There were bank statements, deeds to my cottage, hospital documents, social services administration documents on each and every home I had been placed in, and at the back were photographs that Mason’s mother had taken of me the night George had taken me in, supported by her notes on what had happened with my physical and mental evaluation.
Tears sprung to my eyes and my heart broke at his cold invasion of my life, my dark secrets slapped onto paperwork for him to peruse at his leisure.
I had asked him to be patient and trust me but this . . . this was beyond belief.
Flinging the file on his desk, I quickly gathered my things and left, this time slamming the door with such force I heard the framed picture in the hallway smash to the floor.
I phoned Courtney and arranged to meet her at her house, the need for my friends’ comfort wrapping me up. As soon as I reached her house, she was stood on the doorstep waiting for me.
Embracing me tightly, she dragged me in, huddling me up as I wept and cried into her whilst she rocked me tenderly, whispering shushes in my ear.
“Oh, babe.” She sobbed with me. “I could kill that bastard,” she fumed when I told her what I had found.
I sat shocked on her sofa as the realisation of his betrayal sank in. “Why didn’t he just trust me to open up to him in my own time?” The anger was now overtaking the hurt, “Why?”
I refused to cry anymore. Courtney rose from the sofa and taking the vodka, poured us both a large glass. I downed it in one and held it out for her to refill. “Steady Ava, it’s only early afternoon,” she warned.
I shrugged. “I don’t care. I need to obliterate the pain.”
She nodded and filled my glass.
My phone rang and I stiffened as Courtney reached in my bag and checked the display. “Mason,” she said, looking at me. I shook my head and she placed it down on the table.
“You’re gonna have to talk to him, Ava,” she sighed, taking a swill of her own drink.
I shook my head, “No! I’m too mad at him.”
My phone rang again. I reached over and declined it, and took another large gulp.
Courtney retreated to the kitchen and returned with a large Ben & Jerry’s, two spoons and slipped a DVD on. We both curled up on her sofa, demolishing the ice-cream and laughing at the comedy she had wisely put on.
My phone stopped ringing after the twelfth time and a text message came through. I picked it up and read it.
MASON
Where are you Baby? Talk to me, let me explain.
Xxxx
I scoffed and replied.
ME
Fuck you!!!
Courtney laughed and smiled, “Good Girl!” But when another text came through she took my phone and switched it off.
* * *
About an hour later there was a knock on the door and Courtney got up to answer it. I heard her say, “How the hell . . .” and then she started shouting.
Curious, I went into the hallway and was stunned to see Mason stood in the doorway with Courtney blocking his entry. His eyes locked on mine, pleading with me.
Courtney turned and narrowed her eyes on me then turned back to Mason. “She doesn’t want to see you,” she warned.
He swallowed heavily. “Please, Ava” he begged.
I shook my head. “Go away Mason, I don’t even wanna look at you.” I turned swiftly.
“Ava!” he demanded sternly and I heard Courtney gasp at the dominance in his tone.
I swung round and stomped over to him. “I said fuck off! Leave me alone, Mason” I spat.
He recoiled at the vehemence in my words. “Please, let me explain” he implored, softer now.
“Explain what, Mason? Explain how much you have hurt me, how much you’ve broken my trust in you? How dare you go behind my back.” I was furious now. “I asked you, Mason . . . I asked for your patience and you said you’d wait until I was ready to open up. Why bother though when you seem to think you are fucking God!”
I shook my head sadly, his face broken at my words. “Go home, Mason” I sighed and turned back round.
“Will you be in tomorrow?” he asked hesitantly. I laughed bitterly, shook my head and escaped to the lounge.
I heard him say something to Courtney, she said yes and shut the door, curled up beside me and embraced me. “You okay, babe?”
I nodded and sighed, “Yep.”
I summoned up the strength to swallow the pain but laughed when she asked how he’d found out where she lived. “It’s Mason,” I explained simply.
She nodded then whispered. “He’s so hot though, Ava.” My lips quirked and we were suddenly in hysterics, the vodka finally kicking in.
