by Krista Lakes
“Who then, Ava?” Chad's eyes widened and then narrowed. “The billionaire?” His laughter was cruel, contrasted with a beautiful face. “I don't believe you. I don't believe someone like that would even look once at you.”
Indignant tears welled up in my eyes. The insult stung far more than it should have. I knew I should have just stayed quiet. I should have just gone back to the plane and drowned my heartache in some of the rum the stewardess kept offering me.
“Shows what you know,” I hissed. I wanted to hit him. I needed to strike back at him somehow, so I said the first thing that popped into my mind. “I wouldn't go back to you if you were the last man on earth. I wouldn't go back to you to save the human species.”
I turned and stalked away, knowing that I wouldn't be able to stop the blush now raging across my cheeks. The words sounded so stupid and immature now that I had said them, but I had needed to say something. Anything. He had hurt me and I had wanted to hurt him back, even if it was stupid.
“Ava!” Chad called, but I was running to my plane. I couldn't take any more of Chad and his backhanded insults.
“Miss?” The stewardess looked concerned. “Are you all right?”
“There is a man out there. Don't let him on the plane,” I said. I considered telling her that he was a terrorist, but I wasn't that cruel. Or stupid. Besides, he had a job to do. Bastian wouldn't appreciate having his auction short an auctioneer because I decided to unleash Homeland Security on my ex. “It's my ex.”
The stewardess nodded, knowingly and shut the door. I collapsed back into my oversized leather chair and stared out the window as I waited for the engines to start. I wanted to go home, but I wasn't sure where that was at the moment.
“I don't believe someone like that would even look once at you.”
Chad's words echoed in my mind, slashing my thoughts to pieces. I tried to push them away, but it only meant they cut deeper.
Who did I think I was, anyway? Falling for a billionaire? I shook my head and sunk lower into the chair. What in the world did someone like Bastian see in me?
I didn't have an answer and that made it worse. It was easy to see why someone would want to be with Bastian. He was smart and sophisticated, and even without the money he was a catch, but me? I wasn't sure if I was a catch. That was why I had left him.
The fact that Chad had come even close to my reasoning was frightening.
I sighed and crossed my arms. It was all moot anyway. I wasn't going to see him again. Even if I could somehow take back the words from this morning, I had no way to see him again. Bastian was now back in his world of billionaire private locations and security. I couldn't breach that world if I tried.
The thought made my eyes burn with tears. I sniffled and grabbed a blanket, pulling it up over my head. I closed my eyes, willing myself to join with the darkness so I could sleep until I found my way home
***
Someone touched me and I nearly jumped out of my seat to punch them.
“We've landed, miss.”
It was just the flight attendant. I was glad I hadn't started swinging.
“Thank you,” I mumbled, wiping drool off my chin. I hated the time change already, more just because it was a change.
With bleary eyes, I collected my things and hurried off the plane. A cold wind ripped at my light jacket as I stepped onto the dark tarmac and hurried away from the last bits of life with Bastian. It smelled like snow here. Snow and airplane fuel. I felt sick to my stomach. And cold. So very, very cold and alone.
Someone was waving to me at the end of the tarmac. They were big and hidden within a winter coat, but I knew that coat. I knew the worn elbows and faded blue denim of that coat like it was home. I dropped my bags and took off running. It was exactly who I needed to see. My Dad.
“Hey there, kiddo,” he greeted me, wrapping his big arms around me as I nearly knocked him over with my hug. I held on to him like I did when I was child and he was still the strongest man alive. I had no idea what he was doing here, he needed a pacemaker after all, but for the moment, I didn't even care. I was still beyond glad to see him.
“What are you doing here, Dad?” I asked, not relaxing my hug an inch. The stiff fabric of his winter coat was scratchy against my cheek, but I didn't want to move. “You're supposed to be in the hospital.”
“About that...” He pulled back and I relaxed my grip on him slightly. He tapped his chest and grinned. “Good as new.”
