Chapter 3: Chapter 3

January, 2018.

Ava's POV

"Please, don't do this." Mike begs as he holds my hand across the table.

"Please. Tell me you're not serious, tell me this is a joke." He pleads and I let out a sigh.

Oh, God.

I have got to restart my rule of 'no sleeping over' after one night stands.

"I thought we had a good time yesterday. I just thought it would be nice to get to know each other--" he persists but I cut him off.

"We did have a good time. We met at a party, we had drinks, we had sex. That's it. You didn't have to bring me breakfast in bed and you definitely didn't have to make a reservation here." I tell him as calmly as I can, but Michael Preston doesn't let go of my hand. With his deep, blue eyes and chocolate brown hair, it's easy to remember why I wanted him so bad last night.

"I only came here to let you know in person that no relationship can ever happen between us. We're adults and these things happen. We had a good time but it's over now." I say and pull my hand away.

"But Ava, I really like you."

"I'm sorry, Michael, but I don't do relationships." And with that, I get up and exit the restaurant.

The minute I get into my car, I kick off my shoes and lean back, letting out a tired groan.

"That's the last time I ever sleep over." I mutter to myself before turning on the car.

Atleast it is over now, so I can go back to my apartment, kickback with a few glasses of wine and binge watch Family Guy.

It had been a hectic week of wedding planning and although the end results were always worth it, it was a big relief to have a weekend to myself.

No bridezillas.

No mixed flower orders or wrong cake flavours.

No venue bookings on last minute and definitely no weather disasters.

Just me and 48 hours of laziness.

With that calming thought in mind, I finally get to my apartment building and ride the elevator on bare feet, eager to get to my apartment and take off my clothes and sink into my claw foot bathtub.

Scented candles.

Bubble bath wash.

Some R&B music and a few glasses of wine.

The red light on my answering machine is beeping the moment I unlock the door and I press the button, listening to the messages play while I take off my clothes.

'Ava honey, we need to talk. My niece's fiance just proposed and you have to plan the wedding! Call me!"

'Ava, I thought we had a swell time last week! Why aren't you taking my calls? I miss you and I still want to take you out to dinner. Call me back!'

"Urgh. Who still says 'swell?'" I mutter unpleasantly at the unfamiliar voice as I pour myself a glass of wine.

'Ava, your file got back to me and it turns out you haven't taken a leave or vacation in over a year now. This weekend off might extend for a whole 2 months so embrace it. I'm not risking a law suit on my hands.'

My boss's words make me wince a little at the idea of a forced leave and I pour more wine into my glass.

Then the next words I hear, along with the voice, causes me to pause instantly.

'AJ!!! BITCH I'M GETTING MARRIED!!! Nick popped the question tonight and I said YES! Can you believe it?! Call me back, AJ, because you're so planning my wedding! We have so much to talk about, I'll meet you for coffee tomorrow at noon! Love you!"

I stare at the wine in my hand as I absorb the message.

Peyton is getting married?

The joy I feel for her is suddenly overshadowed by the pity I feel for myself.

Married?

Where did the time go?

Has she really been dating Nick for 3 years?

The messages have stopped and I stare at my answering machine, feeling numb.

But one thing is for sure.

I will help my best friend plan the perfect wedding and make sure she walks down the aisle feeling like the happiest girl on earth.

While I'm stuck at the back as usual, going through reception preparations and secretly waiting to be alone.

I take a deep breath and shake the thoughts away as I pick up my wine glass and head for the bathroom in my underwear.

So what if I had cried at some weddings?

I make my money and I own an apartment and I don't have to put up with anybody.

Even at the price of spending most nights alone.

The only people I could sacrifice my time for without a second thought were my dad and Peyton. They were basically the only two people I had in my entire life anyway.

After lighting some candles, I slip into the tub and let out a sigh of relief, listening to the music being played from the speakers.

My life is perfect.

I have everything I could ever want and I'm sharing it with the people that mean the most to me.

My life....is going just fine.

And with those words, I'm able to enjoy the rest of my night.

