Then, There's Love (Revealing)

by Rena Manse

She couldn’t kid herself. Neither was she.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  “So what did she say when you asked?” Kavin’s question hit a nerve.

  Aaron rubbed the side of his face and considered it as he plucked the phone off of speaker to hold at his ear. “She called me a perverted freak while screaming somewhere along the jackhammer of sixty decibels.”

  “Ooh…no…ouch.”

  “Yeah.” Live with that on your conscience.

  A soft chuckle mocked him through the line. “She didn’t call fire and brimstone to toast your sorry behind. We owe her, don’t mess her up.” All the way from his visit with the rest of the board of directors in New Orleans, Kavin’s warning came as clear as if he’d glared him in the eye. As well as Kavin knew him, he thought it necessary to lay a warning about the woman and not the situation?

  “Just assure everyone it’s a done deal, and get up here to start on the paperwork.”

  He couldn’t deny that Ashley sacrificed a lot to go forward, particularly since Val and half of The Hamptons believed his readiness to settle down. He’d have to ensure Val’s peace of mind. Make it look authentic. No wandering back to willing female companionship in the next few months. He wouldn’t risk her getting upset again anytime soon.

  It was doable. He’d suffered through weekly trips to church. Suffer seemed too strong a word. The messages and songs were okay. And when he called, the pastor had conspicuously scheduled their condensed marriage counseling sessions around the various midweek and weekend service times.

  “Remind me whose idea this was again,” he groaned.

  “Pathetic. You let the cat out of the bag by arguing in front of Grandma Rae.”

  He didn’t want to put the blame on Ashley. “Whatever happened to ‘We, the Board, take responsibility for—’”

  Kavin’s laugh rang through, “On your own time, cous. You’ve got a heat-seeking missile ready to detonate when you push the wrong buttons. I’m not touching that one. I don’t know how you two stand to be in the same room.”

  When Aaron moaned, Kavin let out a curious note and Aaron didn’t know if he wanted to ask what it was about.

  “Tell me, Aaron. Why don’t you sound like you want to get rid of her? I know looks only take a woman so far in your book, but you almost sound…happy?”

  “Don’t start.”

  “You like her. Do you hear yourself? I think you’re falling a bit in love.”

  “I’m not close to loving anybody.”

  Exaggerating, Kavin cleared his throat. “Okay. I have a theory. To be in love is how the other person makes you feel, and you’re sounding all mushy like you’re liking it behind your complaining. To love someone is about how the other person feels. You want to make them happy, give them everything. Keep them safe. Am I ringing any bells?”

  The bells were ringing too close to home. “For a man I’m about to make a motion to vote off the board in the next few minutes, you’re talking very bold.”

  Kavin laughed. “Such a baby. Hey, they’ve arrived. Meeting’s about to start.”

  Aaron checked his watch and punched the phone back on speaker. Revealing’s board consisted of his uncle Blake, his aunt Birdie from his grandfather’s side, and Kavin’s sister, Esmie. It felt strange delivering updates on his impending marriage, particularly since the last time he saw his intended she looked like he made her skin crawl.

  He mumbled through the next hour and a half, while he shot out emails to his assistants to handle different aspects covered. Once he hung up, he looked around his sometimes-office, and wondered if he should prop a photo of Ashley at the corner of his desk as he’d seen others do. He scoffed at the idea, stood, and buttoned his suit jacket, ready to meet the team of lawyers downstairs.

  Maureen, one of the designers in the bridal boutique, brushed back her dark hair. Ashley guessed mid-thirties, no wedding bands to speak of, but Maureen would be the one to bring her wedding gown to life. Right. So the short conversation they’d had would give the woman a feel for her personality? And then what? Presto, dress?

  Ashley flipped a page in the sample book. I don’t even know what I want, how’s this woman supposed to? Thankfully, Maureen gave them space to peruse the catalogue. Ashley glanced over at Val smiling through her own catalogue of glamorous ideas. Ashley ignored the book, more enthralled by another customer and, presumably, the young woman’s mother discussing the style of dress she desired.

