“Thanks.” Ava sipped her iced tea and looked over at her friend. Tess appeared uncomfortable. It used to be easy between them. They could talk about any and everything. Now it seemed they both danced around a subject they should have discussed ages ago.
“I’m sorry!” blurted Tess.
“For what?”
“Everything. I’m sorry for allowing my blind loyalty to Scott to come in between us.”
“I can’t blame you for standing by him. You loved him and wanted to help him deal with his guilt.”
Tess faced Ava. “When he asked for us to spend two weeks in the mountains, I thought he wanted to work on our relationship.”
“When I first learned you were in the mountains, I should’ve known something was off. You hate outdoor activities.”
“I only agreed to go because I thought he wanted to make up.”
“Let me guess, he wanted to keep you from warning me about Brandon.”
“It was crazy, Ava. He hid my phone, he conveniently forgot to pack both our computers. When he fessed up about what Brandon had planned, I searched the entire cabin for my phone.”
Ava gave an eye roll with a smirk. “I can’t believe Scott fell so far off the deep end.”
“It’s worse now since Brandon is dead. Soon after Scott learned of his death, he spent his days blacked-out drunk.”
“Seriously? Some days, it’s hard to believe the path those two great guys had taken.”
Tess lowered her eyes. “I know, and it all began with Brandon’s jealousy.”
“Where do you and Scott stand now?”
“Oh, it’s over. He can continue to drown himself in guilt alone. I’m done trying to fix a man who doesn’t want to be fixed.”
“Good for you.” Ava finished her second taco. “Hopefully, he pulls himself out of the hole he climbed into.”
“Anyway, enough about my pitiful love life. Let’s discuss the lady of the hour and your upcoming wedding.”
Ava beamed with excitement. “Only days away. Since I began planning, this is the first time I’ve had time to chill. It wasn’t easy putting together a wedding in three months.”
“But you did it and it’ll be beautiful. Especially, with the weather cooperating.”
“I know. I thought I wanted this big, over-the-top wedding, but close friends and family are all I need. Justin and I will become married, and next, we’ll have kids.” Ava smiled at the thought.
Tess cocked her head and match her friend’s smile. “I can’t believe how much you’ve changed. Not long ago, you wanted to conquer the corporate world and travel to foreign lands.”
“When you find the right person your entire way of thinking changes. I thought I didn’t want to get married until Justin proposed. I thought I didn’t want kids until I realized we have to live for today, instead of waiting for perfect timing.”
“It seems you have it all figured out.”
“Not everything.” Ava grabbed their empty plates and placed them in the sink. Her eyes darted towards the front porch when quick movement passed the window. She ran towards the front door.
“I hope you bitches didn’t start without me!” shouted Meghan when Ava opened the door.
“Get in here,” she laughed and hugged her friend.
Tess came from behind Ava to join in the hug. “I got the wine if you have the food,” said Meghan.
“We already ate, but we won’t pass on the wine,” said Tess.
Ava led them into the kitchen where Meghan fixed a plate of food, and Tess grabbed three wine glasses.
“Let sit out on the patio.”
Tess placed the glasses down on the outside table and filled each one halfway with white wine.
“Food is delicious. Your skills have improved,” said Meghan.
“Thanks… I think,” said Ava.
“Are you excited? In five days, you’ll be a married woman,” said Meghan.
Ava beamed. “I can’t wait. Our parents will arrive tomorrow. We wanted them here for the opening of the resort. You guys will also be there, right?”
“Of course,” said Tess.
Ava sipped her wine. “No one from the public will be in attendance. Just the media, family, and business associates.”
“Hence the reason it’s called a soft opening,” said Meghan. “I’m surprised you’re having your wedding here in Atlanta.”
“So was everyone else. Corrine wanted us to marry in the rose garden of the family home. I wanted it to be somewhere more symbolic. That’s why I chose Justin’s resort.”
“Your resort, too,” said Tess.
