“Listen, he can change his plea to not guilty, but there isn’t a competent judge who’ll grant him bail.”
“You don’t know for sure, Justin. An hour ago, I believed he would remain locked behind bars for life. If he gets out, he’ll find me.”
“Ava, he doesn’t know where you are. You’re not on social media, and I’ve been careful not to post anything about you. There’s no way he can find you.”
“Unless Scott tells him, and it won’t be a big leap for him to know I’m with you.”
“Let’s say he figures out you are now living in San Diego. I’m here to protect you. He’ll never get the upper hand again.”
“I know.”
“I can hire around the clock protection if you like.”
Tears formed in her eyes. “When you’ve been stalked, you never let your guard down. Even years later, there’s always this fear in the back of your mind you can’t turn off.” She shook her head, followed by a sharp exhale. “The worst part, I never thought Brandon would be responsible for those familiar feelings. He allowed his unhealthy obsession for me to destroy him.”
“It seems he couldn’t adjust to life without you.”
“For a long time, I blamed myself for his inability to let go because of the way I turned down his proposal. But, being with him again a second time opened my eyes. He’s always been an intense person who loved hard. It made me feel smothered and restricted in our relationship.”
“I think it’s because you never wanted to be with him, you settled into a relationship with him. Just like when you thought I had left you, you settled with him again. So, now you equate those feelings of smothering with the idea of marriage.”
“Not true.”
“It is, babe. You believe if we get married, you’ll become stifled by the marriage.”
She lowered her eyes. “There might be some truth to that assessment.”
“Just remember that I am nothing like your psycho ex. I will never hurt you, and if we should ever part ways, I’ll never coerce you to be with me. I am completely in love with you, but if you one day feel our relationship is not what you want, I will walk away.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes, but it’ll never come to that because our relationship doesn’t compare to the one you had with him.”
“Not even close.”
He kissed her soft lips and placed his arms around her. “We should fly your mother down for a visit.”
She wiggled out of his arms. “You’re kidding, right? With everything that’s happening with your dad, now is not the time for her interference.”
“I won’t push. Just think about it.”
She smiled and pat his knee. “You’re good, Mr. Harrington.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was upset after my phone call with the chief, and you cleverly steered the subject to marriage.”
“There’s no point in getting yourself all upset over what might happen. I doubt if Brandon gets out of jail. I’ll make a call to the DA to get a status of the case.”
She wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his chest. “Thank you. You always know exactly what to say.” She lifted her head and wiped her eyes. “What happened with Dr. Meyers?”
He told her everything he and Tom discussed.
“I’m surprised he agreed to help. What’s next?”
“We wait to hear from him.”
“And Lindsey?”
“I’m sure by now, she’s told my father what I know. I expect to hear from him soon with an explanation. I’ll play it cool and hear him out. I want him completely blindsided by what’s in store.”
Chapter Nineteen
Ava took Justin’s advice and invited a friend for a visit. Instead of her mother, as he’d suggested, she invited Meghan. Tess was her first choice, but when Ava called, she said she couldn’t get away because Scott needed her. She could hear the turmoil in her friend’s voice and wished she could be there for her. It’s sad that one night months ago had changed the dynamics of their friendship.
“What time does Meg’s plane arrive?” asked Justin, he entered the kitchen dressed in a navy and white Nike tracksuit.
“It landed thirty-minutes ago. I arranged for a car to bring her to the house.”
Justin grabbed his aluminum water bottle from the fridge and kissed her cheek. “I’m meeting Chase at the gym. Will I see you guys later?”
“Yep, we’ll be here. Maybe the three of us could go out to dinner tonight.”
“Sounds good.”
Ava continued to prepare the house for Meghan’s arrival. First, she spruced up the bedroom on the far end of the upper level that provided a stunning view of the morning sunrise. Next, she placed an array of sliced fruit on the center of the table overlooking the pool, along with a chill bottle of Chardonnay. She then entered the kitchen and stood in deep thought of what to do next. That’s when the ding of her phone notification had gone off. She checked her phone, and it was the security camera on the privacy gate. It was Meghan. She pressed the button on her phone to open the gate and ran towards the front door. Within seconds, she stood on the driveway full of excitement like a giddy kid. She watched as the blacked-out SUV stopped and the driver emerged from the car. He nodded towards Ava, who ran over to open the passenger side door. Meghan immediately stepped out, and the two women hugged. Ava broke the embrace to comment on Meghan’s hair. “What’s this about?” She touched a strand of her hair.
“I wanted a change,” grinned Meghan.
“Platinum blonde looks good on you.” It was a drastic change from her long dark tresses, but it complemented her green eyes well. “How was your flight?”
“Good. I’m sure it would’ve been better if I’d flown private.” She laughed.
“Hey, first class is nothing to complain about.”
“I’m just kidding. I’m so happy to be here with you and Justin. Is he here?”
“You’ll see him later. He’s at the gym right now. Would you like a tour of the house?”
“Of course, I do.”
