Deceived by You

by Marilyn Williams

  Chapter Four

  “What about this one?” Ava stood before Justin in a red sheath dress that stopped right above her knees.

  “It’s just as nice as the last one,” he said, knotting his tie in the bedroom mirror.

  “Oh, you’re no help!” Ava retreated to the dressing room. An oversized closet that could be its own separate room. She shimmied out of the dress and browse through her remaining options.

  Justin followed behind, stopping in the doorway. “Babe, you’ve tried on five outfits. Why the nerves?”

  She turned to him with her face contorted in an are you serious expression. “You do realize I’m meeting your father, right? He’s throwing this entire dinner to meet me specifically.”

  “Okay, I’ll help quell your anxiety.” He moved beside her and sorted through her hanging clothes. “Here. This one is perfect.” He removed a black dress with a sheer neckline and sleeves.

  “Are you sure?” It was a dress she’d bought last year that she’d never worn.

  “Put it on, it’ll be perfect.”

  Justin exited the room while she slipped into the dress. Pairing it with black ankle-strap stilettos. “I think this will work,” she said, stepping into the bedroom.

  “You look breathtaking as always.” He stepped forward and kissed her cheek.

  “Thanks for the help. I only need a minute to touch-up my makeup.”

  “I’ll wait downstairs.”

  After applying a tad bit of blush to the apples of her cheeks and smoothing down her bone straight hair, the couple set off to Christopher Harrington’s dinner party. Ava sat on the passenger side and focused her attention on the twinkling lights in the distance. It helped settle the nerves in the pit of her stomach. She hadn’t shared with Justin her fear of meeting his father. Although she’d told him many times, she was comfortable and ready, it was not the complete truth. Ava wondered to herself if he would blame her for what happened to his son. She closed her eyes to help ease her turbulent nerves. Her hand rested on her abdomen, and she inhaled a breath. A slight comfort pierced through her anxiety as Justin placed his hand on her thigh. She opened her eyes and turned towards him. Her uneasy smile met his comforting gaze.

  “You’ll see there’s no reason to fret,” he said.

  They arrived at the gates of the country club community where a guard waved Justin through. Like their neighborhood, all the homes sat far back from the street behind privacy gates. After driving a mile downhill, they turned into a driveway with stately black iron gates with a large golden H in the center. Justin rolled down his window and entered a code into a keypad. The gates crept opened, and what sat behind it lit Ava’s eyes.

  To describe the home as massive would be inadequate. The driveway alone was comparable to a mid-size parking lot. She sat speechless as her eyes marveled at the lighted circular water fountain. Its fourteen separate jets propelled water into the air in varying degrees.

  Justin parked the car and dashed towards the passenger’s side door. Ava held her black clutch bag close as her heels hit the rectangular gray stone pavers. She linked her arm with his, and they proceeded to the front entrance. “Is this your childhood home?” she asked.

  “The one and only.”

  “And now your father lives here alone?”

  “It’s just him and the staff.”

  Justin moved forward, but Ava squeezed his arm to halt his motion. “Exactly how wealthy is your family?”

  “Well, I told you my father runs the family pharmaceutical company.”

  “Right, and I assumed his net worth would be comparable to yours at fifty to seventy million dollars.”

  “That’s the money I earned on my own. My family is worth much more.”

  Ava narrowed her eyes, unamused at his evasive answers. “So, are we talking about one or two hundred million dollars?”

  A hint of a smirk appeared on his face, as if her assumption amused him. “Try billions.”

  Her mouth fell open, not sure if she heard him correctly. “Billion with a B?”

  He nodded his head.

  She moved a single step backward and crossed her arms. “Why would you keep that from me?”

  “Because of this reaction.” He pointed towards her. “I didn’t want to be prejudge because of my family’s net worth.”

  Ava expelled an exasperated sigh. “I understand keeping the truth to yourself when we first met, but why not later?”

  “You’re uncomfortable with the money I have. Now imagine if I would have told you about my family.”

