by Kristy Gibs
Considering she never once took any type of interest in anything that revolved around me, our parents probably made her come. I plastered a smile on my face and walked over to them.
“Ella, the place looks great!” my mother said as she hugged me. Connor nodded in agreement.
Turning to Mia and Preston, I greet them, “Thank you both for coming tonight.” I smiled, trying to be civil.
“We are hoping to buy some art for the house we just put an offer in,” she bragged as she looked around the room, “but I didn’t realize these were no-name artists.”
It took everything in me not to roll my eyes at her. Of course, she would throw a dig. Leonardo Divinci himself could be here ,and because tonight had something to do with me and nothing about her, she would make a nasty comment.
“That’s too bad; they are both very talented, and their work is amazing. If you all will excuse me.” I smiled at my parents and made my way to the other side of the room.
I was in the middle of talking to a potential buyer when the hairs on the back of my neck stood. Turning toward the door, I noticed Ashton walking in with Jaxson and Lucy. I finally felt myself relax. My people were here now, I thought.
I sent a little wave to them, and with smiles on their faces, the trio walked up to me.
“This is so awesome, Ella. You did all this?” Lucy squealed and pulled me into a hug.
“It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” I said, glancing around the room of smiling people. My dream was coming true.
“Proud of you, sis.” Jaxson pulled me into a hug before releasing me.
“Oh, look a bar!” Lucy said before making a beeline to the far end of the room.
My brother followed after her with his eyes.
I snapped my fingers in front of his face, and he looked toward me. “Why don’t you ask her out?” Everyone knew they both had feelings for each other. They needed to just pull the trigger and give it a shot.
“I better go say hello to the rest of the family,” he said before walking off, leaving Ash and me.
“Hey...” I said.
“The place looks amazing, Gabriella.” Ash smiled down at me. Even with me in heels, he towered over me.
“Thanks...” I gazed up at him as his dark eyes roamed over me until his smile faltered.
“Ash, it seems you just keep showing up everywhere., Mia said from behind me. I spun around to face my sister and a scowling Preston. I thought about his e-mail warning me about Preston. I looked from one man to the other. They were so different. I really wished I knew why Preston had such hatred toward him.
“I don’t see why I wouldn’t be here...” Ash answered. “Beth owns this place.”
“Maybe you can tell her she should try and get some real artists in here. She might make more money,” Mia added. She was such a bitch. Ash moved closer and flung an arm over my shoulder.
“Soon enough. Beth can’t wait for Ella to show her stuff.” He looked down at me, and Mia’s smug face fell. Beth and I talked about me putting out a few pieces of my work from school. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that. I mentioned it to Ash one night when we were texting back and forth.
“Ella, why didn’t you tell us?” my mom said; I hadn’t realized she walked up. “Every day, you make us prouder and prouder, Ella!”
Mia’s face grew redder as each second passed. When she turned abruptly, she bumped into Jax, who had just walked up with Lucy, and her drink went flying.
“God, Jaxson, watch where you are going, will you?” she said before turning to me. “Shouldn’t you clean this up, Ella? You are the hired help after all.” She pointed to the mess on the floor.
Jax’s eyes went wide. Preston looked from person to person, avoiding making eye contact with Mia, and Connor shook his head. Her vile behavior was coming out even more with each passing day, yet no one ever said anything to her. She got away with everything.
“Hired help?” Ash said before I could. “I think you mean a job, Mia? You do know what that is, don’t you?” Her face paled. Everyone knew Mia never once had a job, which was a sore subject in our household. Connor was very adamant his children needed to get a good education and be able to support themselves, despite his money.
I couldn’t understand why she continued to try and torture me. She was well on her way to getting everything she ever wanted. It was almost sad. If her and I had even a semblance of a relationship, I might even tell her she should talk to someone about her anger. She never seemed happy unless she was shoving something in everyone's face. I have no idea why she had such a dislike for me. Before anyone could say anything, a waiter rushed over with a rag to clean up the mess.
“Thank you so much,” I said to the waiter.
“You are very welcome, Ms. Costa.” I smiled at the waiter and turned back to my family. Awkward silence fell among our group.
“Mia, I think it’s time to leave.” Preston was mad, and he wasn’t doing much to hide it.
“Great job on the opening, Ella,” Preston said genuinely. “I know this has been a dream of yours,” he added before turning and walking toward the entrance of the gallery.
“Preston!” Mia yelled as she chased behind him.
“Well, that was...” Lucy, who up until this point was standing off to the side watching the family drama unfold, added.
“Who could use a drink?” I needed one badly after that little show.
Everyone nodded, and we walked to the bar. Ash still had his arm around me, and he squeezed my shoulder.
15
Ash
After Mia and Preston left, I could tell Gabriella immediately relaxed. I hated seeing how much Mia affected her. How could anyone have such disdain for Gabriella? She was the most genuine person I had ever met. As much as a little weasel Preston was, I was glad to see him stick up for her. I grabbed another glass of champagne from one of the waiters walking around.
