat on the tarmac in the family’s private jet awaiting take off. This would be the first time she’s been to any of his hotels outside of the San Diego area. She’s seen images on the internet, but nothing in person.
“Have you ever been to San Francisco?” asked Justin. They faced each other with a small table between them.
“No.” She shook her head. “Unfortunately, I’m not well-traveled. We didn’t visit many places when I was younger. When I left for college, that was my first time outside the state of Florida.”
“We definitely need to change that.”
She smiled. “I hope so.”
He looked past her towards the pilot’s cabin. “Excuse me. I need to speak with Wally to inquire when we’re taking off.”
While Justin spoke with the pilot, Ava grabbed her phone and opened her bank’s app. It’s been a moment since she checked her savings account balance. Before she quit her job, she had saved fifty-thousand dollars. It was quite a feat to save that amount of money. A portion of her monthly commission check and her direct deposited tax refunds made up the balance. Although it was hard to resist at times, she never touched a cent until she quit her job. She used it to pay her bills, and things of that nature. When she moved with Justin, he insisted on taking care of her expenditures. She refused at first, but later relented.
She typed in her username and password and waited for what seemed like forever for her account information to appear. Ava gazed at the screen, and it took a moment for her brain to compute the information before her. This must be a mistake.
“Okay. We’re about to take off,” said Justin, snapping the seatbelt around his waist. “What’s wrong?” He must’ve noticed the perplexed expression on her face.
“You hear those stories all the time. You know, the one where the bank mistakenly deposits thousands of dollars into a someone’s account.”
“I’ve heard a few.”
“Look at this.” She turned the phone’s screen towards him. She watched his face for the same confusion hers wore. Instead, he met her with a satisfied grin.
“It took you long enough,” he smirked.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you know how long ago I deposited that money into your accounts?”
“This is your doing?” Her eyes scanned the numbers on the screen. Three-hundred-thousand dollars split between her checking and savings. She closed the app. “When did you do this?” she asked, amazed.
Before he could answer, the flight attendant approached them to notify of takeoff and make sure they had buckled their seat belts. “Will you please answer the question,” said Ava, after the attendant walked away.
“After I paid off your loans. Check the date if you like.”
“I never gave you my account information.”
“I know the president of the bank.”
“Of course, you do.” She shook her head, not kn
owing if she should be upset or pleased.
“I wanted to double it, but I know how you are.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And what does that mean?”
“You are a proud person who hates asking for help.”
She couldn’t deny it. Every word was true. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you would’ve told me, no, and it’s something I wanted to do.”
Ava expelled an exasperated sigh. “Justin, you have bought me a very expensive sports car, paid off my loans, given me a job along with shares of your company, and now you deposited more money than I’ve ever earned in a single year into my accounts. It’s too much.”
“No, it isn’t, and you better get used to it, because I want to give you much more.”
“Every time I think you can’t get any more magnanimous, you blindside me with another incredible gesture.”
He reached for her hand and placed gentle strokes with his finger. “I love and adore you more than you know. If I could, I would give you the world. You changed my life for the better, so it’s only fair I spend every waking moment doing the same for you.”
∞∞∞
An hour and a half later, she and Justin arrived in San Francisco. Straight from the airport, they arrived at his hotel. It sat in the heart of the financial district, which is home for some well-known Fortune 500 companies.
Ava exited the chauffeured driven blacked-out SUV. “Thank you,” she mouthed to the driver who held open her door. Her lips formed a smile as she took in the surroundings. She found San Francisco to be a unique city. The views of the ocean, the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the tall skyscrapers make an excellent backdrop for photos. But it’s the hills that have fascinated her the most. She thought the mountains of North Georgia were steep. They’re nothing compared to the streets she just experienced. Thank goodness she doesn’t suffer from motion sickness, or she would’ve made a mess all over her gray cashmere dress.
While Justin helped the driver gather their bags, Ava eyed the black awning that ran from the hotel’s entrance to the curb. Venue Hotel… That’s different. Justin had explained he gave each of his hotels its own unique name so they could be distinguishable.
When Ava entered the lobby with Justin. It was unlike anything she’s seen before in a hotel. The aesthetics of the decor were a work of art. Rather than the boring beige of some hotels, rich hues of blue and burgundy plush furnishings in the sitting area gave the space more of a lounge feel. Pop art adorned the exposed brick walls. Soft music played in the background. It wasn’t too loud where you couldn’t hear your inner thoughts, but just enough to add to the atmosphere. Straight ahead, passed the sitting area, was the hotel’s bar. A waterfall encased in glass served as its backdrop. Directly across from the bar were two pool tables, and dim lights scattered throughout added to the hotel’s comfortable chill vibe.
“What do you think?” asked Justin, as they proceeded towards the front desk.
“I’m in awe. I’ve never seen a lobby like this before.”
“I like my designs to reflect the hotel’s location. None two are the same. There’s a unique experience at each hotel.”
Before they reached the front desk, a well-dressed man who appeared to be close to their thirty-something years approached Justin. He wore a dark navy suit, a crisp white shirt underneath, the shine on his black shoes reflected the light in the room, and not a single strand of his chestnut hair was out of place. “Mr. Harrington, it’s good to see you,” he smiled as he shook his hand.
“Cut the formality, Trent. Justin is fine. I thought I was meeting with Marla.”
“One of the kids has a cold. But, don’t worry, I’m up to speed with your requested accommodations.”
Trent’s eyes shifted towards Ava. “Hi, I’m Trent Davis.”