But when I finally lie in bed, the memory of Peyton's voice, excited about spending the rest of her life with someone, replays in my mind and I cry myself to sleep.

*****

"The bride to be is in the houuuseee!" Peyton exclaims as she enters the cafe and rushes towards the table where I'm seating.

Her excited statement draws a lot of attention to us but I ignore them easily as I get up and pull her into a tight, long hug.

"I'm so happy for you!" I say after the hug as we pull back to see each other. Peyton's long, honey brown natural hair had become even thicker with more curls over the years and her hazel eyes were brighter than ever.

"You're glowing!"I say to her after we've sat down and she flips her hair dramatically.

"I have my good mood to thank. Bam!" She puts her hand directly in my front, showing me the beautiful, diamond ring.

"Its beautiful." I whisper, amazed by the size of it.

"You should have seen his face last night. We were having dinner at Vineyard and then a violin started playing and he went down on one knee! He was so red, I thought he was going to burst!" Pey narrates in excitement and the image of her fiance turning red while proposing has me giggling.

"Anyway, we fixed a really close date because we want it to be simple and small." She says and I blink at her.

"How close?"

"A month from today." She admits and sips her coffee.

"Speaking of which, I don't think I will be able to plan the wedding, I'm really sorry. My boss called this morning and apparently I'm being forced to take a leave from work." I admit with remorse and Peyton laughs.

"That's perfect!"

"It is?"

"I mean it sucks you can't plan my wedding but it's perfect because you can't be my maid of honour and also plan my wedding." She says and I'm suddenly filled with a certain kind of warmth.

"I'm your maid of honour?" I ask, unable to stop smiling and Peyton rolls her eyes.

"Of course. Who else? Plus you're on leave so it works out perfectly for our trip!"

"What trip? You're getting married somewhere else?" I ask.

"Not exactly somewhere else. But yeah, I'm not having it here in California. We're going back home, to Boston, so I can celebrate it with people I grew up with." She says as she searches her purse and pulls out two plane tickets.

"Ta-da! We're leaving on Monday because I want to get there on time and meet with the Reverend and book the venue. Nick has some things to sort out at work but he'll join us next week." She says casually and bites into a chocolate glazed donut.

"We're going to Boston? On Monday?! That's just a day away!" I exclaim and Peyton gives me a look.

"I thought you would excited about it. You keep talking about how you've not seen your dad for a while." She says and I sigh.

That, I couldn't argue with.

"Unless you have actual plans?" Peyton asks with a raise of her brow and I roll my eyes.

"Ha-ha. I see what you did there."

"Oh, come on, AJ, I'm only teasing! But we both know you're almost always at home." She says and I look away.

"Can we please not talk about my life?"

She holds my hand across the table and squeezes gently.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to sound that way." She says and I smile at her, pushing away the melancholy feeling.

"It's okay, Pey."

"So.....you're still coming with me on Monday?" She asks, pouting and batting her lashes at me.

"Of course. I wouldn't miss my best friend's wedding plans for the world." I say and she squeals.

"Boston, here we come!"

****

"Neck pillow check, headphones check, hand sanitizer check--"

"Being completely over prepared check!" Peyton says as she grabs my iPad where I was going through my list and locks it.

"Hey!" I protest and she turns to me.

"AJ, you went through this list twice in the car and I'm pretty sure you've got everything. You're such a perfectionist." She teases, pinching my cheeks.

"Being prepared doesn't make me a perfectionist....." I say, thinking about it now and Peyton gives me a knowing smile.

"Does it?" I ask her and before she can reply, the boarding for our flight is being announced through the speaker.

"I'm pretty sure you got that from being a wedding planner, but I think its adorable!" She squeals as we hand in our tickets and find our seats.

"First class, huh?" I ask once we've settled down and she looks at me happily.

"Only the best for us. Plus unlimited drinks because I know just how much you love wine." She says and I can't help but giggle at that last part.

"Thank you for....making me go on this trip. I guess I really needed this." I say to Peyton and she tilts her head at me.

"I know, boo. I know."