“Want to tell me why you haven’t been able to take your eyes off Ella all night?” I turned to see Jax standing next to me, arms folded. I could do two things: lie and tell him he was nuts or come clean and confess my feelings for her. If I was going to act on my feelings, I wouldn’t do it behind his back.
“We are friends.” I wasn’t lying.
“Since when?” he asked.
“Since she started working for Beth,” I added.
“How come I didn’t know about this newfound friendship?”
Because Gabriella was an adult and didn’t have to tell him every person she talked to. “There was nothing for you to know…until now.” Now or never.
“What do you mean until now?”
“I want to ask her out. I plan to ask her out, actually, but I wanted you to know before I did.”
He took a step back. “Are you serious?”
“Very.”
“Dude, you’re one of my best friends, but dating my sister? Come on. I know you, Ash.” He looked over toward his sister.
He knew the old Ash— the Ash before Ella came into his life. I watched her smiling at one of the artists as he talked animatedly about his painting. I turned toward Jax.
“Look, I am putting myself out there. Ella is different. From the minute I met her, she has captivated me.” He scrunched his nose at my words. “I know she is your sister, and because of that and the value I have for our friendship, I wouldn’t be asking your permission to take her out if I wasn’t 100 percent in this. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt her.” I glanced over toward her again. “She is special.”
“Damn, bro. You do have it bad, don’t you?”
I took a sip of my champagne. “You have no idea.” I didn’t even think I accepted how deep I was into her.
Jax sighed. “Don’t hurt her, Ash. She has been through enough.” I side-eyed my friend. He was giving me his blessing. That was easier than I thought it was going to be.
“I won’t.” And I meant it.
“I guess I should have known this would happen. I was wondering
why you kept bringing her up.”
“I guess it was more obvious than I thought. “
Beth and Ella were talking off to the side, and I decided it was the perfect moment to congratulate my friend on her opening and praise Ella for her hard work. She had put her blood, sweat, and I was pretty sure a few tears into making tonight a success, which anyone with half a brain could see, she had done.
I plucked two fresh glasses of champagne and walked over to them.
“Ladies.” I held up the two glasses before handing them off to each of them.
“Ashton, thank you for coming tonight,” Beth said.
“Of course, wouldn’t miss it.” Ella looked between the two of us. She was probably trying to figure us out. Taking the opportunity, I put my arm around her for the second time tonight.
“And you, Miss Gabriella, did a phenomenal job. I think you need to ask for raise.” I winked at her, and Beth snorted.
The three of us chatted for a few more minutes before Beth excused herself to go speak to someone who had just walked in. Looking in the direction she walked off to, I saw that person was Sam, her girlfriend. I still was unsure if Ella knew about her relationship, so I kept it to myself. If the chance came up, I would say hello to Sam at some point.
“Did Beth tell you she and I have been friends since we were little brats?” I saw a flash of surprise cross her face.
“No, she didn’t mention it.” She took a sip of her drink, and all I could do was focus on her lips.
“Yeah, best friends. She is basically the sister I never wanted.” I added, trying to make it as clear as possible Beth and I were nothing more than friends.
“Good to know.” Ella bit her lip, and it took everything in me not to grab her right there and take what I have been yearning for since the day I met her.
“Elle-Belle,” Jax called from behind us, immediately pulling us from whatever moment we were having.
Clearing her throat, she stepped away from me and turned toward her brother and Lucy. “Hey...”
“I think we are going to take off.” Although the three of us arrived together, Jax had driven Lucy, and I drove myself.
“Oh, okay. Thank you both for coming. It means so much to me.”
“Always, we are so proud of you.” Lucy leaned in and hugged Ella. “I am going to grab my jacket. I will meet you at the door?” Lucy asked Jax, who nodded. Lucy turned and walked off toward the coat check.
“Jax- stop staring at her ass!” Ella scolded him, which made me laugh.
“Ugh, I wasn’t,” he said
“Yeah, okay…treat her well, brother, or I’m going to hurt you.” Ella pointed at him, trying her best to look tough.
“Good night.” He spun and stalked off toward the entrance.
“What am I going to do with him?” she asked.
“Nothing, they are both adults. They know what they are doing.” I had never seen Jax so taken by a woman before. He and I weren’t so different. We enjoyed the company of women but didn’t do serious, that is until now. I had a feeling he was falling just as hard for Lucy as I was for Ella.
“I hope so.” Ella glanced past me, no doubt watching them leave before returning her gaze to me. “I have to go check in with Beth. See you in a bit?”
“Yes, please. Go do what you have to. I’m not going anywhere.”
With red cheeks, she smiled and walked off.
The night was beginning to wind down, Beth and Ella were saying goodbye to guests, and I decided to go out and get some fresh air and wait for her to be done, with the hopes she would let me take her home.
16
Ella
Once the last artist left, and after the caters cleaned up everything, Beth locked up, and we walked to the parking lot.
