Ava's Revenge: (Salvation Series Book 2)

by Jaime Whitley

  “That’s fine, dear. I don’t have much time. I have company coming over and I need to start cooking. I just wanted to ask you to call Ali. She’s beating herself up over the last time you two were together and I told her to quit bitching to me about it and to call you. I guess she thinks you’re avoiding her.”

  “I assure you I’m not. I was just taking a nap. No need to come chasing after me with your broom.” I joke.

  “Honey, you are carrying my grandchild. You are safe from the broom, for now.” We both laugh, tell each other I love you and I hang up. I decide to just get it over with and call Ali. Walking over to the hammock, I lie in it while the phone rings and just my luck, it goes straight to voicemail. I leave her a message letting her know I would love to see her and for her to call me back. Rocking back and forth, a welcomed cool breeze brushes across my skin. The cool air in the heat is refreshing and much needed. The rocking mixed with the breeze causes my eyelids to get heavy again. If I fall asleep again now, I won’t be able to sleep later. Realizing I can’t really bring anyone here, I text Ferris and see what she is up to.

  Me: Hey. So, I don’t know if this is weird or not but I’m at a lake house and it has a boat. If you and the kids want to come you’re more than welcome.

  I hit send and then it dawns on me. Are kids that small even supposed to go on boats?

  Me: If you don’t want to come it’s totally okay to say no. I didn’t even think that the kids might not be able to go on the boat. Sorry I’m new at all this and am probably scaring you off with each text.

  Ferris: LOL! If it was any other weekend I would totally come join you but we have family in town. And yes, kids can go on boats. That’s what life jackets are for. As for being new to all this, just relax. You will be a great mom and if you ever have any questions, I’ll help you out. I will take a rain check on the lake and boat though. It sounds too good to miss out on!

  I love the confidence Ferris has and I think once this is all over and I have more time she will really be a great friend to have. She seems genuine and she’s offering to help someone she barely knows. That says a lot about her already. Her next text that comes through solidifies everything that I was just thinking.

  Ferris: Oh and one more thing, don’t ever worry about looking like a crazy person. Because once that little one comes along you’re officially going to be part of the crazy mom club. We all turn into the crazy moms. It’s inevitable. So if you feel like you’re already there….congratulations! You’re one step ahead of the game! Since you can’t have a drink to celebrate, I’ll have one for you! Have fun at the lake!

  My stomach rumbles and I look at the time on my watch. It’s getting close to five thirty and I need to eat something. I don’t feeling like cooking tonight, but I’ve grown so accustomed to having company at dinner, so I know I’ll feel a little weird going out to eat by myself. There’s one person that comes to mind that I can have dinner with but it would have to be in the next town over. I can’t bring him here since this is my new safe haven away from that life. I look up some restaurants in the next town over and pull up my messages.

  Me: Do you have dinner plans? Of course you don’t! I’m your only friend. Want to grab something to eat?

  Killian: Well I’m definitely not going to have any friends if you keep stomping on my heart like that! You better be careful or I’ll go back to having Angelo Jedi train you.

  Me: Okay, okay! I surrender! I’ll even buy dinner! Just don’t make me have to go back to being around him. You’re much more tolerable to be around.

  Killian: And better looking. Chuckling at his response I can picture the smug smile on his face while typing that.

  Me: Okay, Casanova. I’ll text you the address and I’ll just head there now and wait for you.

  Killian: It’s a date.

  And just like that, the smile fades from my face. Oh my God! Does he really think this is going to be a date? What if he does? What did I just get myself into? This is what happens when I let my guard down for even a second. Yeah, we’ve grown close and become good friends, but that’s all it could ever be. After all is said and done, he is going to hate me anyway and I’ve already prepared myself for that. Maybe I should just text him and cancel. Yup, that sounds like a great idea. I’ll take a quick shower and when I’m done I’ll just call him and tell him I must be coming down with something and back out.