  It should be her mother sitting here discussing gowns and preparations.

  “Look who’s here,” Val piped up, focusing on someone behind Ashley.

  She turned and caught sight of Essie drifting through the outside door, and quickly kicking off her shoes, eyes full of question.

  “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw you two walk in here,” Essie whispered, glancing around the quiet space as if expecting someone else to emerge from the dressing rooms. “I was having coffee across the street.” She glanced at the book in Ashley’s lap. “Searching for a dress?”

  “Hi.” Relief and dread alternated for dominance. “Yes.” She flipped a portfolio page, and glanced at more designs on the walls. “When faced with such a vast selection I don’t know what I want.”

  “You’re getting married? Congratulations. I didn’t know.” Essie’s tone rang sincere yet confused eyes darted to Val.

  “Aren’t you going to tell her, Ashley?” Val put in after a short, uncomfortable silence.

  Dumping the thick book on a side table, and standing, she couldn’t believe what she was about to do. “Uh, Essie, Aaron and I are getting married.”

  Essie’s face dropped, then a half scream, half squeak escaped from her throat. Squeezing Ashley in her arms she grunted, clearly not caring that she disturbed the quiet of the boutique. “You’re. Not. Serious. I don’t believe it, Aaron’s getting married? Aahhh! Aaron’s getting married! Did I miss the announcement in the societies?”

  “We’re keeping it low key.”

  “Then my lips are sealed. Wow. It’s sudden.”

  Ashley shrugged, heading into the truthful spiel Aaron made her recite. “Our other relationships didn’t work out. We knew what we needed, and something had to happen sooner or later. You know Aaron, no sense in waiting,” she added, her face muscles aching in her smile.

  “Well, I knew there was something going on with you. I just didn’t know it was this serious. We have to celebrate. When’s the big day?”

  “Next Saturday.”

  “Next Saturday? Aaron’s really not standing on ceremony for the ceremony.”

  “Family only.” If Val hadn’t sent Essie an invitation for the engagement she wanted that corrected. “We’re having an engagement party this coming Saturday for everyone. I want you to come. But, please don’t let on. The announcement’s a surprise. We want everyone to find out at the same time.”

  “Okay. I must take you shopping, or out to lunch, or something. No, don’t object. You’re the best thing that’s happened to a wonderful friend of mine.”

  Ashley relaxed in a laugh. “Sure, I’d like that very much.”

  “Since you’ll be staying here permanently,” Essie drawled, “You’ll have absolutely no excuse not to come over for dinner after you’re settled in. Ooh. You must visit me sometime when I’m on location.” Essie’s eyes slid to Maureen returning. “I’ll let you finish your business. Here’s my cell.” A blue business card was efficiently whipped out and held out to her. “Call for lunch. Call for anything. I mean it.”

  Valerie intercepted the card. “You two can do lunch tomorrow if you’re free.”

  “I’ll come over. Be there at one?” She barely waited for Ashley’s weak nod. “Okay, see you tomorrow.” Essie flashed a smile at Val and winked at Ashley before the tropical storm followed her out the door.

  Ashley thought it strange that the lightning whip effects of Essie had been the highlight of her day.

  After returning home, the two women had a light lunch before Val went for
a nap. Once the casts came off tomorrow, bathing and changing would be the only things required of Ashley. How conveniently timed for Aaron that her work would be done in a few weeks, and she wouldn’t be allowed to set foot inside the US as immigration finalized her paperwork.

  Ashley roamed the kitchen. Janet’s grocery shopping schedule left her free to raid the fridge for a snack. Did she want fruit, cold pasta, or the tempting chocolate cake at the back?

  “You just ate and you know you’ll never fit into that dress.” She sliced off a huge chunk of cake and stared at it.

  Worried about her complexion? Her pride? Her beautiful, snug-fitting wedding gown that they were bringing in another famous designer to create? Yes, that gown. She didn’t want any bulges on the most important day of her life. No matter what, it was a wedding gown and she wanted to look stunning.

  She plucked a fork from the magnetic holder and sat on one of the barstools that lined the huge island. Scooping a piece of cake into her mouth, she watched the silent television and changed the channel. Her leg bounced in restlessness. Nerves? Depression. Eat more.