“Ella, tonight was even better than I expected; you did a phenomenal job. I almost forgot I was at my own gallery because the night went so smoothly.”
“Thanks, Beth.” I smiled at my boss. As we approached her car, I stopped when I saw a smirking Ash leaning up against it. Was he waiting for Beth? I thought. He mentioned they were just friends, but friends had sex, didn’t they?
“Oh, hey Ash, I thought you left a while ago?” Beth said.
He pushed off her car and walked toward us. “I was hoping Ella would allow me to escort her home tonight...”
Beth smirked and looked over at me.
“Oh, yeah, sure.” My heart raced. Ash waited around for me to drive me home.
“Well, you two enjoy the rest of your night. See you Thursday, Ella. Enjoy your day off tomorrow.” Beth winked at me.
Since tonight was a Tuesday, she decided to keep the gallery closed tomorrow since we have been working so hard. Thursday, we would back at it, getting all of the art pieces bought to their buyers and working on packing up what hadn’t sold and getting them back to the artists.
Ash ushered me to his red sports car, his hand ever-so-lightly touching my back. He opened the door for me. Such a gentleman.
“Thank you,” I said, and he shut the door before jogging around and getting into the driver’s seat.
“I have been to several gallery openings, and tonight was by far the best.”
“You have to say that; Beth is your best friend,” I teased, and he snickered.
“That is exactly why I don’t have to say it. I would never lie to her...or you,” he said before looking at me out of the corner of his eye as he drove.
The drive seemed shorter than usual, and before I knew it, Ash pulled around the circular driveway of my parents' house and turned the engine off.
“Thank you for the ride home. I really need to work on getting a car.” I laughed, fiddling with my hair, unsure of what to do next.
“If you had a car, I wouldn’t have been able to drive you. It was my pleasure, Gabriella.” I don’t think I will ever get used to him saying my name the way he did. “So, the drama with Mia?”
“You caught on to that?” I teased. I was pretty sure anyone within a hundred-mile radius could feel the tension.
“I could tell from the first day I met you there was something with you two, but man, she is ruthless. Poor Preston. I can’t stand him half the time, but no one deserves that...” He chuckled, and it made me smile.
“Yeah, I don’t know. We are polar opposites, so I have no idea what it is about me that bothers her so much.” I shrugged.
“I can think of a few things...” he said, brushing his fingers over my clasped hands. My entire body tingled. My head was all over the place.
“It’s late, I should probably go to bed,” I whispered
“What are you going to turn into a pumpkin if you stay up past midnight?”
“I just might...”
“Well, princess, we wouldn’t want that to happen.”
Smiling, I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, wishing he would turn his head just slightly.
“Good night, Ash. Thank you again...for everything...” He didn’t know how much it meant to me that he stuck up for me tonight when Mia was being a bitch.
“Anytime...” he said.
Reluctantly, I opened the car door and slipped out. I stopped on the top step of the large porch and waved before he pulled away. I watched him drive off until his taillights disappeared.
I was on cloud nine as I got ready for bed. Not only had the night been a success, I enjoyed watching Ash subtly put Mia in her place, and if my feelings were anything but platonic with Ash, tonight pretty much cemented I was into him, big time.
Forty-five minutes later, as I was lying in bed. My phone went off, and I couldn’t help but smile at seeing Ash’s text.
Ashton: Go out with me next weekend.
Stunned, I read and reread his message.
Ashton: I already cleared it with Jax. If that is what you are worried about.
I couldn’t help but laugh; he asked my big brother’s permission.
Me: How’d that go?
Ashton: After he threatened to break every bon
e in my face if I hurt you, he said yes.
Me: He didn’t!
Ashton: You’re right, he didn’t, not in those words, but I think he was beginning to catch.
Me: ok...
Ashton: I’m serious! So, what do you say? Put a man out of his misery and have dinner with me?
Me: ok
Ashton: I will pick you up at seven, Saturday.
Me: I am looking forward to it.
Ashton: So am I...
I was going on a date with Ashton Wright! I couldn’t believe it. I quickly sent a text to Lucy to tell her about my date, and as I waited for her to respond, I checked my e-mail.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tues 9/17/19 11:45 pm
Subject:
Ella,
Congratulations on the success of the gallery opening. I had no doubt your dreams would come true. But please, before you get in deeper, stay away from Ashton. He has a revolving door of women; you would just be another notch on his bedpost, Ella. Nothing good would come out of it. He will stab you in the back the first chance he got. I am trying to protect you, as your friend. I hope you listen to me.
Preston
The anger I felt reading the words Preston wrote was indescribable. Up until this point, I had left his e-mails unanswered. But tonight, I couldn’t anymore. As my friend? He was delusional.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wed 9/18/19 1:15 am
Subject: re:
Preston,
I am only going to do say this once: stay out of my business. You, of all people, have no right to get involved in who I spend my time with. As for Ashton, he has been nothing but nice and honest to me. Maybe you should take a page from his book. Friend? You haven’t been my friend in over six months. Don’t pretend to be one now.