  The whole time I’m in the shower, I do nothing but stress about his last text message. It’s a date. Did I miss something? Did I give out a mixed signal making him think I wanted more than a friendship? Have I been so focused on the job at hand that I could have missed any passes he’s attempted to make at me? As I’m sitting on the bed still wrapped in a towel, my phone starts ringing. Looking at the screen, I see it’s Killian and I let out a deep breath before answering.

  “Killian, hey I was just about to call you.” I walk to the closet to grab a pair of sweats to put on.

  “Are you okay?” His voice sounds worrisome.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well it’s six-thirty and I figured you would have beat me to the restaurant. I just wanted to check on you and make sure nothing happened to you on the way. I was worried.”

  Shit. I didn’t even realize how long I was in the shower for, stressing over whether this is a date or not. Now I feel like a complete asshole for making him wait so long. I can’t cancel on him now.

  “Killian, I’m so sorry. I totally lost track of time. I just got out of the shower. Let me throw something on real quick. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be there.”

  “Don’t rush. I don’t mind waiting. Just take your time and get here safely.”

  “Okay.” I hang up and throw the sweats I’m holding on the bed. I pull out a black maternity dress that hides my bump well and slip on a pair of flats. After throwing my hair up into a messy bun and not bothering with makeup, I head out the door to the restaurant.

  After rushing in, I see Killian waving at me from the table and I make my way to him. Once I reach the table, Killian stands up and pulls out my chair for me. Oh God, he really does think this is a date! As I sit, he scoots the chair in and walks around back to his seat.

  “I’m sorry I kept you waiting. Like I said, I completely lost track of the time.” I open the folded napkin and place it on my lap. The waiter comes over with a beer for Killian and I ask for water.

  “Like I said, it’s fine. It’s not like I had anything to do tonight. You look great, by the way.”

  “Oh, thanks.” He’s smiling brightly at me as the waiter comes back with my water asking if we’re ready to order. I ask for a few more minutes to look the menu over and he leaves. I’m basically hiding behind my menu when I see a finger touch the top of it pushing it down.

  “Hey there, you hiding from an ex-flame or something?” He glances around the restaurant.

  “What? No. Why would you ask that?” Leaving on hand on the table, I place the other one on my lap and start to pick at the napkin.

  “You’ve only been here for a couple minutes and you’re being super fidgety.” Reaching across the table, he grabs my hand in his and rubs it with his thumb. My body instantly reacts to the touch of a man and I damn it to hell. These pregnancy hormones have left me miserable with an achy body, longing to be touched; but this is not the man I want touching me. It’s not because he isn’t attractive, because he is, it’s just he’s not the right kind of man for me and I’m not over Dante. “Is everything okay?” Quickly pulling my hand away, I grab the glass of cold water and cool myself down. “I take it that’s a no.” Killian lifts his beer to his lips as I’m chugging my entire glass of water. I roll my neck to try and relieve some of the built up tension in it and just let it all out.

  “Is this a date?” A little beer escapes his mouth and trickles down his chin before he wipes it away with his hand.

  “What? No! What would make you think that? I mean don’t get me wrong, you’re beautiful and any man would be lucky to hav
e you but I thought we were just friends. We are…just friends right?”

  Letting out a huge sigh of relief, I laugh. “Oh thank God!” Killian laughs.

  “Come on, I’m not that bad am I?” I just give him a look and we continue to laugh.

  “Seriously though, what on earth would make you think this is a date?”

  “Because your text said it was.”

  “It’s just a saying Ava. Haven’t you ever heard it before?” The sound of glass breaking turns our attention to the waitress who’s bent down picking up the broken pieces of a glass that fell off her tray. Looking back to Killian, I answer his question.

  “Of course I have. I don’t know why I was stupid enough to think that. I swear I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately.”

  “I do.” He says coyly. “Ava, not only did you lose someone you cared deeply about, but you also have been lied to and deceived by him. On top of that, you can’t talk to anyone about it.”

  “I talk to you about it.” I interrupt.