  “Justin, I would never judge you. I only wished you didn’t feel the need to keep something so important from me.”

  “Let’s get inside. I’m sure everyone is waiting.”

  The couple stepped inside the fifteen bedroom and twelve bath home, a tidbit Justin shared with Ava as James, his father’s butler, escorted them inside. Ava stood in awe at the high architecture ceilings and the detail of the ornate white wall paneling. At the end of the foyer, a table of picture frames caught her eye. She turned to ask Justin about it, but he was engaged in a conversation with James. She slipped towards the table, admiring the photos encased in silver frames that resembled decorative art pieces. Each frame etched in its own unique motif. Several were typical family photos. One was of a woman and two young boys. Ava gathered the woman had to be Corrine Harrington, and the boys were Justin and Jack. Her finger trailed along the wooden table, stopping at a photo of a teenager with the words, Remembering You, etched beneath the photo. Ava lifted the heavy frame to get a closer look.

  “Aw, what do you have there?”

  She peered over her shoulder and found Justin beaming over her. “Are you perusing our family photos?” he asked.

  “This one caught my eye. The photo of…”

  “There’s the couple of the hour!”

  She and Justin turned in unison. Christopher Harrington greeted them right away. “Dad, I would like for you to meet Ava.”

  Ava placed the photo back onto the table and stepped forward with a smile. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Harrington.” She extended her hand. She now knew where Justin received his handsome looks. His father could be Justin’s much older twin. Complete with salt and pepper hair, blue eyes, and tall, muscular body.

  Christopher clutched Ava’s hand into a firm handshake. “Just Chris, please. It’s nice to meet the woman who has given my son another reason to breath another day. His words, not mine.” He chuckled.

  His father’s engaging personality immediately put Ava at ease. She felt foolish for being a nervous wreck. “The feeling is mutual.”

  “Allow me to introduce you to everyone.” Chris led them into a living area where a small group had gathered. Ava right away made eye contact with Nina Brookfield. They’ve had a contentious relationship in the past, but it relieved her to see a familiar face.

  Nina moved closer and stood beside Justin. “Ava, you couldn’t get enough of me in Atlanta, you had to follow me to the other side of the country,” she laughed, in a poor attempt at humor.

  “It’s nice to see you too, Nina,” said Ava.

  Chris’ eyes shifted between the two women. “Oh, how do you two know each other?” he asked.

  “Dad, remember I told you I met Ava through Nina.”

  He narrowed his eyes as if he tried to recall the memory. “Well then, I guess you know Nina’s husband, Dale Brookfield?”

  Ava waved. “Yes, we’ve met before.”

  “And this person here is a family friend, Dr. Thomas Meyers.” Chris patted him on the back. “He’s Tom to everyone here.”

  Ava greeted the doctor with a smile that hadn’t left her face. The corners of her mouth dropped when she noticed he glared at her with a sneer.

  “Everyone, Tom, and I have to step out onto the terrace to discuss a private matter,” said Chris. “Continue to mingle, and dinner will begin in due time.”

  Nina and her husband move towards the corner of the room as Chris and Tom exite
d. “Did you see the look he gave me?” asked Ava.

  “Who?” asked Justin.

  “Dr. Meyers. What do you think that was about?”

  Justin shrugged. “Can’t say.” He looked past Ava’s shoulder, causing her to turn around.

  “Look who finally came home!” said a well-dressed man, who appeared to be the same age as Justin.

  Justin moved towards the man with a wide grin. “My dad never mentioned you would be here.” They greeted each other with a hug.

  “How have you been? Or do I have to ask?” The man looked towards Ava.

  Justin extended his arm towards Ava and moved her closer to his side. “Chase, I would like for you to meet Ava Sinclair.”

  The sparkle of Chase’s teeth pierced through his smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Ava.”

  “This is my best friend and college roommate, Chase Bennett.” He and Justin were the same height at six-one. He wore his sandy brown hair in a short, spiky fade, and unlike Justin, Chase’s face was clean shaven.”