“What?” I stared at him in disbelief, noticing that his cheeks had more pink in them than they had before and his eyes seemed brighter. He didn't look tired, even though it was late at night. It wasn't possible, though. I had only been separated from him for a week. Dr. Verner hadn't said anything. Jackie hadn't said anything. Dad hadn't said anything.
“They put the pacemaker in four days ago,” he announced. He smiled wide.
“AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME!?” I shouted, smacking him on the arm. His winter coat easily absorbed the blow. No one had said anything. I should have been there. If I had known I would have flown home the instant he had the appointment. If I had known, I wouldn't have left his side the entire time.
“I didn't want you to worry,” he replied, looking sheepish. “You had a job to do.”
“What if something had happened?” I yelled at him. I was supposed to be there for him. It was him and me. And Jackie. I was okay with Jackie being there, too. But I certainly should have been there. It was surgery. “What if-”
“Honey, this is why I didn't tell you,” he interrupted. “Jackie was there the whole time. If anything would have happened, you would have been the first to know.”
“Dad...” My throat felt tight. What if I had lost him? I had looked up the risks. They were relatively minor and kept getting better every year. But that didn't take the fear of losing him away. It was the what-ifs that scared me more than the procedure.
“I didn't want you to worry and the doctor said it was practically a minor procedure,” he said softly. “You have enough on your plate without me there, too.”
“Daddy...” I sighed. I knew he thought he had done the right thing and there was nothing I could do to convince him otherwise. Besides, it was in the past. There was honestly nothing I could do about it now anyway.“I don't know if I want to hug you or strangle you now.”
“I'm going to vote for the hug,” he told me, trying to get me to smile. A gust of snow blew behind him, reminding me that we were standing out in the middle of a tarmac in freezing temperatures.
I leaned forward and held him close again. I was so tired that I wasn't able to tell how angry I was. I was really just glad that he was okay.
“What are you doing out of the hospital and driving?” I asked, pulling back. “They put a pacemaker in you, Dad.”
“I barely had to stay the night after they put it in. And that was just for monitoring. Easy peasy,” he explained. He looked rather pleased with himself. “It's now considered a relatively minor surgery. I didn't even get knocked out for it.”
“I don't care. No surgeries without me. Even if Jackie's there.” I sighed and hugged him tighter. “I'm leaving Jackie with explicit instructions next time. Hell, I'm leaving Aunt Jenny with special instructions to let me know the next time you catch a cold.”
“Do not get your aunt involved,” he pleaded, making a desperate face. My aunt could be a real witch when she wanted to be. She was as stubborn as my dad, but more serious. “But Jackie, well, she's in the car. You can tell her now.”
I frowned, looking over at the parking lot. I could see lights on my dad's truck and the petite form of a woman in the driver's seat.
“She won't let me drive on my own yet,” he admitted, grinning bashfully. “Oh, and we're officially dating now.”
I laughed. The woman practically did his laundry. He had been having a lovely romantic vacation of his own while I had enjoyed mine. I wondered if that was a part of why he hadn't told me about the surgery. If I had been home, he
wouldn't have gotten near as much Jackie- alone time. Though, I sincerely hoped they were just playing Parcheesi. The man did just get a pacemaker.
“Good. It's about time. I'm glad you've had someone taking care of you since you refused to let me do it.” I shivered. My coat was meant for traveling. Not for standing around in the snow.
“She was looking for an excuse to have me at her beck and call,” Dad explained, trying to make the fact that he was dating someone sound logical and rational. Love was neither of those things.
I shook my head. “I have to go get my luggage.”
“It's already here,” Dad said, motioning to a man bringing it toward us. “The benefit of flying your own plane is that yours is the first bag off every time.”
I chuckled, glad to see my dad in such good spirits. I didn't know if it was the pacemaker or Jackie, but either way, he seemed happier than he had in a long time.