“Okay, correction our resort. Atlanta is where we met and fell in love. The resort brought him here, so it only made sense for us to marry there.”
“That’s sweet,” said Meghan.
“Has Chase arrived in town yet?” asked Tess.
Meghan smiled. “He got in last night.”
“In two months, it’ll be time to make the big move,” said Ava.
Meghan looked at Tess with her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. “Yes, and our Tessie will be all alone.”
“Actually…”
“Actually, what?” asked Ava with an uptick of excitement. Hoping her friend would also consider a move to San Diego.
“In a month, I’m moving back home to Charlotte.”
Ava sat straight up in her chair. “What? Is this because of what happened with Scott?”
“No.” Tess shook her head. “My mom is not doing well, and I can’t depend on Sam to help.”
“Are you sure? You and Sam under the same roof are like combustible gasoline. An explosion waiting to happen.”
“You guys do have vicious fights,” added Meghan.
“I hear you both, but what choice do I have?”
“Well, you know what’s best.” Ava raised her glass. “I’ll like to make a toast.”
Tess and Meghan held up their glasses.
“Let’s toast to friends. No matter where we are, we’ll remain connected in sisterhood.”
“To friends,” said Tess
“To sisterhood,” said Meghan.
Chapter Forty-one
The soft opening for Azalea Lodge Resort just wrapped without a single hiccup. Justin answered questions from the press and snapped photos with team members who worked tirelessly on the project from start to finish. It has been a true labor of love. He and Becky led the tour. As they spoke, the faces of everyone were of awe and envy. They captured their attention the moment they stepped into the luxurious lobby. In the center stood a tranquil multi-story waterfall that sat beneath natural skylights. From there, the duo showed select rooms, each styled with unique decor. All had a theme of rustic luxury.
He had the resort built right on the lake which included amenities such as a day spa, lakeside yoga classes, access to the resort’s canoes and kayaks, a world-class restaurant headed by a renowned chef, and many more luxuries. Neither he nor Ava wanted their wedding publicized, so all the wedding preparations were off-limits to the press. Therefore, the tour ended in Jack’s Courtyard, an outdoor sitting area dedicated to his brother. That was Ava’s brainchild. She had suggested an outdoor space that provided a peaceful area where guests can sit and unwind. In the center of the courtyard, they planted a Cherry Birch tree because it symbolized hope and new beginnings.
“Any last-minute jitters?” asked Chase.
“None.” Justin looked over Chase’s shoulder at Ava. She stood surrounded by both of their mothers and Tess. Her face glowed with happiness. “Did you pick up the gift?”
“It’s in the car,” said Chase. “Any other best man duties you need fulfilled?”
He grinned. “Help me sneak out unnoticed.”
Chase shifted his eyes back and forth. “I’ll run to the car and grab the bag. Then I’ll help you two out of here.”
Justin remained away from the main crowd. He wanted them to sneak out so they could have time together before they go their separate ways. Ava, the g
irls, and Evelyn were staying at the house tonight, while he and his parents had suites at the lodge.
Justin sat on a bench while he waited for Chase to return. His thoughts fell upon all the blessings his life have afforded him. He has a woman he loved more than life, a successful business, and for the first time in years, his family has been put back together.
“Why are sitting over here alone, son?”
Justin came out of thoughts and smiled as his father positioned his wheelchair beside him. “Just thinking. So, what are your thoughts on the resort?”
“I couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve accomplished. I’m sure your brother is smiling down on your beautiful tribute to him.”
“I’m sure he is, but I can’t take credit for it. This was all Ava’s idea.”
Chris turned to face him. “Some advice?”
Justin noted the sudden serious expression on his face. “Yeah, sure.”
“Marriage is a field of complication with landmines ready to go off at any moment.”
He frowned at his father’s grim description but remained quiet and allowed him to continue.