For the rest of the flight, we order some drinks, watch a couple of movies, and while Peyton catches up on her sleep, I go through my emails, replying and informing my clients about my leave.

The agency will have to assign them another wedding planner.

The seatbelt sign comes on as the pilot announces to prepare for landing.

At that moment, Peyton wakes up.

"Are we there already?" She yawns and I laugh.

"Yup. Home sweet home." And we both turn to look out the window as the city comes into view.

As the realisation of where we are dawns on me, I'm swarmed with bittersweet emotions.

I am excited to see my dad.

I'm just not excited to know that Aaron Knight is here as well....

"Okay," I unlock my phone, preparing to get an uber cab as I walk beside Peyton in the airport, "So I'll order an uber so I can drop off at the hotel and unpack first, and then--"

"Actually, that won't be necessary AJ." She says to me, gently pulling my phone away and I look at her.

"What? Why?"

But she is busy staring straight ahead and she nods towards her gaze.

I follow Peyton's gaze and I instantly have cold feet.

Aaron.

Aaron Knight

Aaron fucking James Knight.

Aaron hasn't exactly seen us yet and is busy on a phone call.

He has a new haircut.

Did he grow taller?

How long has it been, 10 years?

"How could you?!" I turn to Peyton and she winces out of fear.

"I'm sorry, I was going to tell you but I didn't want you to freak out!"

"Well, I'm freaking out right now, Pey!"

"He's my brother! You're going to be seeing him either way because of the wedding!" She pleads.

"Yes, but I wasn't counting on seeing him today! I need time to get myself together. You know what, I'll just get an uber while you go with him." I say and resume trying to get a ride but Peyton stops me by holding my hands down.

"Please, AJ, don't make a big deal out of this, please! It's been a decade." She begs and before I can reply, his masculine voice interrupts me from behind.

"A decade since what?"

"Aaron!" Peyton squeals as she jumps on him and I slowly turn around. He picks her up and spins her around a little, laughing.

"It's good to see you, bride to be. Mum and dad have been buzzing all day." He says as he let's her go and she giggles.

"I can imagine."

The whole time, I keep my hands buried in the pocket of my jeans to stop myself from having any physical contact with him. It wasn't like he was never in the picture, because he was present for Peyton's matriculation and convocation. But I didn't see him on purpose.

I was just always good at avoiding him.

"Ava Jeanne. It's been a minute." He says with a charming smile and the same dazzling, hazel eyes.

"Yes, Aaron. I suppose it has." I say and he opens his arms.

"Hug?" He asks and I'm a little lost. I didn't expect him to give any gesture.

Hug him.

Be platonic about it.

About everything.

But I stare into his eyes and I watch his reaction change to a bit of confusion. It seems like deja vu when Madeline interrupted our dance during prom and he looked confused as well.

'I can explain!'

"AJ?" Peyton calls and I snap back to the present. Aaron's arms are still outstretched but he looks a little bit concerned.

"Can we just get going? My feet are killing me." I say and walk past him, unable to allow him see the unexpected tears brimming my eyes.

Once we're in the car, Peyton gives Aaron a rundown of the wedding plans as he drives, stealing glances at me through the rearview mirror.

".....venue to be Prospect Hill Park right in Somerville so we will make arrangements to make sure its vacant on the wedding day. Of course, that is after seeing the Reverend tomorrow. Is that okay, AJ?" Peyton looks back at me and I force a smile.

"Sure. Park weddings are really beautiful." I assure her and she smiles contentedly.

As I go through my to-do list, Aaron's voice draws my attention.

"So, Ava. Are you staying at your dad's place?" He asks and no matter how hard I try to stop myself from looking up, I end up doing it. His steady eyes shift from the road to briefly glance at me through the rearview mirror.

"No. I'm staying in a hotel and as a matter of fact, I'll be dropping off soon." I say plainly and then I return my attention back to my iPad.

"A hotel?" Aaron frowns.

"She wouldn't stay with me on account that Nick and I are sharing the apartment we rented and staying with her dad and his wife just seems a little--"

"T.M.I Peyton." I say and she zips her lip and places an invincible lock.

