Chapter 16
ASTRID
Troll my eyes as the clip–clop of Lily’s heels echoes in the short hallway. She called the second I got home from work. And now that she’s here, I wonder
what kind of havoc she will unleash.
I had a long–ass day. After I met with a firm that needed recommendations for budgeting and taxing, I had a Skype meeting with Bernard, the CEO of the publishing firm where I’m working part–time. I also had a meeting with Mr. Pete, the instant I brought up Georgia, he told me he wasn’t interested in hiring an intern as the last one left a bad taste.
Lity leans on my bedroom door frame and folds her arms. “Ava Rocks mentioned you in her interview this morning. What’s up with that?”
“Hello to you too, Bee. You let yourself in again. Nice.”
have the card, and your doorman knows I’m your best friend.”
“It sucks that he doesn’t care to know when I’m in the mood for company.” I push my laptop aside. I already mapped out a plan for my weekend. I will work till I drop tonight, and I will sleep in until noon tomorrow. Late breakfast at the cafe, then dinner at my parents before meeting up with Lily for a
night out.
Then, on Sunday, I’ll try convincing Pete again. I don’t mind if he puts Georgia on my team. I don’t owe Ava anything, but if this will help her get closer to her family, I’ll do all it takes to make it work. I shift my gaze back to the woman staring expectantly at me, her lip thinned. “I’m working.”
“On a Friday? No way. We’re going out, and you’ll tell me about Ava. She sounded like you both are besties now.”
“I can’t go out tonight. And about Ava, it’s work. I’m handling her new book.”
“She didn’t say that. She told everyone you both are now friends. So, are you telling me a celebrity lied about being friends with you?”
I spare her a quick glance. It’s at the tip of my tongue to ask her why she’s so invested in whatever Ava said. Lily has been my best and only friend for years. I don’t remember a day I’ve gone without her. She knows everything that concerns me, like the back of her palm. And my parents love her like a second daughter. I rest my elbow on the desk, openly regarding her.
“She’s a client, and I’m not going to defend my relationship with her. If she claims we’re friends, then she’s right. Or don’t you think I measure up to her standard?”
“She’s Ava Rocks. She is a walking sex goddess, and half of New York men want to bed her. Is that the kind of person you want to pitch your tent close to? I still don’t understand why you’re taking on two jobs when one is more than enough. Plus, your folks are swimming in wealth.”
“If I didn’t know you too well, I’d say you were jealous of my closeness with Ava. So, what’s this about?” I challenge, pinning my gaze on her face.
Lily is doing a perfect job of masking her expression.
She does not answer and doesn’t argue, either. I didn’t watch Ava’s recent interview. I read her books and only went through her social media page because I needed to prepare for our first physical meeting.
“Be careful, Astrid. I don’t want you getting mixed up in some shit. Ava is way out of our league.”
“You think?” I say, eyes dancing with disbelief.
Lily shrugs. “I’ve heard stuff. I’m not sure how true the rumours are, but I’m certain about how tricky it is to be around someone like her.” I watch her with my arms folded.
“How many stories has she submitted?” She quickly adds.
“Just one, for now.”
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Lily moves from the door, taking a few steps into the dimly lit room. I turned down the lights and closed the blinds, keeping the natural light and noise out. My chair squeaks as I adjust, reaching for a candy in one of the jars.
“Can I see it?”
I can gauge the concern in her tone, but I refuse to be manipulated by it. “It’s scattered. I’ve not opened it yet.”
“Why?”
“I’ve been working on other things. I have a schedule to stick to, Lily. I ask you again, what’s this about?”
“You can call it curiosity or caution. I’m trying to get to know who she really is through her books.”
“Then check them in the stores or online. You can grab as many copies as you want.”
“They are not the same thing! Why don’t you get it? I’m trying to protect you here!”
Really? My frown deepens. “Protect me from what exactly?”
“She denies her family on national TV. I heard she killed her mother. I also heard she got her old man arrested. Is that…”
*Stop! Just drop–stop! Ava didn’t kill her mother. Her father is in jail because of a crime he committed. What’s wrong with you? You walk in here blaring accusations and acting all righteous? How dare you?”
“Between the two of us, I’ve always been rational. Remember when I warned you about Tristan? You rebuked me and made me feel like a fool. Two years later, you realize I was right. He was not good for you. And now, you’re playing the same ball with Ava?”
“Ava is a client.”