We gorged on pizza, vodka and chocolate as we watched DVD after DVD, Courtney’s comforting presence and watchfulness helping me through the heartache.
CHAPTER 15
I WOKE IN Courtney’s spare bed, my head refusing to lift off the pillow without bright lights and stars behind blasting my eyelids.
I groaned and swung my legs out of bed, holding my tender head in my hands, pushed myself up and went in search of coffee.
As I entered the kitchen I smirked at Courtney as she sat nursing her own hangover, her eyes lifted to mine and we both groaned together.
“I am so not your friend this morning, Ava” she grumbled. I laughed and slumped in a chair.
“Hey, it was your vodka,” I admonished. “Are you not in work today?” I asked as I poured myself a coffee from the carafe on the table and drank it black; I didn’t think my stomach could entertain the milk.
“No, I phoned in sick.” She chuckled, “And I wasn’t lying, I am fucking ill.” We both scoffed at our condition and drank our coffees in silence for a while.
I went to retrieve my phone and switched it on. It blasted alert after alert at me, telling me I had 6 voicemails and 11 text messages. I deleted them all without opening them, not wanting to listen to any excuses and dialled George’s number, instantly relaxing when he answered.
“Hey, Princess.” His smile came down the phone and enveloped me.
“Hey,” I replied softly. “I hope it’s not too early, George? I just needed to hear you.”
He sighed. “You okay, Ava?” he asked softly and I returned his sigh.
“I just miss you,” I confessed and I did; more than ever.
“Hey girl, none of that. How’s it going with Mason?” I stilled and he sensed my hesitation. “Princess? What’s wrong?”
I forced a smile. “Nothing’s wrong George. I just have a hangover from hell . . . Courtney’s fault.” She shouted her confirmation to George and winked at me. He laughed loudly, his familiar deep rumble filling me with warmth, and shouted Hi to Courtney as I grimaced at the volume of his voice in my poor head.
“Listen Ava, why don’t you come out here for a few days? I miss you too and would love you to visit. Bring Courtney with you and have some fun.” I was tempted and covered the mouthpiece to ask Courtney if she fancied it.
“God, yeah,” she grinned.
“Okay George, we’d love to.” He cheered happily down the phone. “I’ll book our flights and e-mail you with the date and time,” I told him as we said our goodbyes.
Courtney’s hangover seemed to disappear as she happily chatted about how much fun we were going to have.
After managing to secure flights for the next day, I texted Brian and apologised that I couldn’t attend his birthday party.
He replied saying I must join him and Brenda for dinner tonight at the exclusive restaurant ‘Cuisine.’ I confirmed, telling him I would be there for 7 O’clock.
* * *
Around lunch time I made my way home and collapsed on my bed, the comfort of my own belongings cradling me soothingly.
I dozed until I heard a knock at the door and grudgingly left my bed to answer it, frowning when I saw a guy with a huge bunch of flowers in his hand. “Delivery for a Miss Stone,” he drawled, looking bored.
I raised my eyebrow
s at his dreariness and took them from him, thanking him and closing the door, I went in search of a vase.
I arranged them in the three vases that I needed to accommodate them all and sat on the sofa with the envelope that had been attached, flicking it in my fingers as I debated whether to just bin it. However, curiosity won me over again and I opened it.
Ava,
I am so sorry. I wanted to talk to you first but I didn’t think you would ever open up and I need to know everything about you, Baby. I love you and I want to help you through it. I want to take away your pain but I can’t do that unless I know what your sorrow is.
Please, talk to me. I can’t describe in a letter how much you mean to me, how much I want to mend your broken heart and fill it with happiness.
I understand now, I know why you hide behind a mask, why you won’t let me in but I want you to trust me Ava, I need you to trust me.
Once again, I am sorry for how I have done it behind your back but I won’t apologise for the way I love you and the overwhelming desire to comfort you and make you happy. I love you Ava.