Ava tipped the driver after he placed Meghan’s three suitcases in the foyer. She then led Meghan around the first level of the house. She wore the same awe expression on her face as she did when she’d first arrived. Ava ended the tour on the back terrace. Meghan placed three slices of honeydew melon on a plate while Ava poured the wine into two stemless wine glasses.
“Girl, this is some life you’re living out here,” she said followed by a sip of her white wine.
“It’s different. I’m still getting used to it. Justin refers to everything as ours and that’s sweet of him, but…”
“You want something of your own.”
“I do.” She tossed a strawberry into her mouth. “I know you heard about Brandon.”
“Tess mentioned it, but I didn’t want to bring it up.”
“Justin contacted the district attorney’s office. They said they will fight any request for bail. In the meantime, I won’t worry about it until I have to. Right now, there is so much drama between Justin and his dad. Then there’s Lindsey.”
“What about her?”
Ava finished her wine in three gulps before filling Meghan in on everything that had transpired within the past few days. Meghan sat speechless for a few moments. “I can’t believe Justin’s own father slept with his ex, got her pregnant, tried to bribe you with a one-million-dollar payday, and all because of a drug he wants approved by the FDA.”
“Twisted, huh?”
“What is Justin going to do?”
“He has something in the works I can’t talk about just yet.” Ava bit down on a slice of melon.
“I understand. I still can’t get over she slept with someone old enough to be her dad.”
“I can! One billion reasons why.”
They both laughed in unison.
Ava checked her phone and noticed a text from Justin. “Your favorite guy has a stop to make and then he’ll be home.�
��
Meghan smiled. “I can’t wait to see him. Please tell me he has a friend who’s single.”
“There are some nice-looking men at his company.”
Meghan shook her head. “I’m not talking about an employee. Rich people always hang with other equally rich people. I’m asking about a friend like that.”
“There’s Chase.” Ava grinned at the possibility of her friend hooking up with Justin’s best friend.
“Ooh, Chase.” Her eyes lit up. “Tell me more.”
“I know nothing about his bank account, but he was Justin’s college roommate. He’s a business analyst, handsome, not sure if he’s single. If he is, I would say he’s your type.”
“And what is my type?”
“Justin.” Ava laughed. “Seriously, he’s a nice guy.”
“I can’t wait to meet him.”
The women spent the next hour catching up and eventually moving into the kitchen to fill their stomachs with more than wine and fruit. Both stood with the refrigerator door wide open, eying two slices of strawberry cheesecakes hidden behind a carton of milk and a container of orange juice. “Justin is saving the slices for tomorrow. He likes to eat them while he binges on Netflix.”
“Surely, he wouldn’t mind if we shared one and left him the other,” said Meghan.
“I don’t know. He can be territorial over his desserts.”
“Oh, really!”
They both turned in unison as the refrigerator door shut behind them. Justin stood with a grin on his face. He held a bouquet of lavender roses in one hand and a recycled grocery bag in the other.
“This is for you.” He extended the flowers towards Ava. “From the territorial guy,” he said.
She smiled as she brought the roses to her nose. “You know what I meant.”
“I’m joking with you.” He kissed her cheek before turning his attention to Meghan. “And this is for you.” He handed her the recycled grocery bag.
She looked inside. “Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.”
“I devoured yours when you opened your home to me, so I’m returning the favor.”
“Thank you.” She placed the two pint-sized cartons in the freezer.
“What’s up with the new hair color?” asked Justin.
“Just trying something new,” said Meghan.
“I had the same reaction. I think it looks good on her.” Ava placed the flowers in a pink glass vase. “Where did you find lavender flowers? I’ve never seen this color before.”
“I stopped by a new flower shop down the street from the gym. Those stood out the moment I stepped into the store. The florist said lavender roses are a sign of love at first sight or the feeling of enchantment.”
“Really?” asked Ava, her words dripping with doubt.
“I swear. I’m not making it up.”
Ava narrowed her eyes with a half-smile on her face.
“He’s not making it up, Ava. According to Google, that’s exactly what it means.” She turned her phone towards her.
“Anyway ladies, I made dinner reservations for seven. I would like to leave no later than six.”
“We’re going out to dinner?” asked Meghan. “I didn’t pack anything suitable for a fancy dinner.”
“It’s very casual. You know, jeans and a nice shirt,” said Justin.
“That I can do. If you both will excuse me, I’ll go up and get a nap in. I’ll set an alarm to be ready on time.”
Ava moved the crystal vase with flowers to the table in the foyer. Justin followed behind. “Don’t say anything, but I invited Chase to dinner.”
She widened her eyes and twisted her lips into a crooked smile. “Are you playing matchmaker?”
“I told him you had a friend visiting, and he asked about her. After I told him she was sweet, has a good personality, and before she changed her hair color, I’d said she was brunette. He has a thing for dark-haired women. Anyway, he asked if I would make an introduction, so I invited him out with us.”
“That’s funny, because she asked if you had any single friends, and I brought up Chase.”
“Do you think they’ll hit it off?”
“We’ll find out tonight.”
∞∞∞
“You never said where we’re going,” said Ava. She and Justin were in the downstairs foyer waiting on their house guest.
