I follow Ava out to the patio, and when she sits down at the table, I take a seat across from her. She folds her arms across her chest, a distinctly bad sign. I don’t have a choice, so I ignore her body language and launch into what I have to say.
“You’re still angry with me, and I get that, but I need your help to get Eden back.”
That seems like a good start, doesn’t it? You’d think so, but the stony look on Ava’s face says no.
When she doesn’t say anything, I continue. “I’d like you to have a party here tomorrow night. Just the family. Matthias told me he thinks Kellen and Ronan are free, and you guys are always here, so?—”
That’s as far as I get.
Sitting up straight in her chair, she glares at me as she says, “What would make you think I want to help you get my best friend back?”
Damn. I wasn’t expecting that response. I don’t exactly know what to say to that.
Ava doesn’t wait for me to answer before she adds, “I spent hours with her, and I’ll tell you what. I don’t like seeing my friend sad, hiding under the covers, and watching that show she loves just hoping to see a guy she has to have a crush on since her husband isn’t taking care of business.”
Ouch.
My first instinct is to defend myself, but I get the feeling that would only irritate Ava more, so I focus on what’s important for the moment.
“I want to make things up to her. I promise. I hate the idea that Eden is sad and I’m the reason for it. I swear, Ava, I’m goingto make things right. I love her. I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Those aren’t merely nice words, but my sister-in-law isn’t impressed. Her arms still crossed, she says, “If you loved her so much, why did you hide her like someone you’re ashamed of for two years?”
Okay, that’s harsh. True, but harsh.
“I know I was wrong for what I did, Ava. I didn’t want to hide Eden or anything like that, and I wasn’t ashamed of her. I just loved having her to myself. I didn’t have to share her with anyone, and you have no idea after being one of five all my life how great that was.”
“So you got what you wanted while she was left sneaking around like some mistress nobody can know about. Do you have any idea what that must have felt like for her?”
Hanging my head, I nod. “I didn’t, but I know now.” I look up at her and add, “That’s why I want to make things right.”
Ava doesn’t say anything to that, but I see by the serious look on her face that she’s thinking of how she wants to respond. I know what I did was shitty. All I want to do is fix it.
“I remember Theo telling me that you did something like this to that Maia girl you were dating. He couldn’t figure out why you pushed her away when she was so crazy about you. Have you considered the idea this is a problem you have, Marius?”
She could have mentioned anyone else’s opinion, and I’d be fine, but that brother’s? No fucking way.
Before I can stop myself, I snap, “Oh, Theo told you that? Did he happen to tell you that he knew I was still in love with her and he made a point of sleeping with her? Probably not. That would have ruined your opinion that he was perfect. Well, he wasn’t. Maybe the problem I have is the last time I thought I was in love, one of my damn brothers thought it would be a good ideato fucking sleep with her, even though he knew I still was crazy about her.”
All those words come out like some kind of manic train of thought, and when I finish talking, all I see is a look of horror on Ava’s face. Fucking terrific. I guess I’m going to need a plan B.
Slowly, she slumps in her chair, shaking her head. “He wouldn’t do that.”
The words coming out of her mouth should sound defiant as she defends him, but there’s doubt in her voice. Maybe Ava does know that her best friend Theo wasn’t the person she thought he was.
“Yes, he would. You know it. You don’t want to admit it, but Theo was always like that.”
Sadness fills her expression, making me wish I didn’t say anything. I just couldn’t stand her thinking that the reason I did what I did is because of a reason so meaningless like I just want my freedom.
Ava stays silent for a long time, but finally in a low voice like she doesn’t want anyone to hear her admit it, she says, “I had no idea, Marius. Theo never told me anything about going with Maia. When did that happen?”
“Less than two weeks after we had our fight and broke up. He knew I was still crazy about her. That’s what hurt the most.”
“But he’s gone. Matthias, Kellen, and Ronan would never do anything like Theo did.”
I have to smile at how she doesn’t understand. I’m not even sure I do. All I know is the first thing I thought about when Eden and I got together was how I needed to make sure to keep her to myself.
“He’s gone, but the memory of how that felt isn’t.” I pause, and even though I know I shouldn’t say what’s on my mind, I don’t stop myself. “Your buddy Theo wasn’t the person he made himself out to be.”
