Betrayed by You

by Marilyn Williams

  When Ava picked her mother up from the airport, she treated her to breakfast at a nearby diner. During the entire meal, her mother brought up Brandon. When Ava mentioned moving some items out of her garage into storage, her mother suggested she asked Brandon for help. When she had a passing thought about cutting her hair shoulder-length, her mother said Brandon preferred she kept her hair long. It didn’t matter how many times she told her she’s dating someone new; she’ll always have a soft spot for Brandon.

  Once Ava arrived home, she placed her mother’s bags into the second bedroom while Evelyn busied herself making a cup of tea. “Do you mind pouring an extra cup?” asked Ava,when she entered the kitchen.

  “Sure.” Evelyn retrieved a teacup from the shelf and filled it with steaming hot lemon and ginger tea. “Tell me about this new guy,” she said, handing the cup to Ava.

  “I already told you everything there is to know.” She didn’t dare mention they were at an impasse over their relationship status.

  “Well, I know his name is Justin, he owns several hotels, and your boss says he dates multiple women at a time.”

  “I said no such thing.”

  “It’s mind boggling, that’s all.” Evelyn poured two teaspoons of sugar into her tea.

  “What is?”

  “How could you end your relationship with a fine, upstanding man like Brandon to date someone who changes women like he does his underwear?”

  Ava released a heavy sigh. She took two sips of her tea and closed her eyes. After reciting a silent prayer asking for strength to keep her cool, she looked her mother in the eyes. “Mom, you know I didn’t leave Brandon to date Justin. You’re well aware of the problems Brandon and I had.”

  “It’s nothing you two couldn’t work out.”

  Ava threw her hands into the air and shook her head. “I tried to stick it out, but I wasn’t happy. What did you expect me to do? Accept his ring, lie to his face, and drown myself in unhappiness day after day?”

  Evelyn slid her silver-rimmed glasses up the bridge of her nose as she straightened her posture. “Must you be so dramatic, Ava? Brandon is a good man with morals. He was committed to you and loyal. Now you’re with someone with a sketchy reputation.”

  It was as if her mother had amnesia and didn’t witness all she’d experienced. Ava moved from the kitchen and into the living room. She sat on one end of the sofa and rested her head on the back cushion. She didn’t want to rehash the past, because she has closed that chapter of her life. She only wished her mother would do the same.

  “Mom, I will always have love for Brandon, because he helped me pick up the pieces of my life. Yet, it wasn’t enough to keep us together.” She wiped the tears from her cheek. “I watched you stay with dad when I knew you longer loved him. I saw the misery in your face daily. I’m not saying Brandon was anything like dad, but we were two people who had grown apart.”

  Evelyn moved closer to Ava and placed her arms around her. Ava wept as her mother swayed from side-to-side. “I’m sorry,” she said before placing a kiss on top of her head.

  Ava released herself from her mother’s embrace and wiped her eyes. “It’s hard seeing him because all the guilt I have rushes to surface. Like the other night at Tess’, it was disheartening to see he’s using alcohol to cope.”

  “He’s that bad off?”

  “Yes, and I can’t be the one to help him.”

  “Just remember he’s heartbroken because he truly loved you.” Her mother comforted her by stroking her back and bringing her into another embrace.

  “I never thought my low-key job in finance would cause me to have a stalker. So, when Brandon entered my life, he was a breath of fresh air or more like the perfect distraction. I didn’t tell him about the guy who had become obsessed with me, because I didn’t feel right dragging him into my mess. As soon as I opened up about what that man had done to me, Brandon jumped in as my protector.”

  “I remember.”

  “Are you sure? Because you certainly don’t act like it. I was too scared to leave my house because of Phillip Ramsey. I didn’t know who to trust. I was a mess. Then one day it finally ended, and just when I thought everything had settled down that’s when…” Ava’s voice trailed, and she closed her eyes as the horror replayed in her mind.

  Her mother patted her knee. “It’s when the nightmares began.”

  “You remember how I would call you in the middle of the night, fearful of every sound. It was like I had PTSD or something.” Ava grimaced at the memory. “Brandon and I were brought together by a stressful situation and it was that same stress that tore us apart.”

  “I understand, Ava.”

  “Do you really? Because Justin may have his faults, but I enjoy having him around. Once you meet him, you’ll understand why.”

  “For you, I’ll keep an open mind.”

  ∞∞∞

  The next evening Tess stopped by for a short visit. What should’ve been a quick hello, had turned into a three-hour event and counting. As soon as she stepped through the door, Evelyn drilled Tess about her relationship with Scott. Ava thanked her lucky stars her mother’s focus was now on her best friend. After Evelyn turned in for the night, she and Tess settled on her back patio under the night’s stars with a glass of red wine. “Your mom is worse than mine with all the marriage questions,” said Tess.

  “She’s been here since Friday and it’s been Brandon this and Brandon that. She’s not trying to hear anything about Justin.”

  “She’ll change her tune once she meets him. Have you guys work out your problems?”

  “No.”

  “I believe I know what the conflict is, but I rather hear it from you.”

  Ava rested her back onto the chair’s cushion and frowned. “I knew his stay was temporary, but I wanted to date him, anyway.”