“You look great by the way. All tan and, well, there's a sparkle to you,” Dad said, insisting on dragging my suitcase behind him. I made sure he had the lighter one, but I didn't tell him that. “I want to know all about the rest of your trip. Did you get to spend much time with Mr. Belrose?”
I tightened at his name, my heart skipping a beat. Blue-gray eyes and a smile that lit up like the sun flashed through my mind. “Yeah, I did. He and I actually became... friends.”
I hesitated at the last word, unsure of how to define him. I certainly wasn't ready to tell my father that we had been anything more than companions, but I wasn't sure what to even call him in my own head. It didn't really matter anyway. I had pushed him away because I didn't deserve him. Friend or otherwise.
“Friends?” Dad repeated, raising a brow. “Interesting. Tell me more.”
“Um, well...” I hadn't thought about how I was going to get around telling Dad that I spent a week alone with Bastian in his mansion. I decided just to go for it. Hopefully, he would just assume that I worked the whole time. “It was just him and me after you left. I mostly worked, but we would eat dinner together sometimes.”
“That sounds very cozy,” Dad replied. He seemed to take my words at face value and I was glad. I didn't want to get into what kind of friendship Bastian and I had. Just thinking of Bastian hurt. “What about that beach? Did you get any relaxation time?”
“A little- I learned how to paddle-board while I was there.” I thought of Bastian again, laughing as he fell off the board trying to teach me a trick. I wished our story could have ended differently, but I had to go home. Jackie waved to me from inside the car as we approached. She had on the cutest little knitted hat and a great big grin. I waved back.
“You glad to be home?” Dad asked, watching me closely. I paused and took a deep breath in of cold, mountain air. It ached in my lungs and my nostrils burn.
“Yeah.” I smiled at him, letting the breath out in a slow cloud of steam. “I'm glad to be home with you.”
At least that much is true, I thought. I did want to be home with Dad, it was just that I wanted to be with Bastian more.
Sunrise Kisses: Chapter 24
I plopped the groceries onto the counter and stared at them for a moment, trying to summon the energy to put them away. Usually, I loved putting groceries away. The act of organizing and filling my fridge and pantry always seemed to make me feel ready to tackle anything that might come my way. But not today.
I stared at the sliced cheese and thought of Bastian's grilled cheese. The tomatoes made me think of him. So did the bacon. Everything in my bags reminded me of him somehow and how far away he was. Four days away from him and he was still all I could think about. I wished I could hear his voice.
But he was respecting my wishes and leaving me alone. Just as I had asked. I hated it.
“You okay, Ava?” Jackie asked, coming into the kitchen. She frowned slightly and pushed her short gray hair out of her bright blue eyes. “Want some help?”
I smiled. “That would be great.”
She came over and began efficiently taking all the food out and putting it right where it belonged. Even though Dad was long past needing an overnight sitter, Jackie had been staying at the house. I rather liked her here. Dad and I had moved into this house after Mom died and it had always felt like it was missing something. Now that Jackie was here, I realized that what it had been missing was Jackie. She was meant to be here. With Dad. I was now the piece that was missing.
“Oh, there's some mail for you on the table,” Jackie informed me, putting the tomatoes in the sink to wash. “I can finish up in here if you want.”
“Thanks,” I said, knowing that I hadn't done anything to help put stuff away in the first place. I smiled at her and wandered out to the living room. Dad was sitting in his recliner watching some history show on TV. I shook my head and went to pick up my mail.
In addition to the usual assortment of bills, advertisements, and random coupons, there was a large, professional-looking envelope. I set the rest down on the messy table, deciding to open the interesting envelope first, since whatever was inside of it had to be more fun than an electric bill.
The letter inside was on heavy, high-end paper. It reminded me more of a wedding invitation than actual letterhead, but it was obviously business related. I leaned up against the wall and began to read.
