“Rebecca is doing such a great job, I’ve stepped aside, and she’ll oversee the day-to-day operations. You and I will still fly here at least once a month to check on its progress.”
The more she thought about the prospect of beginning a new life with Justin, the more it made sense. It would be exciting to start over in a city with no reminders of the past. Still, it was a decision she couldn’t make lightly.
Chapter Forty-three
“How do you think they’ll react?” asked Ava. She retrieved a set of long-stemmed wine glasses from the kitchen cabinet.
“Hopefully, everyone will be happy for us,” said Justin. He removed the rack of lamb from the oven.
She and Justin were hosting a dinner party at his home with their close friends. It’s been a month since he asked her to move to San Diego and it was time she informed everyone of her decision at once.
Ava stepped out onto the patio. Since the weather had warmed, the couple chose to have dinner underneath the moonlight. She placed a crystal wine glass beside each plate. She stepped back and marveled at her handiwork. The table could highlight the pages of a design magazine. A gray silk table runner lined the center of the rectangular teak table. Four small gray lanterns enclosed with flickering white candles formed a centerpiece. In between the lanterns, she’d placed fresh pink peonies in crystal vases. Each place setting had a white china plate, fresh white linens, and a seating place card. String lights that hung above on the pergola completed the spectacular outdoor setting.
Ava glanced up at the night’s sky as excitement filled her body. “A penny for your thoughts,” said Justin, sliding his arms around her waist from behind.
She inhaled his citrus scented cologne before peering over her shoulder. “Only a penny?”
He turned her around to face him. “It looks great out here.”
“I want everything to be perfect.”
He rubbed between her eyes. “Nervous? Your lines are prominent.”
“Just a little.”
Justin placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “Relax, they’ll understand.”
“I hope so.”
He flicked his wrist and glanced at his watch. “They should be here soon.”
Right on cue, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” said Ava. She brushed past him to answer the door when he grabbed her wrist, pulling her back towards him. He kissed her transferring pink lipstick onto his lips. She wiped the blush tint away with her fingers. “What was that for?”
“I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look tonight.”
“Always full of compliments.” She smiled. “I have to answer the door.” She made a fast stride towards the front door. She unlocked the deadbolt. “Well, hello.” She smiled.
“Hello to you, too. I haven’t seen you in ages.” Meghan hugged her. “You look gorgeous.”
Ava closed the door. “Thank you. I thought I should dress for the occasion.” She wore a pink chiffon cocktail dress.
“And what is the occasion?”
“Just friends spending time together.”
“Well, I brought the perfect gift.” She handed Ava a gold gift bag.
“What’s this?”
“A bottle of Merlot.”
“Thanks. I’ll give it to Justin.” Ava led Meghan into the kitchen where Justin had placed the lamb on a platter. “Our first guest has arrived.”
He wiped his hands on a towel and hugged Meghan.
“How have you lovebirds been? I haven’t seen either of you in weeks.”
Ava grinned and looked at Justin. “We’ve been doing what lovebirds do. Staying indoors and loving on each other.” They all laughed.
“Meg, would you like something to drink?” asked Justin.
“Sure. I brought a bottle of wine, but that’s for another time. Maybe, your next party.”
Ava and Justin traded a glance.
“Uh, what was that look?” She pointed her finger back and forth between both of them.
“You’ll get your answer in due time,” said Ava. She then left Justin to entertain Meghan while she opened the door for their next guest. “Hi, Rebecca, thanks for coming.”
“Thanks for inviting me.”
Ava had accompanied Justin to his office enough times it allowed her and Rebecca the opportunity to eliminate the awkwardness between them. “Justin is in the kitchen. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“Before you do, can we speak for a moment?”
“Sure,” said Ava with a hint of curiosity. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I haven’t had the chance to tell you I’m glad we cleared the air between us.”
“I feel the same. It gives Justin a peace of mind if his girlfriend and business associate are on friendlier terms.”
“I agree, and because Justin and I are good friends, my hope is one day we can call each other friends.”
“That’s very nice of you, Rebecca. I see no reason we can’t work on becoming friends.” Ava walked her into the kitchen where she introduced her to Meghan. She then returned to open the door for their final guests.
“Hi, guys. Come in.” She and Tess hugged and rocked back and forth like two schoolgirls who hadn’t seen each other in forever.
“I’m sorry, Scott. We’ve never gone this long without seeing each other,” said Tess.
“It’s okay. I’m sure Ava had plenty to digress from.”
“We texted each other, but your right, Tess. It’s not the same.”
“Where’s Justin?” asked Scott.
“In the kitchen with Meghan and his business associate, Rebecca.”
Scott then walked off with his brown bag of alcohol leaving Ava and Tess alone to catch up.
Ava smiled and ran her fingers over Tess’ new long tresses. “Like the hair.”
Tess grinned and flicked her hair with her hand. “It’s extensions. I felt like changing it up.”
Ava’s eyes ran down the ginger-colored hair that stopped below her mid-back. “Looks good on you.”