  “And now you want more, right?”

  “Please don’t say I told you so.”

  “I won’t. I’ve known for some time he means more than you’ve admitted.”

  “He leaves in four months, and I don’t know what happens next.”

  “Have you asked him?

  “I did, and he couldn’t give me an answer. I walked out on him, and we didn’t speak until he called to say he had to fly out of town.”

  “For how long?”

  “A week. It’s been three whole days, and I miss him like crazy.”

  Tess finished her wine and placed the glass on the table. “It seems you guys have a lot to talk about.”

  “We do, but we’ll work it out.”

  “Here’s some advice, free of charge. Relax. Allow your relationship to evolve to whatever it’s supposed to be. In time, Justin will make it clear what he wants.”

  Ava lifted the bottle of red wine. “Good advice.” She refilled her glass. “I saw Brandon. He said he’s keeping his distance, and I believe him.”

  “Scott said he’s taken a two-week leave from work.”

  “Really? He’s never missed a day.”

  “I know. When Scott questioned him, he said he needed the time to get his head on straight. Scott believes he left town because he stopped by Brandon’s house, and his car wasn’t outside, and no one answered the door.”

  “Is he answering his phone?”

  “Just once to tell Scott he was okay.”

  “At least he recognizes he’s spiraling and trying to do something about it.”

  “Yeah, I’m thinking about introducing him to a lady in my resellers’ club.”

  “Reseller club? What’s that?”

  “It’s an online group of resellers. We get together once a month. Anyway, would you be okay if I introduce him to someone?”

  Ava shrugged. “Go for it.”

  “And you wouldn’t have a problem with her being around? You know,in case we all get together.”

  “I wouldn’t be around her, because I can’t have Justin around Brandon.”

  “I see your point.”

  “Look, you can set
him up with whoever you want. Just don’t expect me to be around them.”

  After Tess left, Ava was about to call it a night when her phone rang. She glanced down at the screen and smiled. “Hey, you,” she said, answering the phone.

  “Busy?”

  “No. Are you home, already?”

  “I rearranged my schedule. However, I won’t step foot into my house until maybe tomorrow evening.”

  “Oh,” she said.

  “Are you in bed?”

  “No, why?”

  “Go outside. I have something for you.”

  “What? It’s after midnight, what could possibly be outside?”

  “You won’t know until you open the door.”

  “Hold on. I’m walking to the door now.” Ava raced down the stairs and dashed to the front door. She turned the doorknob and when she stepped out onto the porch a huge smile spread across her face. Justin stood outside leaned against his car on her driveway. Without uttering a word, she ran straight into his embrace. His strong, muscular arms were as comforting as a warm blanket. “What are you doing here?”

  “I wanted to surprise you.”

  “I’m surprised, alright.” She held him tight, not wanting to let go. Ava felt his hands fall, releasing her from their embrace. She looked into eyes and could tell a heaviness weighed on his mind. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  He slid his hands into his pockets as he continued to lean against the car. “You rightfully questioned the direction of our relationship.”

  “Justin, I…”

  “I’ve done something you should know.”

  She stepped back and narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”

  “I flew home to rearrange projects I have in the pipeline because I’ve extended my stay.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, I thought about our conversation, and I want to further explore our relationship.”

  A slow smile crept across her face. “So, you’re not leaving in four months?”

  He shook his head. “No, it’s open-ended.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her closer. “I missed you.” He kissed her lips.

  “I missed you, too.” She glanced towards the front door hoping her mom hadn’t woken up. “I invited my mother here for the weekend. She’s upstairs sleeping.”

  “Does that mean I can’t stay? Not ready for me to meet your mother?” He placed a kiss on her neck that sent shivers down her spine.

  “No, not like this.” She squirmed out of his grasp. She didn’t want to tell him her mother isn’t his biggest fan. “The timing has to be right.”

  He pulled her back into his arms, kissing her on the lips. She responded by parting her mouth and returning his kiss. His hand crept underneath her shirt, stopping when he reached her breast. Caressing it and pinching her nipples between his fingertips. She came up for air and bit down on her lower lip as his hand traveled south. She needed him and wouldn’t let the fact that her mother was asleep in her house stand in the way. “You must be very quiet,” she said, removing his hand from inside the waistband of her shorts.

  “We’re not teens, Ava.”

  “I realize that, but I would rather not be subjected to questioning by my mother in the middle of the night. So, if you would like to come in it’s best to do as I ask.”

  “Lead the way.”

  With her hand in his, she led Justin inside and slowly closed the front door behind him. Careful not to slam it shut. After locking up, she asked him to remove his shoes so the heel of his dress shoes wouldn’t knock against the wooden stairs. This was the one time she wished she had carpet. Her mother was a very light sleeper, the slightest sound could wake her and keep her up for hours. Once they made it to the top of the stairs, they rushed inside her room locking the door behind them. They wasted not a single second devouring each other on the bed, where they made love until they fell asleep in each other arms.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ava woke around seven the following morning. She slid out of the bed and wrapped her red satin robe around her naked body. As she stood bedside, her eyes lingered on the rise and fall of Justin’s bare chest. A smile crept across her face as last night’s events replayed in her mind. She’s fallen for him hard and prayed the feeling was mutual. Right now, she has trusted her heart to lead her down the right road.