  She watched for a few minutes. Not interesting. Bored now. Eat more.

  As she rinsed her plate, her eyes misted. She would marry Aaron, a man who saw her as nothing more than another paper file. This shouldn’t be happening.

  Fanning her face, she stepped outside for a walk, but no sooner had she closed the kitchen door than she heard the house telephone ring. In her indecision, it rang several times. To satisfy her curiosity she raced back inside, but stubbed her toe on the kitchen stoop in the process.

  Sprouting hot tears, a nasty attitude, pain, and sweat, she snatched up the receiver with a whispered, “Hello,” between gritted teeth.

  “Ashley, what’s wrong?”

  Aaron? She went through all that for him? “I stubbed my toe.”

  “You...?” His gruff voice transformed to a softer tone. “It took so long for you to answer the phone, and then you sounded…” She practically heard his smile. “You stubbed your toe?”

  She smiled back through the phone. “Don’t make fun. I’m in pain.”

  “I know. It must be awful.”

  She envisioned him on the other end of the line, nestled in a cushioned chair used to housing his frame, maybe rubbing his head to stroke away stress before spearheading the rest of his demanding afternoon. He was smiling and relaxing with her. This man, the biggest business transaction of her life.

  “How’s Grandmother?”

  She wiped a wet streak from her face with her free hand and pressed the receiver closer as she sniffled. “Fine. She’s sleeping.” He should know that routine by now. She checked her watch.

  “How are you?”

  The foreign question stumped her. I’m shaken up. Worried. On edge. Frantic. Scared. Paranoid. I wish you could hold me. She relayed all of these to him, more or less coherently, minus the need to be held, comforted, rocked. The air waves hummed with tension.

  “I never meant for anyone to get hurt in all of this,” he said.

  “I know.”

  “And I never meant to trap you in—”

  “I know, Aaron.”

  “Yeah.” His uneven breathing sent his conflict through the earpiece. “Everybody wins in the end. That’s what we want, isn’t it?”

  Stop making it sound as if she had a choice. As long as her family was protected from any knowledge of her marriage she would win. She didn’t know why she opened her mouth otherwise. “I went dress shopping today. Picked one.”

  He chuckled. “I’m sure it’s beautiful.”

  “Yep. But of course I won’t describe it since you can’t see it until the wedding day.”

  “I can be relentless. Think you can hold the secret that long?”

  “Well, I can hold Val for ransom until you rethink trying to find out.”

  “Hmm.”

  She laughed at his musing tone. “You are so bad.”

  Aaron cleared his throat. “That’s great. Yeah, Ashley. I have to go. Lynda and I have to prep some papers. They’ll be a lot for you to go through when I get back.”

  A woman’s voice called him from the background before the line clicked and buzzed in her ear. She stared at it. His attitude had seemed genuine, and then he brushed her off? She felt lost in someone else’s world. She couldn’t wait to get back to her own.

  Slamming down the phone, she reached for cake.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  By the following afternoon, Ashley’s tilt-a-whirl had righted. She burst out in laughter as she stared at her lunch date wearing near-identical skinny jeans and a plain, white t-shirt.

  “Ha. My twin,” Essie squawked . She dropped her large bag in a nearby chair and planted her hands on her hips. “How about we take a walk on the beach later and pretend we’re models?”

  Ashley hooked her hands in her back pockets, struck a modelesque pose, and spoke in a deep, breathy voice. “I’ll bring my big shades so no one recognizes me.” Straightening, she waved her arm as she closed the door. “Cold drinks are out back. What’s your poison?”

  “Water will do for now.”

  They made themselves comfortable under the sun umbrella while Janet finished preparing their lunch.

  Esther loosed her hair from a short, high pony-tail while eyeing Ashley. “You know. I’m very happy that Aaron’s decided to settle down. I didn’t want him stuck in a rut anymore.”

  A rut? “You mean Jade?”