“I’m the last person who should give advice on relationships, but I’ll try. You are marrying a fine young woman who anyone can see loves you very much. But love alone cannot sustain a relationship. You both must be honest with each other, talk your problems out and not let it harbor inside, and never allow your job to prevent you from spending time together.”
Justin smiled and extended his hand towards Chris. His father grabbed and squeezed his hand in return. “We’ve had our highs and lows, but I’m glad you and mother will be here tomorrow to celebrate the next phase of my life with Ava.”
“So am I, son.” Chris grinned. “I better get back to your mother, before she begins to worry. You know how she can be.”
“I do,” laughed Justin. As he watched his father depart, in the distance, he saw Chase emerged from the parking lot with a silver gift bag in hand. He handed the bag to Justin and walked over to Ava who was speaking to Becky. Chase whispered in her ear, which caused her to look over in Justin’s direction. He waved in response to her smile. She said a few words to Becky before walking away with Chase.
“Okay, you two lovebirds, I’ve done my job,” he said. “It’s now up to you to escape.” He walked away towards Meg.
Justin turned to Ava. “Ready?”
“Where are we going?”
“I just want time alone with my wife-to-be.”
She smiled and placed her hand in his. He led her out the back, through the courtyard where workers removed chairs from trucks for the big day. Once in the car, Justin drove to their home. He unlocked the front door and turned to Ava the second they entered. “When is your mother returning?”
“She and Corrine are having lunch together. I believe she’ll be out for another few hours. Why?”
He backed her up against the door, slid his hand underneath her dress, and stroked her thigh. “Between wedding preparations and the opening of the resort, we’ve had no time together.”
Ava closed her eyes and moaned as his hand traveled between her legs.
“I’ve missed you.” His lips met hers, which caused them to explode into a deep, passionate kiss. Her arms enclosed his waist as she pulled him close, causing their bodies to mesh into one.
“Let’s go upstairs,” she whispered between kisses.
Justin didn’t respond, instead, he whipped her around and revealed her smooth, silky skin with one stroke of her zipper. His lips placed a trail of soft kisses down her spine as he removed her dress. Ava turned towards him. Her flushed beautiful face met his with a slight pout on her pink lips. She stepped out of the dress that encircled her legs. The tightness in his pants grew as his eyes lingered over her body that adorned only a bra and panties. Without haste, Justin removed his clothing and tossed them on the floor. He led her into the next room. They continued to kiss and stroke each other’s bodies. Ava then pulled away and push Justin down onto the sofa. His mouth formed a crooked grin as she inched closer and mounted his cock. The warmth of her insides felt like heaven. She moved up and down while he grasped her hips to direct her into the perfect rhythm.
“Mmm, slow down.” He released a moan, followed by pleasurable grunts before he could no longer hold back. After several additional thrusts, he exploded in pleasure inside of her. The back of his head fell onto the cushion as he released heavy breaths. Ava rested her head on his chest.
“That was exactly what we needed. Amazing prewedding sex.” Justin swiped his forehead to remove beads of sweat.
He leaned forward and kissed Ava’s forehead before running his hand through her soft hair.
She lifted her head and greeted him with a smile. “It definitely was an excellent stress reliever.”
He returned her smile. “That was the plan.”
She stood and grabbed her underwear from the floor. “I need to change. Be back.”
“I left something in the car.” Justin placed on his pants and swiped his keys off the floor. He ran out to the car and grabbed the silver gift bag. When he returned, Ava was still upstairs. He threw on his dress shirt, opting to keep it unbuttoned. He brought the bag into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. Moments later, Ava entered the kitchen in all her natural beauty wearing shorts and a t-shirt. He loved her most when her hair was messy, no makeup, and dressed down in something basic like cotton shorts and a shirt. Justin placed his drinking glass on the counter and slid the gift bag towards her.
“You can’t help but spoil me,” she said, reaching into the bag.
“It’s a wedding gift.” He smiled. He loved witnessing the excitement on her face when she opened a gift.