  She unlocked her bedroom door to find the house quiet and the door to the guest room still closed. A sign her mother was still asleep. She never sits in a room with a closed door during waking hours. Ava continued down the stairs and into the kitchen. She turned on the Keurig coffee machine and grabbed two coffee cups from the mug rack on the counter. She and Justin have had enough coffee dates together that she knew how he liked his morning brew. Three teaspoons of sugar and a dash of half-and-half. After brewing both cups, she trotted upstairs with a mug in each hand. When she reached her bedroom door, she placed one mug on the floor, while opening the door with her free hand. She entered the room, grabbed the second mug, and closed the door behind her. Justin was still asleep when she returned.

  After taking a sip of her coffee, she moved to his side of the bed. She leaned over him and kissed his forehead hoping to wake him. He didn’t stir a bit. Her eyes moved to his chiseled chest, and she traced its outline with her fingertips. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she untied her robe. The satin fabric slid off her nude body, falling to the floor. She moved the covers back and straddled herself on top of him. “What are you doing?” he murmured, as she kissed his chest.

  “What does it look like?”

  He grinned and opened his eyes. “What time is it?”

  “After seven. I made coffee. Want some?”

  “Maybe later. I rather indulge in something else first.”

  He pulled her forward, kissing her. Knowing time was not on her side, she pulled away and mounted herself on top. A soft moan escaped her lips as he filled her insides. She gathered herself into a rhythm, rocking back and forth. With an arch in her back and her eyes closed, his hands guided her hips. Hoping to come to a pleasurable finish, Ava gyrated her body faster, just as she got into a comfortable rhythm her bedroom door burst open. “Ava, do you…”

  “Mom!” she screamed, retreating under the covers.

  “Sorry…I…” Evelyn’s eyes scanned the floor.

  “Mom, close the door! I’ll be out in a minute.” Without another word said, her mother exited the room shutting the door behind her.

  “Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed!” She jumped off the bed to grab something to wear from the dresser.

  Justin sat up. “You said you wanted us to meet when the timing was right. I can’t think of a better time.” He laughed.

  “This isn’t funny.” She reached for the first item in the drawer, a gray knit nightgown. “I may be an independent thirty-year-old woman, who hadn’t lived at home since eighteen, but my mother has a way of making me feel like a young child in her eyes.”

  “Ava, calm down. I’m sure this isn’t the first time she’s caught you in a compromising position.”

  Her mouth fell agape as she placed her hand over her chest. “What? No! Justin, my mother, and I don’t discuss sex. We’re close, but there are some topics off-limits.”

  Justin exited the bed and wrapped his arms around her. “Babe, go out there and talk to your mother like an adult. I’ll freshen up, come out, and charm the socks off her.”

  “Okay.” He kissed her forehead before she left. She ran downstairs, running into her mother at the bottom stair.

  “So, that’s Justin, huh?”

  “Mom, why did you burst into my room without knocking?”

  “I got up and walked out onto the front porch to check the weather. That’s when I saw the sports car in the driveway. I wanted to ask you who it belonged to.”

  “You barged into my room knowing I might have company?”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you would have someone in there.”

  “He came over after
Tess left.”

  “I’m surprised you allow him to stay over while I’m here. But this is your home and you can do as you please.”

  Ava rolled her eyes and sighed. “Please don’t make this a big deal.”

  “I won’t. From the peek I had of him he is quite handsome and that car outside tells me he has enough money to take care of you.”

  “Take care of me?” Annoyed. Ava massaged her temples. “I’m pretty capable of taking care of myself.” Her gaze moved passed her mother as she eyed Justin descending the stairs.

  “Hello, I assume it’s Ms. Sinclair,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Justin Harrington.”

  “Hi Justin, it’s nice to put a face with the name.” She returned his handshake. “Call me Evelyn.”

  “I now see where your daughter gets her beauty.”

  Evelyn blushed at the compliment. “I see you’re quite the charmer.”

  “So, I’ve been told.” He smiled showing off his perfect teeth. “I hate we had to meet under such awkward circumstances. How long are you in town?”

  “For another day.” She smiled causing Ava to relax. A smile from her mother meant her negative feelings were at least thawing.

  “I would like to take you and your beautiful daughter to dinner tonight. I promise you can grill me with as many questions you have.”

  “Fine with me.” She turned towards Ava. “Any objections?”

  Ava’s eyes jetted back and forth between the two. She hated being put on the spot. “No, not at all.”

  “Great! I’ll make the reservations and call you,” he said.

  “Mom, I’ll be right back. I like to walk him out.” Ava led Justin outside and when they reached his car, she turned to him. “You don’t have to take us to dinner.”

  “I want to.”

  “You know she’ll be in our business the entire time.”

  “I’m ready for it. Before I go, I need to give you something.” He reached into his pocket. “I meant to give this to you last night.” He placed the metal object in her hand.

  She held it in the air. Confused. “A key?”

  “A key to my house.”