Fifteen Weekends

by Christy Pastore

  Ethan looked at her curiously. His face went rigid. “This sounds serious.”

  Emily’s skin prickled as if hot pins were jamming into her flesh, and a lump swelled in her throat. “Well, I’m not sure how serious, but given the recent events I feel I should share a few things about my past with you.”

  Ethan could see the pain in Emily’s face. It crushed him to see how worried and scared she was.

  Softening his expression, Ethan said, “You can tell me anything Emily, no judgment.”

  “Excuse me Miss Greene, Mr. Carlson,” the female officer said as she re-entered Emily’s bedroom. “The detectives are on their way. They will sweep the house in addition to asking you both some questions.”

  “Thank you Officer Scott,” Ethan replied firmly.

  “I’ll be downstairs waiting for the detectives if you need me,” she said giving Emily a warm smile before leaving the room.

  “Now, what do you have to tell me?” Ethan said as he walked over to Emily and wrapped his arms around her. Emily sighed and hugged Ethan tightly.

  Through her sobs, she managed to croak out, “I’m really scared, Ethan. Can we talk tonight at your house?”

  Pulling back from their embrace, he nodded. With the pad of his thumb he brushed the tears away from her reddened cheeks. “Please don’t worry, Em.” His voice was soft with a soothing tone. “No one will ever hurt you as long as I’m breathing. I’ll take care of you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six:

  Ashleigh

  Ashleigh arrived in Montreal and set up a workstation near the window at her favorite café in the Little Italy section of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie. She had her Lavazza coffee, a delicious pastry and had just checked into the café on Foursquare. She opened her laptop and began checking email. A notification on her phone from Liam brought a smile to her face. She immediately pulled up the app and read the message that said:

  HI ASHLEIGH, I AM SO SORRY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN TOUCH WITH YOU IN A WHILE LOVE. I HOPE YOU HAVE BEEN WELL. THINGS AT WORK HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY MAD. LAST NIGHT I WAS OUT WITH MY MATES HAVING A FEW PINTS AND WATCHING FOOTBALL WHEN I GOT YOUR MESSAGE, WHICH I WAS GLAD TO RECEIVE. I HOPE YOU HAVE A LOVELY TIME IN MONTREAL. I THINK I WILL BE SEEING YOU WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO LONDON IN A FEW WEEKS. LET ME KNOW OF YOUR ARRIVAL AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ARRANGE A CAR TO PICK YOU UP AT THE AIRPORT. CHEERS, LIAM

  Ashleigh was relieved to hear from Liam, and his message had assured her that things between them were still normal and their friendship remained unshaken. She closed the app and realized she had a string of text messages from Emily.

  SOMEONE BROKE INTO MY HOUSE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. I AM FINE. I WASN’T HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED. NOTHING WAS TAKEN, BUT LONG STORY SHORT, I THINK I HAVE A STALKER…IT’S BIZARRE. I THINK IT COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE PHONE CALLS I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING. ETHAN HAS BEEN WITH ME THE ENTIRE TIME AND I AM STAYING WITH HIM AT HIS PLACE UNTIL I FEEL COMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO GO BACK TO MY HOUSE. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW.

  Ashleigh immediately responded to Emily’s text message, letting her know she was sorry to hear the news and that she was glad Ethan was able to be there for her. She told Emily if she needed anything or if there were any further developments to please notify her immediately. Ashleigh felt horrible for Emily, but she was glad Ethan was able to be there for her friend.

  Staring out the window, she wondered who would be there for her if someone had broken into her home. Her parents, maybe, but they lived in Troy which was just a little over two hours away. Emily definitely would be there for her in a time of crisis, she had always been a great friend to Ashleigh over the years and vice versa.

  Ashleigh and Emily met at an Alpha Iota Nu sorority event that the Grand Rapids Alumnae chapter was hosting. Emily had just moved to Grand Rapids from Chicago and since she knew virtually no one in the area, she decided to attend an Alumnae event with the hope of meeting some new people. With this group, she knew they already had one thing in common. The pair became fast friends and got to know each other over sushi and martinis at one of Ashleigh’s favorite eateries.