  The other woman drummed her fingernails on the table. “Let me tell you something. Jade loves herself. And I’m glad he’s put an end to it. They’d never have a serious relationship. I don’t know what kind of man can keep her satisfied, but I’m sure Aaron would have put an end to it sooner or later.”

  Aaron give up his philandering ways? Well, he really wasn’t a jerk. He was a nice and sensitive, protective of his family, strong, powerful…jerk. Ashley tried to appear relaxed in her chair. She delighted in Essie’s company, and fought any hint of jealousy, fearing the kind, concerned words meant her new-found friend and her fiancé probably knew each other in intimate ways.

  Janet returned with quiche and salads as Ashley grasped for safe conversation. “Val says she’s kicking me out of the house next week, and that I can’t return until I’ve had a thorough experience at her spa. Mani, pedi, facial, legs, massage, the works. Are you in?”

  “Pampering me is one of the things I do best. It’ll be just in time to go to Atlanta with Jonathan.”

  “Atlanta?”

  “We’re leaving Thursday morning. Back on Saturday.”

  “Atlanta.” Huh. He’d never taken her anywhere.

  Essie laughed lightly. “He’s so sweet. I can’t believe I stereotyped estate managers as boring bean counters. I’d seen him around since I moved here a few years ago, but never took the opportunity to get to know him. Not that my schedule allows much room for nurturing relationships unless my partner is willing to travel to meet me on location.”

  Ashley watched the bright smile fall in horror.

  “Ashley. I didn’t know about you and him. I thought you were dating Aaron, and that Jade hung around for old time’s sake. Believe me, it wouldn’t have been the first time. It’s all about being on the A-list around here. You can’t get rid of anybody.” She looked away with a shy flutter of her lashes, then settled confused eyes on Ashley. “When I called you Aaron’s girlfriend and introduced you around, neither of you objected.”

  Essie’s introductions as his ‘friend’ and her ‘being with Aaron’ didn’t mean anything. The word girlfriend had slipped out twice, but at those times, her figure had been scanned within a millimeter of precision, and she’d welcomed anything to ward them off. “People will believe what they want.”

  “I mentioned something about a girlfriend to Jonathan, and he looked…” Esther covered her face and spoke into her hands. “It’s such a big mess I helped cause. I hope you can forgive me.” Her face creased with worry when she looked at
Ashley. “Someone told me Aaron had a new woman they’d met at Valerie’s birthday party. Then I met you at the restaurant. Mirro’s? You go to Mirro’s for two reasons, Chef Pierre’s food, and privacy. As in privacy.”

  And Aaron had booked a private room in front of her. Ashley trained her smile on Essie.

  “At my party when you went to the restroom, people in the group started talking. That’s when Jonathan came in. I took his expression as shock that Aaron found a nice woman. Ahh. Really, that was no way for him to find out.” Her croak entertained Ashley.

  “We had a great time, but it wasn’t a deep relationship.”

  “He speaks highly of you. Still, I felt like a tramp when he told me. I didn’t know how to face you. I thought you’d even come after me like a caddy housewife with knives and torture tweezers.”

  Despite the circumstance, Ashley laughed. When Jonathan had called the next day, she’d steered the conversation about how he and Esther made a wonderful couple. She had later faced her cowardice and taken his displeasure as much as he’d taken responsibility for slipping out of their relationship. Though they accepted each other’s apology, hurt and regret gouged a hole in her ego.

  “Essie, Jonathan and I talked about it and we were wrong about how we handled it, but now we’re fine. You and I are fine.”

  “You’re so understanding. Don’t let this place change you. But…why didn’t you say anything at my party?”

  Because I wanted to get away. The thought flipped to the forefront of her mind before she had a chance to filter. She’d had a great lunch with Aaron that day, enjoyed being around him. And Jonathan? He’d given her one last chance for a relationship on his yacht. She should have seen it. Ashley’s heart raced and she shook her head, choosing not to answer Essie’s question.

  “Ashley, I’ve been waiting for a chance to make it up to you.”

  “It’s over. If anything, I’d have him to blame, and him me. Our friendship…” She waved between her and Essie. “… started on its own. And it’s all right.”