Chapter Seven
Ava rushed home to prepare for her date. She’d taken Tess’ advice and bought a pair of dark denim jeans that hugged her slim frame but opted for a white off-the-shoulder top. With a bottle of vanilla-scented bubble bath in hand, she entered the bathroom to run her tub water. Ava poured the liquid into the rising water, and then placed her bra-length raven-colored hair into a messy bun. She slid her body underneath the aromatic bubbles as thoughts of Justin invaded her mind.
After a twenty-minute soaking, she changed into her outfit for the night. She placed her hair into a slicked-back ponytail and applied a matte blush shade on her lips. A coating of mascara enhanced her brown doe eyes.
She and Justin were meeting at Ivy’s Bar and Bistro in an hour, but evening road construction has backed up traffic for miles. Hopefully, he proved to be a patient man.
When she arrived thirty minutes late, she saw him at the bar with his eyes glued to the flat screen television. It played the highlights of a football game. She snuck behind him and tapped his shoulder. He greeted her with a smile. “Sorry, I’m late.” She sat on the stool beside him, placing her clutch purse on the bar. “Traffic was a nightmare.”
“A drink and television kept me occupied.” His eyes glanced over the length of her body. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.” He wore a pair of khakis, a white polo styled shirt, and brown leather lace-up shoes. It’s the first time she’d seen him in anything casual. All the other times, he’d worn a slim-fitted tailored suit that enhanced his athletic build.
“We chose a good night for a date. The temperature is supposed to drop tomorrow,” he said.
“That’s early spring in Atlanta. One day it’s hot and the next it’s freezing cold.”
“Let’s get a table outside.”
She followed as he approached one of the bistro’s hostesses, and she led them to an intimate table in the far corner of the rooftop. It provided a mesmerizing view of the sunset. Ava sat on the padded bench fixated against the rooftop railing. It stretched the length of the entire back wall. Justin occupied the chair facing her. “Is this your first time here?” she asked.
“Yes, someone at the office suggested it. I like its laid-back vibe.”
“Me too,” she said, glancing at the row of string lights that hung above their heads. “I’ve been here once before. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to get out much with my work hours. I have the weekend off, but it flies by before it’s time to return to work.”
“Well, we must remedy that. We can start with you showing me around town.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Minutes later a waitress took their food order and brought over the cranberry gin and tonic she requested.
Justin took a sip of his vodka martini and sat back in his chair. “How long have you worked in the financial industry?”
“Right out of college. I began as a mortgage loan officer before transitioning to the commercial side. I find the complexity more challenging. What about you? How long have you been developing boutique hotels?”
“Ten years. I received my master’s in business when I turned twenty-five and as a gift, my father invested the capital needed to rehabilitate an abandoned warehouse into studio lofts.”
“Wow, that’s some gift!” She sipped her drink; the bitterness of the gin made her cringe. “How did you transition to hotels?”
“My first endeavor was a complete failure,” he laughed. “The property was riddled with unforeseen problems and it soon became a money pit. During a trip to Tuscany, I stayed in a B&B nestled deep in the mountains. I loved the coziness and upscale amenities it offered. That trip sparked an idea and changed my entire business plan.”
“How so?” she asked fully engrossed in the story.
“I returned home eager to develop upscale boutique hotels, each with a unique identity. With the help of mentors in the industry, I built my first hotel in my hometown of San Diego, marking the beginning of JTH Properties.”
“J is for Justin and the H is for Harrington. What does the T stand for?”
“Don’t tell anyone,” he lowered his voice, “it stands for Theodore.”
“What’s wrong with Theodore?” she asked with a smile.
“Everything is wrong with Theodore.” He laughed. “Anyway, I repaid my father and used what I learned to develop more hotels in several cities.”
“That’s not only impressive, but it’s also admirable. I assume your father is proud of what you have done with a single idea.”
His face revealed a satisfied smile. “Yeah, he is.”
The sense of pride he felt was obvious. She could relate to the excitement of a major accomplishment. Ava paused and eyed him intently. “I’ve been meaning to ask you a question. Were you surprised when I asked you out?”
“Caught me completely off guard.”
She twisted her lips and grinned. “Really?”
He lowered his eyes and frowned. “I don’t like this table between us. Do you have room over there for me?”
Ava looked over to her side before scooting towards the deep corner. “Is this enough?” she asked, patting the space to her left.
Justin moved from his chair. He sat facing her with his right arm on the ledge of the wall. “After you insisted, we kept things professional, I had no choice but to back off. I understood how important your job was to you and didn’t want to add any undue pressure.”
Ava gulped the rest of her drink and placed the empty glass on the table. The gin had given her a small buzz. “When you asked me out, I wanted to say yes.”
As he stared at her, he placed short gentle strokes on her hand with his finger. “What changed your mind?” he asked.
If it was anyone else, she would take offense to the closeness and being touched without permission. But, with Justin, she didn’t care at all. “Let’s just say, a friend helped me realize I needed to get out of my own way.”