  Her thoughts returned to how overjoyed Emily seemed in her new relationship with Ethan. Even Amanda had someone special in her life. Up until recently, Ashleigh thought little of her own romantic life, other than knowing she probably didn’t want to be married or have children. However, Emily insisted that Liam and Ashleigh were clearly perfect for each other. What Emily didn’t seem to factor in, though, was that Ashleigh and Liam lived on two different continents. If they did get together, how would that even work?

  “What’s so interesting outside on the street?” a male voice asked. Ashleigh looked up and saw a very handsome man wearing a black V-neck t-shirt and dark denim jeans standing in front of her.

  Wow…just…well done Greek Gods of…oh fuck it. Damn!

  “Oh, I’m afraid you caught me daydreaming,” Ashleigh replied with a smile.

  “Ah ha, an American accent, I take it you don’t come here too often?”

  That made Ashleigh laugh as she answered the handsome stranger’s question, “No, I’m afraid I’m not a regular of this lovely café. However, this is my favorite one in Montreal. I come here at least once when I visit. I love their chocolate panforte.”

  “Good choice. I come here for the cronettos, and of course the coffee,” he said taking a sip of his beverage. “I’m Xavier, by the way.”

  “Nice to meet you Xavier. I’m Ashleigh. Would you care to join me?”

  “Well, it looks like you are quite busy. I don’t want to interrupt your work.”

  “Fortunately for you, I’m really just killing time until I have to check in to my hotel. I’m not really working on anything special. I insist, please have a seat.”

  “Which hotel are you staying at while you are visiting?” Xavier inquired.

  “I’m staying over at the Le Petit Hotel & Café. I have been there before, but I’m writing a piece for a lifestyle blog, and it’s the first stop on my list.”

  “That’s interesting. A writer, huh?”

  Ashleigh politely replied, informing Xavier of her job. She paused for a moment then asked, “So what do you do Xavier?”

  Xavier told Ashleigh he was the Director of Marketing for a Sports Management Agency, which was why he was up early on a Sunday morning. Apparently his company was hired to produce a VIP golf outing that day. He had to go into the office, which was one block up the street, and make sure everything was on the up and up for the event. Ashleigh thought she could listen to Xavier talk all day. His French accent was incredibly sexy, but not as sexy as Liam’s Welsh brogue. Xavier was just as handsome as Liam was, he had medium brown hair, bright green eyes and sported a bit of facial stubble. Then again, maybe he didn’t shave because it was a Sunday morning. Before they realized it, the pair had chatted so long they had each drunk two more cups of coffee.

  “Can I get you another cup of coffee, Ashleigh?” Xavier asked.

  Ashleigh looked at her phone and realized it was nearly noon. Feeling a bit buzzed from so much caffeine, she really just wanted some more water and to use the ladies room.

  “Actually, it’s nearly noon. I think I should be leaving to check in to my hotel and grab some lunch. It was so lovely meeting you, and I really enjoyed our conversation.”

  “I’d be happy to take you to your hotel. My car is parked right down the street at my office. It would be no trouble, and you can save money on cab fare.”

  Secretly, Ashleigh didn’t want their time to be over. She was really enjoying the conversation. Plus, she didn’t actually have to start working until tomorrow. She had scored a meeting with the concierge the next morning at nine, which would be followed by her indulging in the continental breakfast. Ashleigh had planned to spend Sunday shopping and then relaxing in her room with a good
bottle of wine, but having some company would obviously help her take her mind off this sudden feeling of loneliness she was dealing with.

  Ashleigh rolled over in bed and realized she was not alone. She looked at Xavier who was sleeping so peacefully and naked. She giggled to herself as she threw the covers over her head. She had a wicked headache. After sliding quietly out of bed, Ashleigh retrieved some ibuprofen from her purse. She grabbed her phone off the nightstand. It was 6:34 A.M. Looking around the room you would think a couple of rock stars had a party. Two empty bottles of red wine and a few minis of vodka and whiskey lined the desk. Opening the door to the mini-bar she took out a bottle of Evian and went to the bathroom. She swallowed the ibuprofen, took a few sips of water and decided to brush her teeth. When she was done Ashleigh climbed back into bed and Xavier rolled over.