  “Yeah, because you know when it came down to it, I really liked him too. He had me fooled just as much as you. But at the end of the day, I still liked the guy. It was just a shitty situation. Could you imagine if I went to Angelo and told him that? God, he’s annoying enough as it is. And now that you moved in and kicked him out he’s had his man period.” We both laugh. “I don’t ever want you to feel uncomfortable around me, Ava. We’ve become great friends and it’s been a while since I’ve had a friendship like this. So be blunt, be open, it’s one of the things I like about you. It makes you, you. So from now on, no more secrets. If anything makes you uncomfortable, you tell me, deal?” He holds his hand out.

  Taking it, we shake on it. “Deal.”

  “Can we order now? I’m starving and I’m sure you are too.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Picking the menu back up, I try to decide on what I want to eat.

  “Well, since we’re being nothing but honest with each other, I noticed your appetite has changed lately. You seem to be eating more.”

  Avoiding eye contact, I continue to read the menu. “Are you calling me fat? Because if you are, that’s just rude. Did it ever occur to you that I might just be a stress eater?”

  “No. I’m just observant. Certain foods you would always eat you’re suddenly shying away from and I saw Tiffany the other day and she said you were in the store the other day buying some more jeans. Is there anything you want to tell me?” After deciding what I want to eat, I put the menu to the side and raise an eyebrow at him.

  “Besides the fact that your friend doesn’t need to keep tabs on when I decide to go shopping. So I liked the jeans you suggested and wanted a couple more pairs. Big deal.” I shrug.

  “You never drink anymore.” God, he just will not let this go. Does he do anything other than watch me?

  “I never really was a big drinker. Besides, with you calling me fat, maybe I should just stick with water and start to diet.” I stick my tongue out at him like a child would do.

  “Are you pregnant? If you are, you can tell me. I won’t say anything.” My playful face drops for a brief moment before I scowl at him.

  “Are you nuts?! No, I’m not pregnant. Why would you even suggest that? Could you imagine someone in my line of work having a baby?”

  “Yeah, I could.” His answer surprises me. “It happens all the time. But okay, if you say you’re not pregnant, then I’ll take your word on it. But just so you know, it’s okay to have a baby in this line of work. Nothing should stop you from wanting to be a mother.”

  “Well since we’re giving life long advice, how about a little past life knowledge.” He eyes me questionably. “I’ve been trying to piece the puzzle together but can’t. Who is Aria?” He flinches at my question.

  “Look, I really don’t want to have that discussion. There’s a reason why I avoid it and I just don’t feel comfortable talking about it. And it's not just with you, I don’t talk to anyone about it if I can help it. Everyone has their own demons and that one is mine and mine alone. I’ll never ask anything of you but I will ask you this, please don’t ask me about it again.” He finishes off the last of his beer and our waiter comes just in time to save the day before I can agree.

  The rest of dinner goes off without a hitch. We are both laughing over the agonizing turmoil that Angelo is going through and crack jokes all night long at his expense. He really has been acting like a huge baby since I’ve taken over. I guess a couple of the guys have been complaining about his PMS as well. This is what I like about Killian’s company. The conversation always flows easy and there’s never an awkward silence. I know he’s the enemy, but for some strange reason I just feel so comfortable around him. I wish I didn’t because it’s going to make it that much harder when I screw him over in the end. But until that time comes, I’m going to enjoy the friendship we do have and enjoy it while it lasts. Who knows, maybe I can convince him to try and start a new life, one away from all this crime before everything goes down. Dinner is about to come to an end and we are both sitting in our seats, stuffed.

  “That food was delicious.” I say leaning back in my chair.

  “I know, I would say let’s get dessert but I think I’ll explode if I try and eat anything else.”

  “That’s why you always eat dessert first.”

  “Is that something you and Dante would do?” Smiling at the many memories I have of us always eating dessert first, I nod. The waiter comes with our check and Killian grabs it.

  “Nuh-uh. I invited you out to eat, it’s only right that I pick up the tab.”

  “Tell you what, since I made you have a mini freak out over our date,” he winks at me playfully, “I’ll pay this one and you can get Monday’s tab.”