"But a hotel seems a little too...costly. Aren't you guys going to be around for a month?"

"I can handle my business Aaron, thank you." I say coldly and he raises his brows.

"Ouch. I'm just saying that I've got a spare room at my place and it's well furnished and completely private." He says and I roll my eyes.

Nice try.

"That actually is a good idea." Peyton chips in and I scoff in disbelief.

"Excuse me?" I say and she shrugs casually.

"AJ, I know it doesn't sound like it but we're just trying to help. Ron has a point. His place is really close to both our parents house at Somerville and closer to my apartment. We can meet a lot easier and you can save the money you were going to spend in the hotel." Peyton says as she turns to face me.

"I know how to handle my finances, okay?" I say to her and she widens her eyes.

"I just want to make everything a little less stressful. Please? As my maid of honour and best friend?"

"Stop it, Pey. That's not fair."

"As the bride to be and your best friend?" She says and I glance briefly at Aaron who has his eyes focused on the road.

This can't be happening.

I can still refuse. I can still insist on going to my hotel and probably not speak to Peyton for a full week.

But I know how stressful wedding planning can be and I did promise myself to make this event as easy as I could for Peyton.

For Peyton.

For Peyton.

"Please?" She begs again and this time, Aaron is watching me from the rearview mirror.

"I'm just trying to help my sister out, Ava. I promise not to make you uncomfortable." He says and I groan out loud.

"Fine, fine. Whatever." I say and Peyton squeals.

"You're the best! I love you!" She says and I smile a little, unable to say anything else.

What the fuck did I just agree to?

One whole month in Aaron Knight's house?

I could barely handle seeing him, let alone being in the same house with him for a month.

As my thoughts spiral over the sudden change, Aaron gets to Peyton's apartment first and drops her off. As he takes her luggage inside, Peyton joins me at the back seat.

"I'm sorry." She says softly and I look at her.

"That really wasn't funny, Pey. You know how upsetting this can be, you know how much I enjoy my privacy, you know--"

"I do. I really do and I know I put you in a tight corner back there but I'm really trying to help. I know I'm asking too much from you and I know it's unfair and I'm really sorry, Ava." She says and I can feel my anger dissipating at those words.

Peyton always called me AJ.

She only calls me Ava when she's being serious.

"Hey, it's okay. It's your wedding and I'm only staying for a month. I'll be fine. History between Aaron and is a decade ago, anyways. I can handle it." I assure her and she hugs me.

"I love you, AJ. I'll see you tomorrow. " She says before planting a kiss on my forehead and leaving.

The rest of the ride back to Aaron's place doesn't take up to 10 minutes and soon, he parks in the underground garage of a fancy building.

As I take out my luggage, he turns off the car and attempts to help me.

"No, thanks. I've got it." I say and pick up my bags with ease while holding the box with wheels on the other hand.

Aaron sighs deeply now,

"Ava--"

"Can you please lead the way? I'm exhausted." I insist and he steps closer, maintaining eye contact.

"Ava, it's been 10 years. We're adults now, can we atleast try to get along?" He asks and I shrug.

"This is me getting along just fine, I don't have to try. I just love my privacy and it's really what I need right now." I say firmly, staring back at him without an atom of feeling and he observes me a little before he nods.

"Okay, then." He says and leads me to the elevator which takes us to the 7th floor.

Aaron unlocks the door and shows me in and I have to try to contain my amazement.

It was a condo and it was beautiful. It even had a wide, private patio furnished with sofas and a fireplace.

Quietly, Aaron leads me to a door and unlocks it, exposing a wide, beautiful bedroom.

"It has its own bathroom and all the privacy you can get." He says and hands me the key.

"Thank you."

But just as I'm about to shut the door, his foot blocks off the motion and I look up at him.

"For what it's worth, I'm really sorry Ava. It's too late give an explanation because I can see it won't change anything, but I'm sorry. For ten years ago and for now." He says and I nod.

"Thank you, but it's not worth anything. Not me atleast."

And with that, I shut the door.