Aiden stopped dicing. “Aimee, I thought we settled this. Ava cannot come between our friendships.”
“Look, Aiden, we all know your relationship with her is rocky, to say the least. I don’t want to be the reason she starts fights with you.”
“Well you haven’t talked to me, aside from class assignments. We still fight, but that is between me and her. She has no one else to blame. In fact, she is on this kick now that I should do whatever she wants.”
Aimee mixed the lettuce and tomato in a bowl and stirred the meat. Sophia went to get some fresh tortillas for the salad. She text Aimee and said she would be there in about five minutes to finish the taco salad.
Aiden came over and took Aimee around the waist turning her to face him, causing them to star into each other’s eyes. Neither saying a word for a second. Then Aiden stepped back quickly.
“Aimee, I miss having you as my friend. Watching the sunrise is not the same without you. I really miss our long talks. If Ava doesn’t like us being friends, that is her problem, because I am not given up our friendship.”
Aimee smiled. “I miss our friendship too.”
Aiden grabbed her and hugged her.
When Sophia returned, Aimee gave her back the kitchen. She said the others will be there in like thirty minutes.
Aiden joined Aimee at the coffee table in the front room. “What is all this?” He pointed at her mom’s diaries.
“I found this at my dad’s over Christmas Break. They are all dated in the late 80’s.”
“Your mom was still here in the 80’s?”
“Yeah, but even then, she wrote using initials. I am having a horrible time deciphering any of it.”
Aiden looked at the stack. “Which one is the first diary?”
Aimee handed him the first one. “The start date is May 4th, 1986 her 18th birthday.”
Aiden opened the book and Aimee took out the notebook she was using with it. “I’ve been trying to write down the initial and how many times they appear. But it doesn’t make sense to me.”
“Can I read it out loud?” Aiden turned to the first entry.
Aimee nodded.
May 4, 1986,
Today is my 18th birthday. I never thought I would celebrate this day without my dad. He has been gone for nine months now. Mom is doing great; she has really taken charge of the business world. Tonight, AES is throwing my 18th birthday party at MPB. I just pray that MAL does not show up. He ruins everything. Ever since dad has passed on, MAL thinks he can control everything. Mom promised she has managed to keep it a secret and that HAL was going to keep him occupied tonight.
On a good note, RGA is coming and I think he may ask me to be his girlfriend tonight. I will keep you posted.
“Her initials are marked out with a black marker.”
“I know. Does any of those initials make sense?”
“The names could be anything, but let’s do a search on MPB. It could be a club, city, or anything.”
Lexi came through the door and sat beside Aimee. “What are you doing?”
“Reading my mom’s diary.”
Aiden brought her up to speed. “Try beaches, May 4th, the weather is warm enough for a beach party.”
James and Piper entered just as Lexi suggested beaches. “Who is having a beach party on May 4th?”
“No one.” The group yelled for Sophia, just as Colin walked in. Aiden brought everyone up to speed.
“Mystique Paradise.” Piper smiled. “It is about 3 hours south from here. My parents took us there a few years ago.”
Aimee wrote that down. “Ok, there is one option.”
“Let’s eat, and then, we can read some more; maybe she’ll describe the party and we will have something to go on.” Aiden stood and lead the group.
That was probably the fastest meal they had. Clean up as well. Aiden took out the diary and turned the page.
May 4th 1986….
The beach party was a total blast. MAL stayed away, just as mom promised. RGA arrived early. We went for a walk before the party began. We are officially a couple.
Aiden stopped. “I’m sorry, are you ok with hearing her talk about another guy like this?”
“I have already read it.”
Piper frowned. “That is why, at the resort, you said you wondered about your parents love?"
Aimee nodded.