  “Good Morning, Mademoiselle,” he greeted her with a raspy French accent.

  “Morning,” she said gazing at Xavier with a lazy smile. “It appears we had some fun last night.”

  “Hmm…that we did. I’d like to have some more fun right now,” he said as he began to kiss her shoulder.

  Ashleigh’s body came alive as Xavier brushed his lips against her skin. She felt his hands gently roaming her body, exploring each angle and curve. His lips met hers as she encircled her arms around his neck. He kissed her with such passion, over and over. Xavier was a take charge kind of guy. Ashleigh could see it in his eyes, they were demanding and full of power. He moved his hand along her thigh, underneath her silk slip and found that she was more than ready for him. He gently eased one of his long fingers into her, causing her to let out a soft moan, “Oh Liam.” Ashleigh opened her eyes and realized what she had said. Xavier was staring at her with a perplexed look.

  “Oh my God, Xavier. I’m completely horrified. I’m so…so sorry.” Ashleigh sat up in the bed and thought her heart might explode out of her chest. Then she heard Xavier laughing. Now she was looking at him with a puzzled look.

  “Ashleigh, this isn’t the first time a woman has cried out another man’s name when they were with me.” Xavier rolled over to his side of the bed where he began laughing again.

  Ashleigh couldn’t help but laugh, “Please tell me this is only the second time it’s happened?” she inquired.

  “Would you believe it’s the third time?”

  Shaking her head, she fell back and pulled the covers over her face. “I cannot believe I called you, Liam.” Her voice was muffled by the sheet, but Xavier heard exactly what she said.

  “So this Liam is he an ex-boyfriend, husband, ex-husband or lover?” Xavier asked.

  “No, I’m not married. More like friends with benefits, but much more complicated.”

  Xavier kissed Ashleigh on the cheek. While climbing out of bed he said, “You’ll figure it out gorgeous. Love, relationships, even friendships all come with complications.”

  He pulled his jeans on and lifted his shirt from the back of the office chair slipping it over his head. Ashleigh watched him intently as he dressed. He was, without question, dangerously good-looking. His eyes dazzled for being so early in the morning. No wonder I fell into bed with him so willingly. Those eyes, goddamn they’re hypnotic.

  “Ashleigh, here is my card. If you find you have free time in your schedule while you’re here, call me. I would love to read your article when it’s finished. What publication will it be in again?”

  “The Business Traveler’s Wife,” she replied sweetly. Ashleigh climbed out of bed and retrieved one of her business cards from her laptop bag. “Here’s my card, Xavier.”

  Xavier reached out and took her card, “Thank you, Mademoiselle, Ashleigh. Ashleigh Preston.” He purred her name, his voice was sultry. “I have to go home and shower and change for work, but this has been fun, really fun.”

  The glint in his green eyes was mesmerizing. Ashleigh’s breath hitched as his soft lips gently brushed hers. As they hugged goodbye, Ashleigh lingered a bit, but that could have been a slow reaction due to her immense hangover. He smelled like pine needles and cedarwood. She inhaled his masculine scent and felt like she was taking a stroll in the woods.

  He walked to the door, warmly nodded and said, “Bye gorgeous.”

  Blushing slightly she raised her left hand, “Bye Xavier.”

  As Ashleigh stood there feeling cold and alone. Despite the circumstances, the reality was that Xavier had given her a huge gift. For the first time in years, Ashleigh realized her feelings for Liam were more than that of friendship and casual sex. Now, what am I going to do?

  First things first, shower and get some coffee.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven:

  Amanda

  Amanda sat quietly sipping champagne at the table. A sigh escaped her mouth as she looked to the empty seat that sat to her left, the seat that was supposed to be occupied by Vince. He had been delayed yet again at a meeting in Manhattan. This was the second weekend in a row that Amanda attended an event alone. She didn’t even know why she bothered attending this dedication for the Graysen College Aviation School. She was hopeful he would make it in time for dessert.