“In your text, you said multiple times you were fine. But, how are you really?” she asked.
“Never better. I’m the happiest I’ve been in a very long time,” said Ava.
“It’s all over your face. You are practically glowing.”
“How are you and Scott?”
“Good. Sam is coming out this summer to stay for a trial run. So, you know I’ll need your help keeping her in line.”
Ava shifted her gaze. “I think Justin is ready to serve dinner.”
She and Tess entered the kitchen where she made further introductions. Justin then stepped onto the patio with the platter of sliced lamb chops with Scott following behind with the butternut squash. They placed the food in the center of the table while each guest found their assigned seat.
Ava and Justin sat at opposite ends of the table. Meghan and Tess sat across from each other closer to Ava. While Scott sat next to Justin with Rebecca seated on the other side. The group enjoyed dinner and after a cheesecake dessert, Justin stood and tapped the side of his glass to disrupt the lively conversation. “Hey guys, I would like to say a few words.”
Everyone turned their attention to Justin. Ava beamed with anticipation knowing exactly what he was about to say.
“First, I would like to thank everyone for coming out. Each of you has known Ava for several years. Not you Becky, but the other three.” They all laughed.
“Anyway, without hesitation, you all embraced and treated me as if you’ve known me just as long. None of you had to help exonerate me, but you did, all because you each love that beautiful woman.” He gestured towards Ava which caused her smile to grow. “Not only is she gorgeous, smart, and courageous. She has also brought an immeasurable amount of joy into my life, and that’s one of many reasons why I love her.”
“Aw!” Tess and Meghan said in unison.
“You all know my stay here is temporary,” continued Justin. “That’s why I asked tha
t amazing lady to continue our life together in San Diego and she said…”
Ava rose to her feet and moved beside Justin. He placed his arm around her waist. She eyed the eager faces of her friends as they waited for her answer.
“It’s no secret how distressing the recent events of my life has been. Like Justin, you all rallied around me and helped through a tumultuous time. And like a rainbow after a storm, something beautiful emerged from the misery. It brought Justin and me closer than I could ever imagine.” She dabbed the corners of her eyes. In response, Tess passed her a napkin. “Thanks. I’m such a baby.”
“It’s okay,” said Tess. “They’re tears of joy.”
Justin kissed her cheek and whispered. “You got this. They’ll understand.”
“Alright guys, as I was saying. I love this man and wouldn’t trade a single second of what brought us to this point in our lives. So, when he asked me to build a life with him in San Diego, I said yes.” She looked out into the disappointed faces of her two best friends. They both broke eye contact with her and fell silent into their individual private thoughts.
“That’s great guys,” said Scott, breaking the silence. “I’m happy for you both.”
“Thanks, Scott,” said Justin.
“I second that,” said Rebecca. “You’ll love San Diego, Ava. It’s a beautiful city.”
“Thank you.” Ava turned to Justin. “Excuse me.” She stepped to the end of the table and asked Tess and Meghan to speak in private. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you both a heads-up. We wanted to share the news with everyone together,” she said once they were inside.
“I’m excited for you and Justin. I’ll miss you guys, but I understand why you must leave,” said Meghan.
“What about you Tess? Do you understand?”
She frowned. “I do, but I’ll miss you.”
“We’ll all still see each other. Justin must make frequent visits here because of the hotel, and when he does, I’ll be with him. I’m leaving because it’s best if I start fresh where the memories of Brandon and Phillip are not present.”
“I get it,” said Meghan.
“What did your mom say?” asked Tess.
“My happiness is also her happiness.”
Tess placed her arms around Ava. “It’ll be an adjustment not being able to see you when I want, but I’ll get used to it. You deserve the joy Justin has given you, and it’s apparent he loves you like crazy.”
Ava’s cheeks flushed. “The feeling is mutual.”
Tess turned to look over her shoulder as the rest of the group entered the house. “I’ll go over and give Justin a hard time for stealing my best friend away.” She smiled. “Just kidding.”
“I know.” She watched as Tess walked off before turning her attention to Meghan. “I need you to stick around after everyone leaves. Justin would like to speak with you in private.”
“About what?”
“I’ll let him tell you.”
The party continued for another hour and a half before Tess and Scott departed. Rebecca followed behind them and before Meghan could leave Justin pulled her aside in the living room with Ava looking on.
“Ava mentioned she’s mentoring you to help build your resume.”
“She convinced me to go back to school. I enrolled in a community college for the next semester.”
Ava smiled, proud that Meghan listened to her.
“Are you receiving tuition assistance?” asked Justin.
“It’s fifty percent. I was thinking about taking out a loan for the other half.”
Justin glanced at Ava. “That’s not necessary. After everything you’ve done to help me, I would like to cover the cost.”
Meghan shook her head and furrowed her brow. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Meg, I was wanted by the police, and they could’ve arrested you for hiding me. You didn’t know me well enough to take the risk, but you did anyway. I believe in repaying my debts.”
“Let him do it, Meghan,” said Ava.