He is so tall and his hair is brown, with just a hint of red hues. His light orange t-shirt made his blue as sparkling as the blue ocean water. He caressed my lips with the most gentles kisses. I am so glad the two years difference in our age caused my mom to not permit our relationship. I could not ask for a better gift than to finally become RGA’s girlfriend. This summer is going to be the best summer of my life. It is two weeks before I graduate and I am so excited. I just know he is the guy for me.
He kept peace at the party as well. He made sure no one snuck any alcoholic beverages to the party. He danced every slow dance with me. We even watched the sunset over the water. I t was so depressing to me, but RGA reminded me that every sunset is followed by a sunrise the next day, and that sunrise represents the beginning of a new day. A fresh start. A time to get out there and find out who we are.
Aiden closed the diary. “Ok MPB is a beach.” He looked over at Aimee, she sat so still, her face white as snow. The fact he was staring at her caused everyone to turn to her. James got up and went to her. She may not be his true younger sister, but the bond was there just the same.
He wrapped her in his arms as she cried. Everyone else sat silent as Aimee sobbed in her self-proclaimed big brothers arms. Aimee regained enough composure to tell the other's how her mom always said a sunrise was a new day with a fresh start. It was time for us to get out there and find out who we are.
The room fell silent. No-one knew what to stay. Aimee got up and went out on the patio for fresh air. She had read that first day entry over and over. It was never easy to hear.
Piper came out. “Hey, Bestie. You ok?”
“No. I knew that finding out things was going to be hard, but I never thought I would react like this.”
“Hey, we all like to think our parents only have eyes for one another. But, the truth is, our parents dated other people before they settled. Just like us.”
“I know… I guess I always thought that my dad was why she came to the States.”
“This entry was dated four years before your mom came to the states in 1990. A lot can happen in four years.”
“Your right, let’s go search Mystique Paradise Beach.”
Aiden had his laptop on the table. “We read ahead a bit, she describes a few landmarks about the beach. We did a search and think it is Mystique Beach. I just booked us a weekend trip there the first week of March. Sorry we couldn’t do it sooner.”
“Its fine, next weekend is Valentine’s Day and most of us will have plans. Maybe we can read more of the diary before we go and find some other spots to check out.”
Colin went to answer the door bell that had rung. He entered back into the room carrying a rectangle package. Aiden jumped up. “Great, it came.”
He headed to the steps. “It is addressed to Aimee.” Colin reminded him.
Aiden turned back around. “Ok, it was something I wanted to get you to apologize for Ava’s attitude toward you at the lodge, but now…”
“Don’t be silly.” Aimee took the package and opened it. It was a canvas painting of the sun rising over the Loopy Mountains.
“I love it.”
“You don’t have to…”
“Aiden, I still love sun rises. It will always be something I shared with my mom. No matter who got her to love them and to say it is a promise of a new day and fresh start.”
Colin looked at the painting. “This would look great over the fireplace.”
Aimee’s cell vibrated. She looked at the ID as she walked to the kitchen. “Hello.”
“Hey, Aimee.”
“LJ, a call instead of a text? Wow.”
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“Well, I can’t ask a girl out with a text message, now can I?”
“I guess not. Some may consider that a huge turn off.”
“Aimee, would you do me the pleasure of being my Valentine?”
Aimee giggled. “It depends, what do you have planned for your Valentine?”
“Well, I have two theater tickets and dinner reservations.”
“That sounds great.”
“So, I will pick you up at six on Saturday and the dress is semi-formal.”
“Thanks for the warning. About the semi-formal wear, I mean.”
LJ laughed. “I love how you make me laugh. So, I will see you then. I may even send a text between now and then.”
“Ok, I will see you then and I may text you back.”
Lexi, Piper, and Sophia had joined her in the kitchen and had eavesdropped on the call.
“See you then.” Lexi laughed.
“Maybe I will text you back.” Piper raised an eyebrow.
Sophia started laughing hard. “My favorite was, thanks for the warning.”
Aimee turned her head. “Shut up. We have to go shopping after church tomorrow, I need a semi-formal dress for Saturday.”