“A client you claim to know so much about and vice versa? You are probably a pawn in her game, and I feel sorry for you because you should focus on healing instead of jumping into a circle that will scorch your reputation. Wait, are you using her to shield yourself from facing your demons, Astrid?”
I can’t resist the anger erupting inside me. “Was there anything you needed?” I ask with gritted teeth.
She dips her hand into the jar and grabs a cookie, unwraps it, throws the pink ball into her mouth, then scrunches it loudly with her teeth. “No, I came to get this.” She holds up the empty wrap. “I’ll see myself out.” I can’t believe my ears.
What’s wrong with her?
A few minutes after the elevator door closes behind her, I walk into my kitchen, yawning as hunger rumbles my belly. Grabbing a plastic plate and fork, I am thankful I have ordered stir fries, vegetables, roasted chicken on the side, and two pies.
I kick off my flip–flops and undo my pant button, then sit down Indian style. I stab a plump piece of meat and pop it in my mouth. It’s tasty and spicy, too.
While I eat, I scroll through my phone, checking my emails. There’s one from Ava, but I saved it for last. I don’t want to deal with her right now. I can’t believe she talked about me on TV when she’s never even mentioned her family during her interviews.
Two days later, lease my lunch pack on the kitchen counter in the break room and reach for a glass in one of the trays. My boss walks in. He whistles under when his eyes spot me. My nerves twitch. I know he’s seen the news, too. Everyone in the damn building has been talking about it. The only people I’m yet to hear from are my parents, and my instinct tells me they are waiting to hear from the horse’s mouth before drawing conclusions.
I don’t consider Ava a friend. She’s just a client, nothing more. I don’t want to buy into Lily’s assumption about being a mere piece in her plan. Honestly, I see her moves as harmless. Besides, no cameramen are flocking to my penthouse looking for nonexistent crumbs.
Pete Bishop sets a coffee beside me and leans beside me. “Thanks for the last report you turned in. It is very detailed and perfectly written. I didn’t have to lift a finger. How do you do it?”
“It’s what I live for, and I always try to give my best when handling tasks.” I reach for the steaming mug and take a long sip. “What’s next? Can’t I go home early today?”
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“That’s if you bag this client. I’m about to push to your desk.”
“You know that’s not a big deal. I’m good at my job.”
“And even better at handling this particular person.”
My curiosity is instantly piqued. “You’re skirting around the score. What’s going on?”
“Ava Rocks.”
It finally makes sense, and to be honest, I’m not surprised at all. “I’m working on her book and have no business with her purse.”
He hesitates, taking a long sip before saying anything. “You can if you want to.”
“I can’t. She doesn’t even know I’m a financial consultant.”
“You think?” He sips again. “She’s in your office as we speak.”
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I glance at him, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Did you contact her? What did you do, Pete?” A frustrated shake of my head releases a few curls. “I’m not taking her on. I just got off winning us a big restaurant. Don’t I deserve a break?”
He shoves out a sigh, moving from the counter as he paces the floor. “She asked for you, and to be honest, if she didn’t, I would have dumped her on your lap. You’re the only person who can handle her. Not just because of the rumours of how you two are now pals, but from how good you handle your clients.”
1 grimace. The coffee tastes like cat piss now, and my nerves pull taut. I dump the lukewarm liquid in the sink and rinse the mug before drying it with the
towel.
I’m not afraid of confronting Ava or working with her. I don’t know how to feel around her. She’s coming on too hard, dumping all her problems on me like I’m some saviour. I have my shit to deal with, too. I’ve been avoiding my dad’s calls because all he wants to talk about is his best friend and how I ditched his party. He thinks I owe Jordan Remington an apology for not sticking to the end.
Pete shuffles his feet. I dig deep for a smile and flash him one. “I’ll be out shortly. I need to put this in this fridge.”
“Astrid,” His lips form a big smile. “Glad you’re taking this on. I’ll be here if you need anything. Anything at all.”
The sharpened angle of my face fades as I walk into my office and meet Ava, cradling one of my awards. She runs her fingers across the glass, her eyes glittering with admiration.
“Jack of all trade, huh? I knew there was something about you the first time we spoke. Why didn’t you say a word?”
I casually raise my shoulders in a shrug. “It didn’t come up.”
“I know, but we talked about personal stuff. You should have told me you are also a financial consultant.”
“How did you find out?”