  “Roommate, huh? I bet you can share some stories about this one,” said Ava.

  The guys looked at each other and laughed. “Guy code prohibits me from spilling any secrets.”

  After several moments, Justin’s father re-entered the room and advised everyone dinner was ready to be served. When they entered the dining room, the table was beautifully set with gold plated place cards. Justin held out her chair as she sat between him and Chase. Across the table were Nina and her husband, with Chris and Tom at each end. A group of servers dressed in all black who adorned white gloves delivered the appetizers. Ava stared at the plate of beet and goat cheese that looked more like edible art. She had to resist the urge to take a picture of the elegant plating. Ava glanced at Justin with a smile, and before she could lift her fork, the interrogation she had expected fired her way.

  “Ava, Justin mentioned you work in finance,” said Christopher.

  “That’s correct. To be more exact, I worked under Nina as a Senior Commercial Loan Officer.”

  “And now?” He stared at her as he placed a slice of beet in his mouth.

  “At this moment, I’m settling into life here with your son, while I work to obtain a California broker’s license.”

  The corners of his mouth turned downward as he cocked his head to one side. “Considering you had already established a life in Georgia, it surprises me you relocated here. I know how persuasive Justin can be, but was there another motivation to your decision?”

  She sipped from her glass of ice-cold water. Uncomfortable underneath his gaze. She expected questions, but it almost seemed hostile. “You’re right, I had an established career and life in Atlanta. But, considering all Justin and I had gone through recently, we wanted to start somewhere fresh together.” Ava felt Justin’s hand give a gentle squeeze to her thigh. She knew it was his effort to comfort her.

  “Dad, can we not do this now?”

  “Son, I’m acquainting myself with your girlfriend.”

  She placed a hand on Justin’s shoulder. “It’s fine.”

  “Any chance I can convince you to return to Apex?” asked Nina.

  Ava was thankful for the interruption. “I won’t say never, but right now I’m focused on building my own company.”

  Chase jumped into the conversation and discussed his overseas business dealings as a business analyst. By time dinner was served, Tom Meyers had everyone engrossed by his stories as his time as a heart surgeon. Ava later learned he was now retired.

  As everyone waited for the next course to begin, movement from the hall caught Ava’s attention. Seconds later, a familiar blonde entered the room. “I don’t mean to disrupt dinner,” she said.

  Ava glanced at Justin, who looked pale as a ghost. She leaned closer to his ear. “What is she doing here?”

  “You’ve met her?” He turned towards Ava with his eyes wide.

  “Yeah, she’s the interior designer I met on my walk a few days ago.”

  Justin rose to his feet, and the blonde walked over to Tom and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Sorry, I’m late, daddy.”

  Daddy? Ava’s eyes turned to Justin, who was engaged in a hush-toned conversation with his father. “Why didn’t you tell me you invited her? You knew I would be here with Ava?” She heard him ask.

  Utterly confused by what seemed to be a secret everyone knew except her. Ava backed out of her chair and moved between Justin and his father. “Excuse me, can I speak with you?”

  He raked his hand through his hair. Something he does when he’s irritated. “Can you explain what’s going on? How do you know that woman?”

  “I can answer that.”

  Ava turned, and the blonde was right behind her. “First, allow me to formally introduce myself. I’m Lindsey Meyers.”

  “Why didn’t you formally introduce yourself the other day?”

  “I gave you my card. Did you not read it?”

  Justin moved closer and pulled Ava aside. “I’ll explain everything, but first I must speak with Lindsey privately.”

  “No need,” said Lindsey. “We’re doing this right here in front of everyone, since you’ve been dodging my calls.”

  “What is she talking about?” asked Ava, staring Justin dead in his eyes.

  Chris rose from his chair. “I believe we should give them privacy. Everyone, let’s convene in the next room.”

  After everyone scattered from the room, Ava turned her attention to Justin. “No more shared looks. Tell me right now what in the hell is going on?”