“It’s a casual seafood restaurant near Pacific Beach. You’ll like it.”
She looked Justin over and he was incredibly handsome in a pair of slim-fit blue jeans and short sleeve polo styled button-down shirt. He grew in his beard, which she thought made him even more handsome. She opted to wear a white miniskirt with a one-shoulder pink floral top. Her hair was in a slick high ponytail that revealed her diamond teardrop earrings.
“We really should get going.” He flicked his wrist and glanced at his watch.
“I’ll go see what’s keeping her.” Ava placed her hand on the banister, but before she took another step, she saw Meghan descending the spiral staircase. As she approached, Ava frowned at her choice of clothing. She wore baggy torn jeans, and a faded t-shirt. “Meghan, he said to dress casual, not homeless.”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Her eyes pleaded with Justin.
Ava turned to him. He lifted his hands in the air. “I’m staying out of this,” he said.
Knowing this was more than a dinner for three, she had to convince Meghan to change her clothes without letting on Chance would be there. “This would work back home in Atlanta. But out here in Cali, this won’t fly.” Ava said to Meghan before stepping closer to Justin. “All I need is five minutes. Promise.”
“Hurry.” He grimaced.
Ava grabbed Meghan’s hand and raced to her room. “Do you have any jeans that aren’t baggy?”
Meghan sifted through the pile of clothes on the bed. “I have these.” She held up a pair of black skinny jeans.
“Perfect. Put that on.” Ava tossed a stack of t-shirts aside until she found a grayish silver halter top that projected a slight shimmer underneath the light. “Wear this.”
“This isn’t casual.” She frowned.
“Trust me. You’ll thank me later.”
“What about my hair? Does it meet your approval?”
Her blonde ringlets brushed across her shoulder with a wisp of a bang above her eyebrows. “It’s perfect.”
The ladies rushed downstairs where Justin held the front door open for them. Thirty minutes later, they arrived at a popular seafood eatery that had a line outside the building. Luckily, Justin reserved a table so they wouldn’t be one of many unlucky patrons waiting for a seat. The hostess seated them near the live band who played Latin music. They sat at a rectangular table with Ava and Justin on one side and Meghan across from them.
“I’m waiting on one more guest, Mr. Bennett,” said Justin to the hostess.
“Of course, Mr. Harrington. I’ll bring your guest over as soon as he arrives. Would you like the waiter to take your drink order now or wait for your guest?”
“I rather wait, thank you.”
“Who is Mr. Bennett?” asked Meghan.
“Just a business associate.”
“I’m glad I changed clothes. Everyone here is pretty dressed up for a casual place,” she said, as her eyes scanned the room.
“I learned quickly what we consider casual differs vastly from Justin’s interpretation,” said Ava.
“What are you saying?” he asked.
“You know I’m teasing.” She leaned over to kiss his lips.
“Oh, you two, get a room,” said a male voice.
She and Justin looked over, and Chase stood over the vacant chair beside Meghan. “Glad you finally made it,” said Justin.
“I don’t have to tell you about the traffic,” he said sitting. “Hello Ava, how have you been?”
“Fine, thank you.” She glanced at Meghan, who’s eyes bounced around the table in confusion.
“Chase Bennett, I would li
ke for you to meet Meghan Dawson a dear friend of ours.”
Meghan smiled. “Hi, nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” said Chase.
Seconds later, the waiter approached the table to take their drink order. After Ava placed her order, she checked her phone for an incoming text message.
WTF? You could’ve told me. Ava looked over at Meghan and greeted her smirk with a smile.
What do you think? Yay or Nay?
Yay! He’s beyond HOT!
Ava smiled to herself as she put her phone away.
“Meghan, how long are in town?” asked Chase.
“Just for the weekend,” she responded.
“Long enough to get into trouble, huh?”
“Depends on your definition of trouble,” she said with a naughty smirk.
Chase shot Justin a wide-eyed grin and brought his glass of whiskey sour to his lips. The foursome continued to engage in small talk until their food arrived. Chase shared more about his job as a business analyst and how he recently broke into the international market. Meghan mentioned how ecstatic she was to be back in school, and it was the best decision she’s made. She thanked Ava for convincing her to do so.
“Justin said you played a huge part in helping him hide from the police,” said Chase to Meghan.
She smiled at Justin. “I think I was one of many people who helped with clearing his name.”
“Meghan is being modest,” said Ava. “She knew Justin through me. She didn’t have a personal relationship with him, yet she opened her home with no questions asked. Few people would have done that.”
“It’s true, Meg,” added Justin. “We both will be forever grateful to you. I’m now learning its friends you can count on more than your family.”
Ava placed her hand over his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s unfortunate but true.”
“Hey, no talk of backstabbing family members, deranged exes, or plots of revenge. We’re all here for a good time,” said Chase. He leaned closer to Meghan’s ear. “Do you wanna dance?”
She threw her white napkin on the table and placed her hand in his. He swept her off to the dance floor to the sound of salsa music that filled the room.
“I think they’ve hit it off,” said Justin.
Deceived by You Page 11