Mason
I cried at his words but couldn’t find it in myself to forgive him, so I refused to ring him or see him and went to pack my case for the morning.
* * *
At 7 O’clock I entered the restaurant and informed the maître d who I was with and he led me over to Brian and Brenda’s table. They both stood and kissed my cheek, ushering me into a chair as the waiter handed us some menus.
“How are you, Ava?” Brenda’s first words were accompanied with huge smile on her face.
“I really apologise for not being able to attend on Saturday but I’m flying out tomorrow to see George.”
She frowned but nodded, “I didn’t ask why you weren’t joining us dear, I asked how you were.” She raised her eyebrows; her ability to read me was uncanny.
I smiled slightly and perused the menu. “I’m good,” I lied, not lifting my eyes to hers.
“No you’re not,” she stated and I bit my lip, sighing.
“I just need a break, Brenda.” I shrugged and this time she nodded in understanding.
“I gather the arse has been his usual shameless self.” She winked and placed her order with the waiter when he approached.
As I finished telling him what I wanted my phone rang. “Excuse me” I said as I retrieved it from my bag.
Mason!
I quickly declined the call and popped it bag in my bag.
I grit my teeth when it rang again. Brian and Brenda looked at me quizzically as I declined it again.
I couldn’t switch it off because I was waiting on a call from Courtney about our departure tomorrow. The bloody thing refused to stop ringing and I reluctantly answered, not wanting to look uncomfortable all night as it rang constantly.
“Excuse me, again.” I stood and walked over to a large window and answered. “What!” I hissed.
“Ava. I’m so glad you answered,” he stated happily, his excitement riling me.
“What do you want Mason?” I snapped.
I heard him inhale sharply. “I want to talk to you, Ava!”
“Well I don’t want to talk to you,” I ground out, trying to bate my anger. “I’m in the middle of an engagement and your incessant ringing is making me look rude,” I spat.
I heard him growl. “Who are you with, Ava?” His voice was low and sharp.
I scoffed. “None of your damn business.” I could sense his anger rising.
“I will ask again. Who—Are—You—With?” He spat out each word. I rolled my eyes at his childishness.
“What the hell, Mason? I’m with Brian and Brenda. Not that it is any of your concern. I must say I’m surprised you haven’t slipped into Rebecca in my absence.”
I could hear his heavy breathing and the snarl that rumbled in his throat. “Ava!” he warned, his voice low and rough.
“Not that it’s any of my business now who you fuck.” I closed my eyes as the picture of them both ripped at me.
The tears came quickly and I rapidly tried to blink them away. “God damn it, Ava!” he growled and then he sighed. “Let me come over tonight and we’ll talk,” he asked gently.
I wiped at my eyes, trying to turn my back to Brian and Brenda. “No Mason. I’m leaving for Portugal tomorrow. Please don’t contact me again,” I sobbed and ended the call as I heard him shout my name.
Rushing to the restrooms I clung to the vanity, desperately splashing my face with water before I went back out.
Why had I let him in? I knew he would break me but my stupid hormones and emotions betrayed my head and flung themselves all the way in, way too deeply.
I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed. “Come on Ava, push it back and start again,” I encouraged myself.
Rolling my neck and pushing my shoulders back, I returned to my hosts. As I was walking over to the table I could see Brian having a heated conversation into his phone.
“No, I’m not telling you. Just leave her be,” he snarled.
As I slid into my seat Brenda slipped her hand in mine. “You okay, darling?” she asked, her expression full of sympathy and I nodded and faked a happy smile.
“For fucks sake Mason, I said no!” he tried again and I groaned. He glanced at me and I mouthed sorry but he winked and shook his head. “Well do it then, I don’t care.” He sighed and ended the call.
He coughed and picked up his cutlery. “Sorry about that,” he said and grinned. “Doesn’t know how to take no for an answer that man.” He smiled warmly at me and cut into his steak.
“What’s happened, darling?” Brenda probed and I gripped my fork.