“Well, I’ll make sure to thank this friend of yours.”
Ava enjoyed the rest of the evening listening to Justin tell her more about his job and the places he has visited through his travels. The only downside to his busy schedule is he hasn’t settled in one place long enough to pursue a serious relationship.
She shared with him about growing up in sunny Orlando, Florida before moving to Atlanta to attend the University of Georgia. She withheld any information she considered too personal such as her breakup with Brandon. She’s a private person, and it takes time before she’s comfortable sharing any intimate details about her life.
After dinner, she and Justin walked through the parking lot. Neither said a word as if they were engaged in their own thoughts. When they reached her car, she turned towards him. He stood only inches away. She wanted nothing more than to taste his lips. Her eyes met his gaze and her teeth grazed her lower lip. “I had a good time,” she said.
“I did as well. Maybe we can get together again.”
“Call me when you’re free. I think your schedule is busier than mine.”
Justin leaned forward and as he moved closer Ava prepared for their lips to meet. He instead kissed her cheek. “Is tomorrow too soon?” he asked.
“Not at all.”
Chapter Eight
The next morning Ava stopped by her office before meeting a potential client across town. The smile she wore the night before had remained as she rode the elevator to the third floor. “Morning Ava,” said Meghan. She stepped onto the elevator as Ava exited.
“How was your weekend?”
Meghan placed her hand on the elevator door to prevent it from closing. “Tiring. I’m remodeling my house, so I spent the weekend pulling up dirty carpet.”
Ava frowned. “That doesn’t sound like fun.”
“Not one bit. Anyway, you have a visitor waiting in your office.”
“I do?”
“Yep, he arrived ten minutes ago. I’m headed to the cafe, want anything?”
&nbs
p; “No, I’m fine.” The smile on Ava’s face grew wider as she rushed down the hall. Justin said he would call her today, but she never expected him to show up at her office first thing in the morning. Ava stepped inside her open office door. Her smile faded. “Brandon? What are you doing here?”
“I’m on my way to court to testify in a murder trial.”
“The one that’s been all over the news?”
“Yep, the lady is guilty as sin. My testimony will put one more nail in her coffin.”
“I believe that’s the part of your job as a homicide detective you love the most,” she said.
“It more about seeing a case through to its end. Anyway, I parked in the garage nearby and didn’t want to pass your building without checking on you.”
Ava moved closer to her desk to place her purse and coffee down. She and Brandon occasionally run into each other because they share mutual friends. But, since they’ve parted, they rarely share the same space alone. “I’m fine and yourself?”
“I’m good. I ran into Tess the other day.”
“She told me.”
“I thought you would’ve been at Scott’s cookout.”
“Deadlines.” She shrugged. “Listen, since you’re here I would like to talk to you about your phone calls and texts.”
“Ava…”
“Brandon, you must move on. There’s no reason for the constant calls.”
“Did you bother to listen to or read any of my messages? Or once you saw my name you hit delete?”
She lowered her eyes. “I deleted them.”
“I wanted to warn you about the uptick of robberies in the area. We may no longer be together, but I will always care about your safety.”
She fell silent, and he stared at her as if he was waiting for her to respond. Thank goodness for the knock on the door to break the awkwardness between them. Ava looked past Brandon and at Meghan who entered carrying a huge bouquet of pink and white roses in a crystal vase. “These just arrived!” she said with overzealous excitement.
“For me?”
Meghan placed the vase on her desk and handed over the attached envelope. Ava read the card with Brandon and Meghan looking on.
I had a great time last night. Can’t wait to see you again! J
She tried to hide her excitement in front of Brandon, but she couldn’t contain it.
“I was down in the lobby when the delivery guy brought them in. I offered to take them up.”
“Thanks, Meghan.”
“Must be from somebody special,” she said in a sing-song voice.
Ava cut her eyes at her. “Do you mind if we catch up later? We’re in the middle of something.”
Meghan’s eyes widened as they bounced between her and Brandon. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said, flustered. “I’ll get out you guys way.”
“Thanks, and please close the door on your way out.”
Brandon interrogated her like a suspect the moment the door shut. “Flowers? From whom?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“It didn’t take you long to move on.”
“Brandon, it’s been eight months.”
“Eight months after spending three years together.”
Ava shook her head in frustration. “I’m sure you’re out dating.”
“Is it serious with the guy that sent these?” He pointed to the roses.
“I don’t think we should discuss who I may or may not be dating.” She moved behind her desk to sit in her chair. “It’s inappropriate.”
“No, it’s inappropriate of you to flaunt your new boyfriend. We would be married right now, if only you had accepted my proposal.”
Ava sighed as she noticed the hurt in his eyes. The hurt she caused. “Brandon, I’ve apologized a million times. I don’t know what else you want me to say.”
He moved closer and rested his fist on her desk, leaning his body forward. “Did I ever mean anything to you, or was I someone you tolerated until you found someone better?”