Chapter Eleven
Drew phoned Lexi a little while after Aimee hung up with LJ. The guys had planned a double date to the theater and dinner. After church, James dropped Aimee off at the flat to meet Lexi and Sophia. They went to Eleanor’s Elegant Eveningwear.
It didn’t take long for Aimee to find the perfect dress. It was neon pink with a classic high jeweled halter neckline. The bust had delicate pleating accentuates. A ruched empire waist and a long loose fitting skirt completed the dress.
Lexi found an amazing dress. The color of the dress was neon purple. It had a V-neck, sleeveless bodice, and beaded accents trimming the empire waist. The crisscross open back was designed with decorated beaded straps. A long loose skirt completed her dress as well.
On Valentine’s Day, Aiden flew to Italy to spend the weekend with Ava. Colin was taking the mystery girl from his class out. James and Piper was helping host a Valentine's Dinner at church for the Young Couple group. Since her boyfriend was working; and, she had no date plans, Sophia volunteered to cater the dinner. She called a couple of her friends she had met at NSC; and, they were willing to volunteer and help as well.
Aimee and Lexi spent the midmorning and afternoon at Sylvia’s Stylin’ Salon. They had their hair fixed, makeup, and Mani/Pedi’s. When they got home, they helped Piper with her hair. She and James were the hosts for the evening. She had brought a beautiful red dress to wear to the dinner. James arrived a little before six and Piper talked him into waiting a few minutes.
Aimee came down in her stunning neon pink dress. Her hair was in a half-up-do. Lexi sashayed down the stairs in her neon purple dress; her hair was fixed down with lots of curls.
Piper played photographer with her new camera she purchased for a photography class she was taking. She decided it would help her in advertising if she could not only design the layout, but do the photography as well.
LJ and Drew arrived at six o’clock sharp. LJ had brought his dad’s private limo to pick them up; he claimed it would be easier than dealing with parking or valet service.
The ice bucket was chilling a bottle of sparkling white grape juice. LJ broke the seal and opened the bottle, pouring four glasses and handing them out. He put his free arm around Aimee and pulled her a little closer to him. Drew made a toast and they sipped the white grape juice.
The dinner reservations were at Severina’s. A very classy Italian restaurant in Ancaster. The hostess took them to their table. LJ order 4 virgin sparkling Raspberry Teas; which, the waiter returned along with 4 grilled vegetable salads. They each ordered the Valentine Special (Tuscan Chicken with penne pasta and roasted peppers). Dolce (dessert) was Tiramisu.
The atmosphere was so calm and relaxing. They could hear the soft melody of the love songs being played on the dance floor. Aimee felt like she was in the middle of a love story when LJ came next to her and took her hand to take her to the dance floor.
Aimee amazed LJ with the way she could do the Waltz. They glided across the floor smoothly, right on time with the music. Then they played an exceptionally slow song and the couples held one another close for the slow dance.
Lexi teased Aimee about being able to Waltz like that and never having a boyfriend; to which, Aimee enlighten her about all the years of dance classes she had.
The air was cold when the couples walked out of Severina’s. LJ helped Aimee to the car and held her close once more on the ride to the theater. The road was busy now. The line for the cars to pull into the theater drive was two blocks long.
The show was a Neahovian love story. It was a modernized show with lots of lights and sound effects. It was probably one of the most entertaining shows Aimee had ever seen. You could tell the actors loved the characters they were playing.
When the show ended, Drew claimed he needed to head back to East Newport, so he called a cab to take Lexi home and then him to his car. LJ had the driver take them to Somers Point. They had to walk a small distance; but, you could stand near the rails and look down at the ocean and the couples walking along the beach holding hands.
LJ put his hand on Aimee’s back. “I had fun tonight.”
“Me too. I have never seen a show like that before.”
“Yeah, they remade it this season. I heard they have practiced for a year.”
“You can tell they loved what they were doing.”
