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Chapter 23
As the weeks went by Aubree had tried her best not to show what she was going through, but Grant and Chanel could tell something was wrong. She had been jumpy and didn’t want to leave the house unless it was absolutely necessary. When she left the house, the car service or Grant took her wherever she had to go because she didn’t want another run in with Mario and Tone. Today she promised Chanel a day out to apologize for her behavior and asked Nova and Ivy to join them to keep watch while they were out.
“Breezy, I’m ready. How do I look?” Chanel strutted in the room as if she was on her personal runway, stopped, and struck a pose. Nova and Ivy cheered for her as she held the pose just like a model.
“Kendall Jenner ain’t got nothing on you. Girl, you better rip that runway!” Ivy was the hype man. “I believe you and Grant have a little diva on your hands. And she knows she got it too.” Nova and Aubree were laughing as Ivy continued with hype sessions for Chanel. It had been a while since Aubree had a reason to smile as well as Chanel.
Nova snickered, “The child does have a great sense of fashion. Maybe she can give her hype man some tips.”
Aubree tried to keep from laughing in Ivy’s face. They always teased Ivy about her sense of fashion or lack thereof. While at work she wore business suits, but on her off days you never knew if Ivy was a 90’s remake or 70’s Fashion Fair model. It drove Nova crazy each time they were seen together.
“You better be glad Chanel is in this room’ cause I would dust your as...butacross the floor.” Ivy glared at Nova as she smirked, ready to give her a mouth full. Before she could get started Grant and Allie walked in the room from his home office. They had been working on a special project for their family’s nonprofit celebration next year. Grant pulled Aubree out of her seat, sat down in the same seat, and placed Aubree on his lap. Now that Chanel knew they were a couple, Grant took every opportunity to let the world know they were together. He kissed her on the cheek then her neck and moved to her ear.
“What time are you coming home?” He sucked on her earlobe pulling it lightly with his teeth. “I have plans for us tonight, so get back as soon as you can.” To everyone else in the room they would think he was whispering in her ear, but he was starting early with the foreplay.
“Yes love, I will be back before it gets too late.” Aubree turned to kiss Grant on the lips. Chanel came running over while they were mid kiss.
“Aubree, can Auntie Allie go with us on our day of fun? Please?” Chanel held her hands in a praying position waiting for Aubree to get a favorable response. There was no way Aubree would say no to Grant’s sister coming with them.
“Sure, if Allie wants to come with us, she is more than welcome to come.” Aubree looked at Allie waiting for her response.
“I would love to come and spend the day with my brother’s two favorite ladies.” Allie was overjoyed that Grant and Aubree were finally a couple. She wanted to get to know Aubree better and hopefully they could become as close as sisters.
The ladies began to gather their things to head out the house as Grant sat and watched with pride. To see his woman, daughter, and sister enjoy each other’s company made him pleased. Grant was walking them to the door when the doorbell rang. Aubree physically stiffened up and looked wide eyed as Grant proceeded to the door. They weren’t expecting anyone since they all had plans for the day. More importantly, how did the visitor get past the security without someone notifying Grant there was a guest arriving?
Grant opened the door to a man wearing big shades, a fur lined cape with two Louie suitcases next to him. “Well damn, you look like a honey dipped Greek warrior like that 3000 movie. Whew chile, I don’t see how she do it, or should I say don’t do you every day,” the man said, lifting his shades and undressing Grant with his eyes.
“May I help you?” Grant asked cautiously, even though the voice sounded familiar.
The man clicked his tongue. “Not unless you know my easy Breezy beautiful girl Aubree. I hope you say no that you don’t know her so I can shoot my shot.” Aubree burst through the front door smiling.
“Davis! What are you doing here?!!” Aubree screamed as she jumped in his arms and hugged him for dear life. The whole group watched the two as they acted as if no one else was present. Allie peered at Grant to see him glaring at Aubree and the strange man. Nova nor Ivy seemed too happy to see him either.
“What the hell! You called me and I came running as soon as I could clear my schedule to be here for you. Now introduce me to the family, and I hope this man is not your Grant.” A frown marred Grant’s face as her heard the reason for this Davis guy’s visit.
“Davis, this is Grant, his daughter Chanel, and his sister Allison, but we call her Allie. You remember Ivy and Nova, right? Grant, this is Davis, my friend that I am working with to open the performing arts center.”
Aubree smiled bright like Davis was her hero or something. Grant stepped back not knowing what to say without his feelings showing. Ivy and Nova were not ecstatic about Davis’ arrival, and their mood shifted quickly.
“You should have called me to let me know you were arriving today. We made plans to spend the day shopping and hanging out.” Aubree was still holding on to Davis’ arm while she spoke.
“I’m all for shopping, honey. Let me put these bags down so we can burn some card up.” Aubree and Davis laughed. Aubree noticed Nova and Ivy were extremely quiet as was Allie. Davis walked pass the group and rolled his bags in the house. Aubree turned around as her friends and Grant glared at her.
“Ivy, what’s wrong? Nova?” Aubree asked trying to determine their mood.
Rolling her eyes, Ivy answered, “So, Davis being here means there is something major going on in your life that is bigger than you can handle. I am wondering why you haven’t told me nor Nova what is really going on with you. We are supposed to be your best friends, yet when your world is about to cave in, you call Davis. Okay, I’ve learned my place.” Ivy walked off without another word.
“You don’t trust us is what you’re really saying, so I guess you don’t trust Grant either. How do you think your boyfriend feels about you calling your friend to help with your problem? If I hadn’t promised Chanel I was coming, I would leave now.” Aubree watched Nova walk toward the waiting car. Calling Davis didn’t mean she didn’t trust her friends, she wanted to protect the people she loved the most from these deranged men. Especially Grant and Chanel.
“So, you want to tell me what is going on? Why your friend Davis just appeared out of nowhere talking about your asked him to come? What is going on because Nova and Ivy sure aren’t happy to see Davis?” Grant questioned angrily.
“I needed Davis so we could start moving ahead with our plans for the center. I promise we will talk when I get home,” Aubree lied. She hated herself for being dishonest with Grant, but she needed to a little more time to try and work things out.
Davis stepped of the house and clapped his hands to get every one’s attention. “Chop, chop ladies! Let’s get this show on the road. We have some plastic to burn,” Davis exclaimed. Grant watched as the ladies piled in the waiting SUV and waited until the driver pulled away from the house. Grant hoped Aubree wasn’t lying to him about the reason Davis was here. But something in the back of his mind told him he Aubree was lying.
The ladies hit the town shopping, going to the paint and sip hour, and a movie date. After the movies they ended up at Drippin’ for coffee and pastries. They were talking about their favorite Disney movies and remembered how they used to sing all the Disney songs. Aubree and Ivy walked to the counter to order more drinks. Aubree glanced over her shoulder and saw Celeste in one of the booths talking with someone. She couldn’t see the person, but Celeste kept giving her the evil eye with a half-smile looking like the fat cat that ate the canary. Aubree turned back around talking with Ivy as they waited for Erin to take their order. Before they reached the counter, Aubree felt a tingle run up her spine and a feeling of dread overtook her. A man walked up interrupting her conversation.
“Hey, my Breezy, it’s been a long time. How have you been?” Aubree froze. She couldn’t believe who was standing in front of her. Of all the people who thought it was a good idea to be in her presence, he couldn’t be one of them. When he smiled, the last five years passed before her eyes and all the anger, frustration, and helplessness came flooding back. Her hand folded into a fist and her breathing came in short pants.
