Chapter 15 Eva #2
Minutes pass with no response. I put my phone down to turn on the television. With a bored flick of the channels, I recheck my phone to see if he has read the message, but no response.
Two hours later, it’s obvious he was playing a game.
Annoyed with myself, I reread the text I sent Marco. He responded letting me know his schedule is booked but he may be free later in the week. I feel terrible but know if I went on tonight’s date, I’d be using him for revenge sex, which is not fair to Marco.
Instead, I lie in bed by myself.
And I refuse to satisfy my sexual urges by thinking about Aston again.
I can’t stay ahead of whatever game we’re playing if I break my own rules.
“That photographer was cute, wasn’t he?”
Maddy half pays attention to the road, almost driving us into a ditch. I grab the dashboard and say, “Be careful and pay attention. You’re getting married. Stop looking at other guys,” I reprimand her.
“He was cute for you.”
A huff escapes me. “I’m done with men.”
“How can you be done with men?” Maddy raises her voice while pressing harder on the gas. “What happened to Dr. Hottie?”
“I have a lot on my mind with the wedding coming up. Now wouldn’t be the time to start something serious,” I lie, but then change my mind.
“It’s on pause. I still plan on continuing when I can get my head together.
It’s not like I’m interested in anyone else.
Marco is a great guy, and I would be stupid to let him go. ”
Yes, I have a lot on my mind.
A lot from some jerk who never messaged back—it’s been over twenty-four hours.
The worst part is that he’s read the message, and it only reinforces my image of him playing his game and using me as a pawn.
“Shit, I didn’t realize the time,” Maddy says in a panic. “I have a dinner with my parents and Myles’s parents at my place.”
“Is that why you’re driving like a maniac?” I hold my breath as she takes another sharp turn. “Look, we’re five minutes from your place and it’s fifteen to mine. How about I drop you off, and we’ll work out the car situation tomorrow?”
Maddy sighs. “You’re a lifesaver.”
I glance at my phone. There’s nothing but email notifications.
We pull into Beaumont Manor, where Myles’s parents’ Mercedes is parked out front.
“Great, they’re already here and probably conspiring to get me to wear the veil I don’t want to wear,” Maddy complains.
She puts the car into park as I unbuckle my seat belt. “So, is it just you guys for dinner? As in, Myles’s parents and yours?”
“Yeah, Myles is back in Manhattan. A potential female lead for a new play flew in to audition from London, and Aston is AWOL as usual.”
Oh , I mouth, but I’m uncertain how to respond. I’m sure whatever is occupying him, he has a spare moment to respond to a text.
What an ass.
I exit the car at the same time as Maddy, only to notice Mrs. Beaumont walking toward us dressed in what I assume is a designer knitted baby-blue dress. She crosses her arms to shield her body from the cold.
It’s been a long time since I have seen her, but even though time has passed, she still looks as beautiful as I remember.
Perhaps this wellness retreat or whatever the hell it is actually works.
Her face is flawless, with minimal makeup on her porcelain skin.
Upon closer inspection, Maddy has similar traits, but it’s evident Aston inherited his mother’s genes.
“Eva, it’s lovely to see you again.” She leans over to peck my cheek, the scent of her Chanel No. 5 lingering. “You are just as beautiful as I remember.”
“Thank you.” I smile politely, then say, “It’s been a while, Mrs. Beaumont.”
The corners of her lips curve forcefully. “Yes, it has. Will you be joining us for dinner?”
“Actually, I was just going—”
Maddy pinches my arm. “Eva is staying.”
I glance at Maddy with wide eyes.
The last thing I want to do is spend the night eating dinner with Maddy’s father, who will no doubt find a way to make me feel small.
Not to mention, I woke up early to open the store and spent the rest of the day with Maddy to meet with the photographer.
After yesterday’s encounter with Aston, the last thing I need is this forced dinner, given that I’m exhausted.
Maddy pleads with her eyes, and it’s not lost on me.
I press my lips together, then contrive a smile. “Sure, thank you for the invitation.”
Mrs. Beaumont claps her hands. “Excellent. I will have Hilda set the table for another guest.” She walks back to the house while I stop Maddy from leaving.
“Thanks for the peer pressure. This is your family,” I remind her in a huff. “I was going to order takeout tonight and watch Love Island .”
Maddy wraps her arms around me. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“You owe me.”
“I know, I know,” she sings playfully.
The lights are on inside the manor, showcasing all the fancy chandeliers. The place looks much more alive than when I visited the other day. The dining room is set up to seat eight people, but I count the plates again, wondering who the extra guests are.
“I thought it was just your parents and Myles’s parents,” I say out loud.
Mrs. Beaumont appears from the kitchen. “Viviana will be joining us. I ran into her earlier, so the timing was perfect.”
“Viviana?” Maddy repeats, only to roll her eyes moments later. “Did you invite her to the wedding?”
“Madelina, she is an old family friend. Of course I invited her.”
Maddy places her hands on her hips. “This was supposed to be a small, intimate wedding. How many guests are we up to now, huh? And, let me guess, Aston is coming to dinner then?”
His name catches my attention.
“Yes, your brother will be here.”
“Does he know you invited Viviana? I mean, she’s his ex, Mom. I would be livid if you invited my ex.”
Mrs. Beaumont releases a sigh. “Your father insisted.”
My thoughts start to cloud, and I’m unable to think of ways to get out of this dinner. Sitting at the same table as Aston and his ex will not be pleasant. I mean, he doesn’t do relationships, so basically, she was a fuck buddy. Maybe not even a buddy, but a quick fuck, and that’s it.
Mrs. Beaumont turns away to head toward the kitchen, with Maddy at her heels arguing over the guest list. My hands twist as I fumble with my excuse, only to yell out, “I’m not feeling the best. Maybe I should head home—”
The hairs on my arms stand while my breaths become uneven. I close my eyes momentarily, addicted to this rush that’s consuming every inch of my body.
Then, a voice whispers behind me, “You’re not going anywhere.”