“You never mentioned we were exchanging gifts.”
“You should know me by now. I couldn’t allow this occasion to go by without something special.”
She smiled and opened the black velvet case. He watched as her eyes grew wide, and her mouth fell open.
“Justin!” She held up the bracelet as if she were inspecting each diamond.
“Too much?”
“Are you kidding? A pink sapphire and diamond bracelet. It’s beyond exquisite.”
“It’s an eternity bracelet.”
“Eternity, like our love.” She placed the bracelet over her wrist.
“You bet.” He beamed as he closed the clasp.
“I love it.” She kissed his cheek. “You aren’t the only one with a gift.”
“I’m not?” he asked, surprised.
Her lips revealed a mischievous grin. “Nope. I knew you wouldn’t be able to help yourself by buying something extravagant. I also have something for you.”
Justin couldn’t contain his excitement. “Where is it?”
“Patience.”
His eyes followed as she exited out of the kitchen and into the living room. Seconds later, she returned with a small rectangle-shaped box. She placed it on the counter.
“It isn’t anything fancy, but I hope you like, anyway.”
“I’m sure whatever it is, I’ll love it.” He lifted the box from the counter. His cheeks hurt from the smile he couldn’t remove from his face. As he held the box in his hand, he noticed its light weight. He shook it and wondered what it could be. “Is it a bracelet?” he asked.
Ava watched with a child-like giddiness. “Open it and you’ll find out.”
He removed the lid, and the smile from his face fell. His eyes narrowed as he tried to comprehend what he was looking at. Justin glanced at Ava who wore a gigantic smile and looked as if she was a moment away from tears. He turned his attention back to the box and lifted the white plastic stick. His eyes moved over the word in digital letters.
Pregnant.
“Is this real?” he asked, as his heart raced.
Ava nodded. “It’s real.”
Justin dropped the stick as a wave of excitement rushed through his body. He pulled Ava into his arms and swung her around. “You’re havin
g my baby!”
“We’re having a baby!”
He placed her down and kissed her. “I can’t believe this.”
“Me either. I missed my period two weeks ago. I’ve been sick to my stomach, but assumed it was prewedding jitters. Last night, I bought a test on a whim and the results blew my mind.”
“Does anyone else know?”
She shook her head. “I had to tell you first.”
He placed her in his arms again. “Our life can’t get any better. I love you.”
“Love you more.”
Chapter Forty-two
After a long restless night, Ava put herself out of her misery and rose from bed at six in the morning. She ventured downstairs to find her mother busy away in the kitchen cooking breakfast.
“Morning,” said Evelyn. “How did you sleep?”
“I didn’t. My nerves kept me up the entire night.” Ava turned on the coffeemaker.
“It’s a big day. It’s normal to be a little nervous.”
Ava searched for a decaf k-pod and found a box in the pantry. She placed one inside the coffee maker. Her mother grabbed the box and eyed it quizzically. “Since when do you drink decaf?”
“I thought I’d tried it. I don’t need the caffeine to make me any jumpier.”
Evelyn shrugged and flipped the pancakes on the griddle. “What time is the car service arriving to take us to the hotel?”
“Ten o’clock.”
“I’ll keep the food in the warmer, but in another hour, you should wake Tess and Meghan. We don’t want to start the morning behind schedule.”
“I agree.” Ava frowned as the decaf coffee hit her taste buds. She poured the horrible concoction down the sink.
“What’s wrong? Not to your liking?”
“Yuck! That’s an understatement.”
After breakfast, an SUV limo arrived to take Ava, her mother, Tess, and Meghan to the Lodge Resort. When they arrived, the ladies rode the elevator to the Presidential Suite. Her nerves dissipated, and a smile grew when she saw her wedding dress that hung from a dress rack in the living space. “It’s beautiful,” said Evelyn, walking up behind her.
Conned by You Page 18