She fell silent and twisted her lip like she was mulling it over. “If you both insist, I love to take your money,” she laughed.
“One other thing,” said Ava. “Unless something drastic changes in your life between now and the time you finish school, I would like you to consider moving to California to work with me.”
“Are you serious?” smiled Meghan.
“Very!”
“You’re asking me and not Tess. She’s your best friend.”
“First of all, Meghan. You both are my best friends. I couldn’t have made it through the past months without either one of you.” Ava returned Meghan’s smile. “Tess has a lot going on here. She has Scott, her business, and her sister will be here soon. You can move because you’re single, no kids, or commitments. That’s why I emphasized, only if nothing drastic changes in your life.”
Meghan jumped to her feet. “I can tell you now I’ll do it!”
“I want you to finish school first and allow me time to get this project off the ground.”
“You will, I have no doubt.” Meghan hugged Ava and then Justin. “Thank you both.”
Chapter Forty-four
“Can you believe it’s finally here?” Justin applied tape to the last moving box. They were in the master bedroom packing the last of their items. Within a few hours, he and Ava will board a private jet to begin their new life together in San Diego.
“I’m excited,” said Ava with a child-like giddiness. “I’ve looked at pictures of the city online. It’s breathtaking.”
“And the beaches are everything. We’re talking white sands and blue waters,” he said, sharing the same excitement.
“I haven’t been to the beach in years. I can’t wait to layout underneath the sun.”
“You know, I’ve considered purchasing a beach house in the past.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep, but I changed my mind because of my travels. I wouldn’t be there long enough to enjoy it.”
Ava frowned at the sudden flash-forward vision of their life together. She imagined nights alone and missing him.
“Everything has now changed.”
“How?” she asked, frown fading.
“I will delegate more of my responsibilities. I have people in place who can handle most of the day-to-day details, and when I travel for an extended time, we’ll go together.”
“Really?”
He placed his arms around her. “You are my number one priority. I won’t make a move without you by my side.”
“There’s no other place I rather be.” She kissed his lips and checked her phone for an incoming text message. “Tess and Scott will be here soon.” She slipped her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.
“I’m glad they agreed to oversee the movers, so we can make our flight,” said Justin.
Ava pushed the last packed box against the wall. “You never said how you convinced Mr. Cooper to sell you his house?”
“You and I have grown comfortable here, and it’s the perfect place to stay when we fly back in town.”
She eyed him with a twist in her lip and a hand on her hip. “That doesn’t explain why he sold it.”
“Let’s just say, I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
“You could’ve saved your money and kept my house instead.”
“You jumped at the chance to put your house on the market when I’d suggested it.”
“True.” Ava slid her fingers through the slants of the blinds. “Tess and Scott are here.”
“I’ll let them in,” said Justin.
“Okay. I’ll be down in a sec.” Ava double-checked to ensure they hadn’t forgotten to pack anything. After one additional sweep throughout the room, she rolled her suitcase downstairs. Justin rushed over once she reached the bottom stair and grabbed the suitcase from her hand, placing it near the front door.
“Well guys, this is it. Justin and I are finally off to Cali,” she said to Tess and Scott.
>
“Oh, before I forget.” Justin retrieved his key ring from his pocket. “Here’s a key to the house. Thanks again for agreeing to look after it. We’ll soon get a property manager to take over.” He handed a brass key to Scott.
“Can you give a quick rundown of anything besides the boxes the movers should take?” asked Scott, placing the key in his pocket.
“Sure, let’s start in the study.”
Once the guys walked off, Ava turned to Tess. “What’s the matter?” she asked. “You’ve been quiet.”
Tess moved locks of hair behind both ears. “Scott is not doing well.”
“What do you mean? Is he sick?”
Tess shook her head. “No. He’s feeling guilty about Brandon.”
Ava rolled her eyes. The day was full of joy and optimism about the future. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about Brandon. “Did he say why?”
“Because he helped put him away.”
The corners of her mouth turned downward. “That’s understandable. He’s Brandon’s best friend. If it was me, I’d probably share some guilt in his predicament.”
“I’m just worried about him.”
Ava patted her shoulder. “You worry too much, Tess. He’ll be fine.” She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Her mouth etched into a smile as she faced the man who has taught her the meaning of real love. She couldn’t wait to embark on their new life. Ava planned to leave Brandon and all the wretched memories associated with him behind. “Isn’t it time we head to the airport?” she asked Justin.
He checked the time on his watch. “You’re right. We better get a move on.” He snatched his wallet and sunglasses off the table. “Scott, thanks again for everything.” He extended his hand.
“Not a problem.” He shook Justin’s hand and offered Ava a hug.
Ava turned to hug Tess who whispered in her ear. “I’ll miss you.”
Justin placed his hand on the small of Ava’s back. “Ready?” he asked.
She smiled and reached for his hand. “Ready.”
Justin opened the door and rolled their suitcases onto the porch. Ava followed taking the first step towards her future. She paused and wave goodbye to her friends before closing the door on her past.
Betrayed by You Page 24