“He just broke my trust, that’s all,” I said and left it at that.
Both Brian and I received another call each from Mason but neither of us answered and at 11pm we hugged and said our goodbyes.
I promised to ring as soon as I landed in Portugal. “Ava, have a few days holiday before you decide anything. I know he’s a bastard but he does love you,” Brian said as he took my hand. “I’m not apologising for whatever he’s done but I’ve never known him to be like this.”
I nodded and promised I wouldn’t make any rash decisions as I climbed in a taxi and headed home.
CHAPTER 16
COURTNEY AND I landed at Faro airport the next morning to be greeted by hot sun and George.
As soon as I saw him, I dropped my case and ran into his open arms. “Ava,” he laughed. “Princess, I missed you so much.” We both hugged each other tight for a long while. “Come on, let’s get you both back.” He grinned and winked at Courtney as he gave her a hug. “And how are you Sweetheart?” he asked her.
“I’m good, George, looking after Ava for you.” He smiled warmly and thanked her as we both climbed into his waiting car.
* * *
We approached his new home, a large villa on a cliff’s edge and we both gasped. “George, it’s stunning,” I breathed as I exited the car and went straight over to the cliff to admire the view. The panoramic vista was heaven itself and I already felt my tension easing. I took a deep breath, inhaling the pure air as I stood looking at the clear, blue water below.
Courtney had gone in to find the toilet and I felt George’s arms wrap around my shoulders. I sighed and snuggled into the comfort of him.
“What’s he done, Ava?” he asked gently, his chin resting on my head as we both started out to the horizon.
I sighed heavily. “We got close and he broke my trust,” I disclosed honestly, the only man I had ever been able to be open with.
I felt him sigh and nod. “I did worry about how he would react to you. You are beautiful and that man can seduce a nun.”
We both laughed at his words. “But to be honest Ava, I thought if you were ready for a relationship, then he would be just the man to break through. I didn’t expect you to fall for him though. I’m sorry.”
I shrugged. “Oh George, it’s not your fault. He wanted me to open up to him and I wa
sn’t ready, so he went behind my back and pulled all the stops till he found every single piece of information about me.”
A tear fell and George spun me round and pulled me close. “Oh Princess, I’m sorry. He rang me a few days ago wanting to know what had happened that night and I refused to tell him, I told him you would tell him in your own time but . . . I guess he couldn’t wait.” He stroked my hair and held me while I wept.
“He told me he loved me, George.”
He pulled back as his gaze scrutinised me. “Mason told you he loved you?” he asked, shocked and I nodded.
“I love him too, that’s why it hurts so much that he betrayed me.”
George shook his head and looked astounded, “Wow, I mean I know the man can work some magic but he’s usually the kind to fuck ’em and fuck off.” He winked when I laughed. “I just thought that’s what you needed, sweetheart. If I’d have known this would happen I wouldn’t have pushed you two together,” he said sadly.
I pulled out of his arms. “Hey, I’m here to have fun. No more mention of Mason for the few days I’m here to spend with you.”
He nodded and grinned as he stroked my hair gently, his parental comfort soothing me immediately. “I have to ring Brian to let him know I’ve arrived. I’ll be in a mo. Get the kettle on.” I winked. He smiled happily and disappeared in the house.
“Hello?” Brian’s voice came through as the call connected.
“Hi Brian, I’m just letting you know I’ve arrived safely.”
He was quiet and I heard a door close. “Ava” he breathed wearily down the phone.
“Brian, what’s wrong?” I asked; worry surging forward at the sound of his voice.
“Everything’s fine, sweetheart. Brenda’s just had a bit of an accident so we are in the hospital at the moment.”
I gasped. “Brian what happened?”
He sighed again and I could picture him running his hands through his hair. “She’s fine. She slipped and twisted her ankle but we have been here all night so I’m just a bit tired.”
I exhaled heavily. “Oh thank god. How is she?” I asked, full of concern for the woman I had only just met but cared for deeply.
The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone Page 38