“I’m sorry,” Justin quickly said. “This is my girlfriend, Ava. Ava, Trent and his wife Marla both manage this place.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” said Ava, with a polite smile. “It seems you’re doing a lovely job.”
“Thank you. If you follow me, I can get you checked in.”
Ava allowed Justin to handle the business of checking in while she gave herself a self-tour of the lobby. Doors past the front desk led to the pool area, and across the way was a boutique type gift shop. She removed her phone from her purse to take pictures. She would love to use the design for inspiration for their new home.
“You ready?” asked Justin.
“Yeah, I can’t wait to see the room.”
“We’re on the top floor in the Presidential Suite.”
“Lead the way.”
On the elevator ride to the room, Justin gave background information on the hotel. The building was once home to a financial institution in the nineties. After several incarnations of different businesses, it was on the cusp of being demolished. His team swooped in and saved it from demolition. He then turned the ten-story building into a luxurious boutique hotel.
The couple, along with the bellhop, arrived outside their hotel room door on the ninth floor. Justin placed the keycard into the slot and held open the door. Ava entered the foyer furnished with a black entryway table and a black geometric mirror on the wall. The foyer led into a grand living room with windows that gave a full view of downtown. She imagined it would stun at night. The furnishings were similar to the lobby’s navy and burgundy decor. While Justin tipped the bellboy, she ventured off into the bedroom. The standouts of the room were the four-poster bed and fireplace. She kicked off her shoes and fell back onto the plush mattress. She closed her eyes, and moments later she felt a hand on her right thigh slowly sliding up her dress. She opened her eyes and smiled. “What do you think you’re doing, Mr. Harrington?”
“Nothing, just admiring the view.”
She brushed his hand away and sat up. “There’s plenty of time for that later.”
He sat beside her on the bed. “You’re right. I have business to attend. I have to inspect some areas of concern with Trent.”
“Are you this hands-on with all of your properties?”
“Yes. I have a property management company who handles the day-to-day, and we meet monthly to go over the numbers. Since my name is associated with every property, it’s important I oversee every aspect.”
“Working with you means I have a whole new industry to learn.”
“You’ll do fine. I’m sure of it. Anyway, if I see revenue is down at a particular location, I need to investigate the contributing factors. This location has received negative reviews about the service in our restaurant.”
“You have a restaurant here?”
“Yes.” He pointed upward. “It’s on the rooftop. We’re going tonight.”
She furrowed her brow. “You said to pack only casual clothes. I have nothing to wear to dinner.”
“Don’t worry. Paige made an appointment for you with a boutique. The driver will pick you up in an hour.”
“Do they have a website? Maybe I can get an idea of the clothing they sell.”
“Trust me, you’ll find something to wear. It’s an appointment-only boutique that serves a certain clientele.”
“Translation, you need deep pockets to shop there.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I guess.”
“Once I’m done, are we meeting here?”
“No. I’ll come to you because I would like us to spend the day sightseeing.”
An hour later their driver dropped her off at a white brick building with the name Lille in engraved in gold on the door. She pressed an outside buzzer and seconds later an older gentleman dressed in a gray suit appeared. He unlocked and cracked open the door and waited. She didn’t know if she was supposed to give him a secret password, so she just told him why she was there.
“Hi, I’m Ava Sinclair. I have a one o’clock appointment,” she said.
A slow smile stretched across his face. “Welcome to Lille, come in.” She moved forward with caution, unsure what type of p
lace Justin had sent her to. As she moved passed the entrance, her eyes marveled at her surroundings. The boutique screamed opulence and luxury each way she turned. Big bright crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like vertical pieces of art, the black marble tile floor accented the white Persian rug that served as a centerpiece. Mannequins in designer pieces lined the back wall. The boutique had women clothing on one side and a short staircase that led to the men’s section.
“Which stylist are you meeting with?” asked the man.
“Stylist?”
He stared at her with a blank expression.
“I’m sorry, but this is my first time visiting your boutique. My boyfriend surprised me with an appointment. He said to arrive at one, nothing else.”
“And what’s his name?”
“Justin Harrington.”
“One moment,” he said before disappearing into a back room.
Ava glanced around the space and found no other customers were in the store. Besides the man who answered the door, she saw no one else. Although there was a white tufted sofa and two armchairs, Ava did not feel at ease sitting. To be honest, she felt out of place and wanted to go to a regular store where she could shop in a more comfortable environment.
Before she could make her grand escape, two females emerged from the back room. One was tall and slim, impeccably dressed, perfect makeup, and bone straight dark hair that hung past her shoulders with a center part. The other woman was just as put together with curly red hair.
“Hi, I’m Valerie your stylist,” said the tall and slim female, “and this is Anna, my assistant.”
“Nice to meet you both.” She greeted them with a polite smile.
“I spoke with Paige, Mr. Harrington’s assistant, and she communicated exactly what pieces he had in mind. Please sit, and Anna will retrieve them for you to make your selection.” Valerie nodded towards Anna, and without an uttered word she turned and walked away. “Make yourself comfortable. Would you like a glass of champagne? If you prefer, we also have white and red wine.”
“Champagne is fine. Thank you.” Ava sat on the white upholstered armchair. Valerie returned with a crystal flute filled with bubbly. She also handed Ava a card attached to a clear clipboard for her to fill out. She explained it was in case anything needed altering. The card asked for her measurements, shoe size, style preferences, and favorite clothing colors.
Deceived by You Page 19