  Shit. I totally forgot I have a doctor’s appointment Monday. I thought I told Killian I couldn’t meet him, but I guess not. “Can I get a rain check? I forgot I have something I have to do Monday and won’t be around.”

  “Yeah, no big deal. We didn’t have anything big set up anyway. We will shoot for Tuesday.”

  “Sounds good.”

  We say our goodbyes and part ways before I head back to the lake house. As I’m walking up the stairs, it's dark out and I’m cursing myself out for not leaving the front light on. Using my phone as a flashlight, I jump at the sudden sound of footsteps behind me. I quickly reach in my bag and grab my knife that I always carry with me only to be met with a frightened looking Sylva with his hands held up in the air.

  “Ava, it’s me!”

  “Jesus, Sylva! You damn near gave me a heart attack.” Putting the knife back into my purse, I punch him in the shoulder. “What the hell are you doing here, and why the hell are you creeping in the damn shadows? You’re lucky I didn’t stab your ass!” I fumble for my keys and unlock the door to the house, stepping aside so he can come in. He walks past me and heads in the direction of the kitchen, flicking on the light switch as he enters. “Make yourself at home.” I joke as I close the door behind me and lock it.

  “Oh believe me, I will. I love this place. Dante and I would come here all the time and go fishing. One of his friends, Silas, would come up every now and then and meet us too. Dante always thought he had something going on with Ali, but I could see his heart belonged to someone else.”

  “Okay so that still doesn’t answer my question. What are you doing here?” Dropping the bag on the island, I kick off my shoes and head to the living room to sit on the couch. This is my favorite place to sit. The windows go from ceiling to floor and during the day when you look out you see nothing but lake and the boats floating by. But at night, its even better, the lights from the boats illuminate the darkness as they pass along the water.

  “I came to check up on you. Riggs told me you were here so I figured I’d come see if you needed anything.” He sits down next to me, kicking his feet up on the ottoman.

  “Well,” I kick his feet off and put mine in their place. “You could have saved
yourself the trouble by just calling.”

  “If I called you would have told me not to come and you wouldn’t be able to tell me no if I just showed up. So, here I am and we’re going to do some fishing tomorrow.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yup.” Laying my head on his shoulder, we sit and stare out at the lake watching the moon's reflection on the still surface until my eyes grow heavy and I fall into a peaceful slumber.

  Somewhere during the night, I feel myself being lifted and my senses pick up the familiar scent that sends my heart into a tizzy. Snuggling into a warm chest, I feel complete again. I know it can’t be, but I let myself believe. I’m laid down on a bed and curl into the warm body.

  “Dante.” My voice whispers.

  Waking up alone in bed at the lake house is a letdown. I know it’s silly to think Dante was with me, but it felt so real and I swear I can still smell him on the pillow next to me. I’d even go as far as letting myself believe that there is a warm spot where he would have slept. Sitting up, I look around at the room but it only confirms I’m here alone. Shaking off the strange feeling, I make my way out to the living room and wake Sylva with a smack to the head. After we eat breakfast we go fishing, spending the afternoon on the lake. All too soon it’s time to pack up and leave.

  Leaving the lake is hard. I feel so relaxed and rejuvenated, I just know it will quickly go away once I get back to work. Thankfully, I have one more day before I have to do anything work related.

  Today is going to be all baby related. I’m so excited to see how my little one is doing. The doctor comes in and listens to the baby’s heartbeat, telling me everything is looking good and measuring just as it should. He also informs me that I am far enough along to know the sex of my baby and told me to set up an appointment for an ultrasound whenever I’m ready. I’m not sure if I want to know what I’m having or just let it be a surprise. That’s something Dante and I never got to discuss. I guess just like everything else in my life, I’ll make that decision when I’m ready to make it. I set up my next appointment and I’m in such a great mood today, I think I’m still feeling the relaxing effects of the lake. I don’t know what my future holds but I do see a lot more visits to the lake house in it.