  “Do you want to tell her or shall I?” asked Lindsey.

  Ava eyed them both. “Tell me what?”

  “I’m pregnant,” she blurted.

  Ava’s eyes fell to her stomach. There was a small roundness that could easily be explained as premenstrual bloating. “What does that have to do with Justin?”

  “You’re a smart girl,” she smirked.

  Justin turned towards Ava. “I’d planned to tell you once I knew for sure.”

  Ava scoffed as her jaw tighten. “What are you saying?”

  “I did not cheat on you. I swear!”

  “How far along are you?” she asked Lindsey.

  “Thirteen weeks. We were together before he left for Georgia and again when he returned for a weekend.”

  Ava marched over to the chair where she sat and grabbed her clutch purse. “I need to get out of here. Either you take me home or I’ll find another way to get there.”

  Justin gripped her shoulders. “I did not intend to keep you in the dark. As soon as I knew for sure she was pregnant, I would have told you.”

  “The moment you learned it was a possibility is when you should have told me.”

  “You’re right,” he said, nodding his head. “I should’ve been honest from the start.”

  “Much too late for that.” She brushed past him and quickly exited the room. “Ava! Ava!” She heard him call after her, but she refused to stop or turn around. It wasn’t until she stepped out the front door, he’d caught up with her.

  “You have every right to be upset, but if you let me explain…”

  Not wanting him to see the tears that had formed in her eyes, she moved her gaze downward. Staring at a bush of green shrubs. “I can’t believe you’ve done this to us. I can’t believe I trusted you.”

  He placed his hand beneath her chin, and their eyes met. “You can still trust me. I was with Lindsey before we ever became serious.”

  “I don’t want to talk about this here.”

  He placed her hand in his. “Let’s go home.”

  Chapter Five

  Justin didn’t attempt to explain his actions as Ava remained quiet the entire ride home. The tension between them was thick, and he didn’t want to make it worse. The moment he parked the car in the garage, she jumped out and slammed the door behind her. He followed behind and found her upstairs laid across the bed with a stream of tears falling from her beautiful eyes. She didn’t move when he entered th
e room and sat beside her.

  He remained silent, full of shame and guilt. Not knowing the right words to say, he slid his hand closer to where she laid and stroked her hand with his finger. It was an attempt to comfort her, but it only caused more tears to flow.

  “Ava, I won’t try to excuse withholding Lindsey’s pregnancy from you. It was unacceptable and out of line.”

  She sat up as she wiped her tears. “How long have you known?”

  “The day I visited my father he gave me the news. I didn’t want to believe it, so I pushed it out of my mind until I was ready to speak with her. The constant nonstop calls I’ve received, it’s been, Lindsey.”

  Ava shook her head in obvious irritation and grabbed a tissue from the nightstand. “I have a question, and I need the absolute truth from you.”

  “Full disclosure, I promise.”

  “You were with her before we met. So, did you cheat on her by pursuing me?”

  “Sweetheart, no. Lindsey and I had a casual, non-committal relationship. We dated off and on, but I’ve never considered her a girlfriend.”

  “Does she know that? According to her, you guys were together right before your business trip to Atlanta.” Ava moved across the room, resting her backside against the dresser. “She made it clear you two hooked up on one of your visits home.”

  “We did, but it was before our relationship had become serious.”

  “Really?” Ava questioned with a doubtful expression. “Well, let’s discuss the timeline. When was the last time you had sex with her?”

  Justin stood and moved beside her. In response, she inched away, putting more distance between them. “Can you please answer the question?”

  “Come sit with me.” With obvious reluctance, she allowed him to take her hand and lead her to the sitting area of the bedroom. She sat in the chair while he faced her on the adjacent ottoman. “Let me begin by stating I love you, and I hate I caused those tears in your eyes. I wanted to tell you everything the moment I first learned of Lindsey’s pregnancy, but when I returned home and saw the happiness in your eyes… I couldn’t bring myself to hurt you.”