“Of course not! You know me better than that.”
“I thought I did,” he spat before exiting, leaving Ava feeling like a horrible person for breaking the heart of such a wonderful guy. She’d ripped out his heart and stomped on it. They were together for three years and by the second year she had emotionally pulled away. The relationship no longer fulfilled her. She wanted more out of life, more than Brandon could give her. Yet she stayed with him because she didn’t want to hurt him. In her mind, she thought she could make it work. Somehow.
The day that ended their relationship was one she couldn’t forget even if she tried. It began like any regular day where Brandon left for work before she was awake. Expecting him to return later that night, she occupied her time buried in paperwork. However, on this day, he’d surprised her by returning home early.
“What are you doing here?” she’d asked
“I’m taking my sexy girlfriend on a night on the town. It’s long overdue.”
“I’m tired. Why don’t we stay in?”
“No, I’ve made big plans,” he’d said with an unusual excitement in his voice. “Get dressed and I’ll do the same.”
She’d reluctantly changed into a black jumpsuit with red stilettos. When she saw Brandon, her jaw had dropped. It was the first time in a long while she’d seen him outside his work clothes, and he looked damn good. He wore a navy suit with a crisp white shirt and polish black dress shoes. He donned a clean-shaven face and fresh haircut. “Wow! You clean up well.”
“And as usual you look sexy as hell.” He planted a kiss on her mouth.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
She and Brandon walked hand-in-hand to the car. It had reminded her of how they used to be when they’d first met. A time when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. They would begin their day with breakfast together, followed by an afternoon quickie, and that night would be spent in each other arms. The same excitement in his eyes he wore back then, was what she saw that night.
They’d arrived at a fancy Italian restaurant, one whose reservations filled six months in advance. It was during dinner Brandon had shared with her that the owner allowed him to make a last-minute reservation because he was a police officer. After dinner, Brandon led her to the restaurant’s banquet room filled with all their friends and some of his brothers in blue. Confusion was all Ava felt, as Brandon held on to her hand as they approached the front of the room. Everyone in attendance wore huge smiles as they clapped. “What is going on?” she’d asked.
Brandon stopped, turned towards her, and reached into his pocket revealing a ring box. Before Ava could say a word, he’d dropped to one knee. A knot formed in her throat and her stomach ached. She’d dreamed of this day since she was a little girl, but not with Brandon. The words that spilled from his mouth were a blur as her own thoughts filled her mind. Somehow, she wanted to stop him from uttering a single syllable especially in front of everyone. But it was too late. Tears had formed in her eyes and not for the reason everyone had believed. “Will you marry me?” he’d asked with the ring in his hand. She’d stood silent with tears streaming down her face and her hand covering her mouth. “I’m sorry. I can’t,” she’d said, her voice cracking. Before Brandon could respond, she ran out of the restaurant. Two days later she ended their relationship.
∞∞∞
After spending an exhausting day in meetings, Ava returned to the office ready for her day to end. If it wasn’t for her laptop dying, she would’ve gone straight home. She trudged through the carousel doors of the lobby lugging her purse on her shoulder and her brand new laptop bag and a briefcase in each hand. After much struggle to push the door forward, she exited the carousel running right into a gray pinstripe suit. She tilted her head upward. A half-smile crept upon her face tangled with a bit of confusion. “Justin! What are you doing here?”
“When we last spoke, you mentioned stopping here on your way home. I had to drop off
my financial records, so I stayed to see you.” He grabbed the bags from her hands.
“Thank you.” She wrung her hand back and forth to relieve the fatigue. “I have a deadline and it’s imperative I upload a file of documents before six.”
“I’m not here to get in the way.”
“You won’t. I can use the company.”
Ava flicked on the office lights and immediately turned on her computer. Justin made himself comfortable in the chair near her desk. “I know you didn’t wait around to watch me work. Tell me what you’re really up to,” she said.
“I want to take you out.”
“Tonight?” She frowned.
“Yes, unless it’s too short of a notice.”
She rubbed the ache in her neck. “I’m exhausted. It’s been a tiring day.”
“Exhaustion is perfect for what I have in mind.”
She eyed him curiously. “What do you have in mind?”
“Can’t tell you.” He leaned forward in the chair with a sudden excitement. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Finish your work and we’ll leave when you’re done.”
She checked the time on her phone. “I have to go home and change.”
“As always you look perfect.”
“That’s sweet. Just give me the address and I’ll meet you.”
Justin rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes. “Please don’t take offense to this question, but are apprehensive about me knowing where you live?”
“What? No… I mean… we’re just getting to know each other.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe in giving random people my address.”
“Random people?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I don’t. We’ve spent over a month acquainting ourselves with one another. I believe I’m more than a random person.”
“True.” She sighed. “I see your point.” She darted her eyes towards the floor. “Something happened in my past that has made me cautious.”
Betrayed by You Page 4