Dear Miss Ava Fairchild,
I am contacting you today to request your professional appraisal services for a piece of art. I have recently acquired two impressionist paintings and wish to sell them. However, due to their historical nature, I am in need of further reference as to the appropriate buyer.
I grinned. Maybe this was something that could take my mind off of Bastian.
The pieces in question are one by Claude Monet, as well as a smaller piece by Berthe Morisot, both with photos attached. There are several museums and several other interested buyers, but due to a lack of time and knowledge I am unable to determine the best location for this artwork. As such, I am requesting your services.
It will take 6-8 weeks to meet with all the museums and possible buyers. All expenses, including airfare, food, and lodging in the various museum locals, is included, as well as payment for taking you away from your business.
Included is the list of museums and their locations. I understand that this is a large undertaking, one that will force you to learn about the museums wishing to purchase said piece as well as any collections it may join.
Please contact Charlotte Page with any questions. She will follow up with you at a later date to arrange your transportation to New York to view the pieces as well as your international itinerary.
Sincerely,
Sebastian Belrose
My hands shook. I could barely hold the paper as I turned to the next page. A picture of Berthe Morisot's A Corner of the Rose Garden painting fluttered to floor followed by one of Monet's Water Lilies.
I went to my knees to retrieve it, staring at one of the most famous pictures in art history as well as the one Bastian had claimed as his favorite before looking at the list of potential buyers. The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, the Marmottan-Monet Museum, and a whole page of others that I couldn't read because my eyes started to blur. I couldn't breathe. This was everything I had always dreamed of. This was the trip my mother and I had spent years hours upon hours dreaming of before she died, with more than we could have ever hoped to have seen.
And Bastian had just given it all to me with a billionaire's all-access pass. He had actually been paying attention to me that night I had told him about Paris. He had remembered.
“Ava?” Dad called, his chair creaking as he stood and then hurried over to where I sat on the floor. “Ava, are you all right?”
I handed him the letter, my mouth opening and closing like a fish and making about as much noise. Dad skimmed the letter, his eyes going bigger with every paragraph.
“Holy mother...” he finally whispered, handing the letter back to me. He grinned and started to laugh. I just sat, still in shock. “It's everyt
hing you and your mom used to talk about. You have to do it, Ava.”
I let out a sob and quickly covered my mouth. “Why would Bastian do something so wonderful for me? Why? I don't deserve someone like him.”
“Bullshit,” Dad contested, wrapping me up in his arms and hugging me tight. “You deserve someone who makes you happy.”
“But...” I couldn't wrap my head around it. Why would Bastian do this? I had hurt him. I had pushed him away because he deserved someone better than me, yet here he was, giving me the best gift I had ever received. He still cared about me.
“Aw, honey, that man obviously cares a great deal about you,” Dad cooed, as if reading my mind. “This would have taken some time to set up. There's a lot of names on this list that aren't easy to get private access too. He pulled some serious strings.”
“But why?”
Dad hugged me tighter. “If I had to guess, between this, the not-so-secret looks the two of you were passing back and forth before I left, and that the two of you spent a week alone in his mansion, I think he loves you.”
I had been hoping Dad hadn't caught on that much, but I was a grown woman. I hiccuped and wiped my nose. “But Dad, he's a billionaire. What do I have that a billionaire would want?”
He hugged me tighter. “Everything.
“What?” I sniffled.
“Everything.” Dad smiled at me, his green eyes full of love. “You are smart and beautiful. Even as a billionaire, he's still just a man. A man who obviously wants you to be happy.”
I looked at the letter. Bastian had gone above and beyond, giving me my heart's desire. And without asking for anything in return. Even far away, he was still making my world better.
“But...” My heart was thrilling and weeping at the same time. Bastian cared for me, but it wasn't asking me to be with him. He was still giving me what I had asked for, but giving me my dreams at the same time. It was a pure act of giving and expecting nothing in return. The only reason to send this letter was to make me happy. Even if I wasn't with him.