LJ slid his hand to her waist; then, he turned her just enough to face him. He took his other arm and wrapped it around her, pulling her closer to him as he did. They were facing eye to eye. He looked at her and grinned. “May I?” She couldn’t talk, so she nodded. He then pressed his lips against hers. She was surprised when she found herself actually returning his kiss.
He pulled away first, but only long enough to tell her how beautiful she was, before he pressed his lips against her once more. Then he took her hand and led her back to the limo. On the ride home, he held her in his arms. He walked her to the door, where he kissed her again. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
When Aimee entered the flat, her three best friends sat in the living area waiting for her. “Young lady, we left you over forty-five minutes ago.” Lexi pointed her finger at Aimee.
“Oh sorry, we took a drive to Somers Point.” She then walked up the stairs, knowing they were right behind her.
Piper put her foot in the door before Aimee could shut it. “You’re not getting off that easy.”
“At least let me get this dress off and get comfortable.”
When she came out of the restroom, all three girls were sitting on her bed.
Sophia pointed at her. “Somers Pointe is an awful romantic spot.”
“Yeah, it was. Some may say it would be a perfect spot for one’s first kiss since junior high.”
Aimee laughed as they all squealed. Then, she told them the entire story about all three kisses.
“Wow, three kisses, you must have done alright.” Lexi teased.
“Well, all I know is they were all better than the junior high kiss.”
♥ ♥
After Sunday School, Aimee and Piper meet Lexi for lunch at Franks. Sophia drove up to Apple Valley with her friends from NCS. When lunch was done, they went back to the flat. Aimee had a group presentation with Aiden due the next day. She was going to start on the final draft with what research she did; and, when he got back from Italy, they could put it all together.
She was working on her laptop in the living room, when she heard the door open then slam shut. Aiden’s steps were not light as he went up the stairs. Lexi looked up from her show. “Trouble in paradise?”
Aimee shook her head. “I wouldn’t call what they have paradise. Speaking of, has Drew called or text you today?”
“No, and he said he would. How about LJ, any word from him?”
“Nope, and
he said he would.”
Piper set her phone down. “James said he will pick us up in about an hour for church.”
Aimee stretched. “Cool.”
Lexi flipped through the channels. “Is there room for one more?”
“Always.” Aimee and Piper gave her a hug.
Aimee changed into her long, tan and cream sweater dress with her brown knee high boots. She touched up her straight hair and makeup. She got the jean jacket that went with the outfit and walked out of her room. She was heading down the hall when she noticed Aiden’s door open and him staring out the window. She slightly tapped at the door.
“Hey can I come in?”
“Yeah, have a seat.”
Aimee sat on the bed beside Aiden. “So how was your Valentines weekend?”
Aiden shrugged. “It could have been better. A lot better.”
“I am sorry it wasn’t good.”
“Ava is so self-absorbed. She was more demanding than normal. I took her to a fashion show and she complained because it was not by a designer she likes. I bought her a pair of earrings and she said they were the wrong carat.”
“Wow, she sounds worse. Oh, sorry.”
Aiden looked at Aimee. “It is the truth.” He stood up and walked over to the window and placed his hands on the frame. “I wish… I wish… I wish I knew what to do… I wish I knew where our relationship stands with her.”
“Aiden, I may be out of place and if I am, sorry. It seems to me that she shows you where you stand with her actions. As long as you do things her way all is fine; however, when it comes to things you want… well, you fight.”
He came back over and sat beside Aimee. “How was your date?”
She smiled. “Better than yours. He took me to Severina's and then to the theater. Then we drove to Somers Point.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, but he said he called today and he hasn’t.”
“If he is smart, he will.”
“Are you ready for our presentation?”
“Yeah, when you get back from church, we can finish putting it together.”
“Ok, I really think we can nail this.”
“Me too.”
Finding Me (Love's Not Easy Series Book 1) Page 10