  Amanda finally heard from her sister, Julie, and they set a date to meet for coffee. She was anxious to hear how Conner was doing and tell Jules about Vince. Despite the fact that Amanda was currently miffed at him, she found herself falling hard. Instead of sulking she decided to play the role of the dutiful CEO’s girlfriend and put on a happy face, taking the opportunity to represent Vince instead of resenting his absence. She had a feeling he would be arriving any moment.

  Amanda briefly chatted with Emma Sterling whose husband Grant was Vince’s business partner. The pair exchanged pleasantries regarding the Phillip Cooper Foundation gala, which was coming up near the end of August. Amanda was in charge of securing items from companies for the silent auction. Emma, who had volunteered multiple times for the event, made a few suggestions and gave Amanda some sage advice on how to approach potential donors.

  It was nearly eight in the evening, and dinner was about to be served. Amanda’s phone began to buzz. It was a text from Vince: I’M SORRY, AMANDA I HAVE TO STAY OVERNIGHT. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. I’LL CALL YOU LATER.

  Amanda scooped up her clutch and politely excused herself from the table. She retrieved a hundred dollar bill and presented it to the bartender who then popped a bottle of champagne and handed it to Amanda. Lifting the bottle to her lips she took a long sip. She made her way to the back of the room and quietly slipped out through the heavy wood doors. Walking down the long curved hallway she began looking at the bronze and metal sculptures that lined the walls. She noticed a gold and black plaque on the wall outside a rather large room that said: EVERETT STERLING LECTURE HALL A GIFT FROM VINCENT L. EVERETT & GRANT M. STERLING underneath their names was the date of the dedication. She rolled her eyes and pushed through the glass doors.

  Making her way outside, she turned towards the newly constructed airplane hangars. Her blood was boiling, she was seething with anger. Seeing the plaque with his name only fueled her temper.

  Vince was always gone, and Amanda was left alone most nights and weekends. All of this was familiar territory, though Amanda understood that with money and power sometimes came personal sacrifice. Amanda could handle a lot of things when it came to being involved with men whose time was demanded by so many people. But, loneliness, more specific repeated loneliness was something with which she had difficulty.

  Amanda took a few more sips from the bottle. She was beginning to feel the effects of all the alcohol she consumed. Her body felt slightly heavy as the intoxicating and crisp bubbles warmed her belly.

  “Amanda!” a voice shouted from behind her. She peered around and saw Alex standing there in a black tux. His hair was slicked back, and he was clean-shaven.

  A smile slid across her vibrant red pout, “What…wha
t are you doing here Alex?”

  “Vince called me and told me to join you at this event. He…he didn’t want you to be alone tonight,” he replied softly.

  Alex inched closer to her, closing the space between them. They were now standing face to face. Amanda reached out and ran her hands over the smooth lapels of his jacket. He gripped the bottle from her hands, lifted it to his lips and took a long drink.

  The moonlight bounced off Amanda’s diamond earrings as her blonde hair swirled around her neck from the light breeze. Amanda turned on her heels and walked towards the Jet that sat inside the hangar. The door was open, and she began to climb the stairs. Curiosity got the better of Alex, and he followed. He found Amanda inside making herself a cocktail at the bar.

  “Would you like something, Alex?” Amanda inquired, her voice light with laughter.

  His eyebrows arched. He nodded his head, saying, “One drink, and then we need to get back inside for dessert.”

  The cabin was bright and airy, almost the exact same color palette as the jet she and Vince took to New York on their first date. The carpeting in this jet was an indigo blue with soft grey accents in the chevron print. Amanda handed Alex his drink and sat beside him on the white couch. The leather felt cool against her warm flesh.

  “Alex, do you have a girlfriend?” she hummed, her voice hanging on the last word.

  Letting out a soft chuckle, Alex replied, “No, Amanda I don’t. Can you believe it?”

  Amanda shook her head and said, “No, I can’t.” She paused and took a sip of her drink, “Why?”

  “Why?” Alex repeated and sighed before taking another sip. “I had a fiancé, but we ended things. We were young and she wanted to stay in Detroit, I did not.”

  Amanda let out a hiccupped giggle, “Who would?” she scoffed.