She drops the framed award and turns to face me fully. Today, she’s clad in a sundress and three–inch heel black sandal. Simple but elegant. “I went back to your Instagram profile. I took a break from work, and your page offered the perfect pastime.”
I gesture on the couch. “Let’s get down to business.”
She eyes the white couch for a beat, then strolls towards it and lowers herself slowly into it. “I’m not here on business. I need a consultant, yes, but that can wait. I’m starving. Had breakfast yet?“!
“Pete says you’re here on a business call. Did you lie your way into my office?”
“We’re friends. I can do anything to get to see you. Isn’t friendship all about taking risks?” She crosses her legs, unzips her silver Chanel purse, and pulls
out a card.
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“You’re complicating things, Ms. Rocks. I heard you talked about me during your interview. You’ve not done that before. What’s changed?”
“You’re the first person I’ve ever felt at ease with.”
Her low tone prompts me to look at her, but I force my mind not to get entangled in whatever stunt she’s pulling. She smiles into my eyes.
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“You’re right about me not opening up about anyone in my life until you. Perhaps you have given me a reason to trust anyone other than myself again. And I strongly believe that you’ll be the glue that will connect me to my family.”
I turn away and study the world outside my office. It’s a glass door. I can see the people milling around the hallways, but they can’t see into my office. But then, I’m no fool. I know they’re all itching to know what is happening here. I set my gaze on the older woman again.
“Why don’t you just call or text Lisa? Tell her how much you miss her or something. You’re a writer. I’m sure you can string a few believable lines.”
“It’s not that simple. Lisa is like a wall. I’ve tried breaking through, but I keep hitting a hard surface and breaking a bone or two. I’m tired of sneaking around, waiting for her to come over for dinner, and refreshing my emails. I miss her so much, and life is fleeting. If we keep this up, who knows, we might lose it all.”
I shrug, unsure how to respond.
“I don’t want that to happen, Astrid.”
I breathe out. “I spoke with my boss. He said he has no interest in taking on an intern, I’m still trying to figure out another way to bring Georgia in.”
She fiddles with the card for a moment, then raises her head to gaze at me. “There’s another way.” She stretches the card towards me. I stare at it for a second before taking it. “Lisa will be at that address on the date stated there. And where she is, always be sure to find Georgia there, and if you can get a
chance to meet Georgia, meeting Lisa will be a piece of cake.”
I carefully skim my eyes across the letters. It’s the same bar Lily dragged me to on my birthday – the night I met Jordan Remington.
“You’re going to rip that poor card into pieces. Is everything okay?”
Ava’s words jolt me back to the present. I quickly release the tight grip I have no idea I’ve been inflicting on the card. “I’m peachy.”
“And hungry?”
I need air. Natural air and distracting noise. Anything and everything that will drown the echoes in my mind. I don’t want to think about Jordan. He made it clear that night that he didn’t want anything to do with me anymore.
He’s my father’s best friend.
My eyes narrow into determined slits; 1 bob my head twice. “I’m starving.”
Ava awards me a warm smile. “Good. Grab whatever you need. I know just the spot that will blow your mind.” She pulls herself up. “And maybe I’ll get you to give me free financial tips.”
I follow her to the elevator, my pulse beating like a bass drum. Undoubtedly, the universe won’t mock me the second time by shoving Jordan on my path.
The date on the card glares at me. Lilly and I haven’t spoken since that day she stormed out of my house. She’d provide the perfect support, but at the same time, I feel I need to do this on my own. I don’t have the patience for pointless interrogation and an overprotective attitude. Indeed, if Jordan and I run into each other, we should be able to act civil./
It was just sex, right?
It’s just mindless sex. Casual and in no way better than the ones I’ve had with other men.”
Liar!
“Your car or mine?” Ava asks as we step into the brimming afternoon sun.
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Chapter 16
You have a driver. I don’t. Let’s take yours.”
She chuckles and motions at me to follow her to a white Rolls Royce parked in one of the VIP Spots. Pete seems to be pulling out all the cards on Ava.
1slide into the back seat after her. The interior is rich and customized. There’s a bottle of wine in an ice bucket and two tall glasses in a small tray beside it. Ava asks if I want a glass, and I politely decline. My helter–skelter emotion hasn’t settled yet, and drinking will only numb it for a few seconds.
1 gaze out the window, wondering where this thing is with Ava and her family leads. Maybe Lily was right. Perhaps I’m using her to escape dealing with my reality and chasing my darkness.
