Page 215 of Summer Heat
“Hey, gorgeous,” Aimee says when she sees me. We kiss on both cheeks, like the Europeans we aren’t, and make our way to the kitchen. She sits down on a barstool around the island that surrounds my stove.
“Are you hungry?” I ask Aimee as I pour her a glass of red wine. I always ask if people are hungry as if their answer is going to deter me from wining and dining them. I got my love for cooking from Maggie. She’s a much better cook than I am, but I try to stay on her level regardless. My favorite part about cooking is drinking red wine while I do it.
“You know I’ll eat anything you make as long as you keep pouring that wine,” Aimee replies with a sly smile. “So...anything new you want to tell me about?” she asks with a raised eyebrow as she eyes the shorts I’m wearing.
“Not really. It was just Cole being Cole.”
She shakes her head. “I have got to meet that guy soon.”
I laugh lightly. “Oh, before I forget, by any chance, do you know if Mark will be in town this week?” I ask nonchalantly.
“Hmm...he should be. I heard my dad talking about a big trial coming up next week. He probably has a lot to do to prepare for it. Why?”
“Just wondering. I have to go by there this week, and I wanted to meet him. So I figured if he was here, maybe I’d request to see him.”
“I still don’t understand why he would be your attorney. I think you must be mistaken. He doesn’t practice estate; he only takes on criminal cases. The one who dabbles in estate law is Morris. You should speak to Russell about it.”
I don’t know why Shelley took her business to Mark, but I know that I’m not mistaken. He’s the one that signs off on everything. I’m only allowed to meet with Mark’s assistant, Veronica Stein, about my estate. I know this because I have asked to meet with Daniel Morris in the past, and my attorney has stepped in and declined the request. I asked Daniel about it one day when Russell took me to his house for dinner, and he said that Mark liked to deal with his clients personally. I didn’t mention to him that I’d never even seen Mark in person.
“You’re probably right. I’ll ask Russell,” I reply quietly as I serve our angel hair pasta with vodka sauce. As we eat sitting around the dining room table, we discuss the usual—school, fashion, and boys. Aimee has had a crush on Aubry since they met last year, but Aubry had a girlfriend.
“So Aubry and that Haley girl finally broke up,” she says smiling over her wine glass.
I stare at her for a moment. “Is that why you came over looking like you were going on a hot date?”
She gasps and puts her hand over her heart. “Blake Brennan! I would never!”
We both break out in a fit of laughter before we continue eating.
“Aimee, I love Aubry like a brother. Hell, that’s what he is to me—a brother. He’s an amazing guy, but he always goes for the bad girls. You know, the ones who step all over his heart just for fun. Well, yeah, that’s what Haley did to him. He’s taking the break up better than I expected, but still. I just don’t want either of you getting hurt.”
Aubry is a hopeless romantic, but it’s as if he enjoys getting hurt. I wish Aubry and Aimee would get together though. Aubry needs someone stable in his life. They would make an adorable couple, too. I just don’t think Aimee is crazy enough for Aubry.
Aimee leans into the table and places her hand on mine. “I know, Blake. I get that, but I really like him. He’s funny, and he’s sweet. Just don’t worry about him...or me,” she adds in a soft voice. I search her face for a while before nodding slightly.
I don’t know if it’s a wine or food coma that I’m slowly seeping into as I sit here pretending to listen to Aimee ramble about God knows what. My eyes are locked on her fingers drumming against the table, and the strangest feeling washes over me. I’m still lost in the familiarity of the drumming fingers when Aubry comes in and interrupts my train of thought.
“Hey, Aimee. Blakey,” Aubry says, smiling. “Is there any food leftover? I’m starving.”
“Do you even have to ask?” I smirk. “You know I won’t let you starve. Aimee, is it okay if I leave you with Aubry for a little while? I’m not feeling so good. I think I may have over done it with the wine,” I say as I get up to clear the plates. It sounds like a lame excuse and I hope neither of them call me out on it.
“You overdid it with the drinking? No way,” Aubry deadpans. He’s such a dick sometimes.
“Yeah, whatever. Just be a gentleman and take care of Aimee while I lay down for a little while. Aimee, is that okay? I’m sorry to leave you hanging,” I say even though I know she’s elated that I’m leaving them alone.
“No, it’s totally fine. Go. I hope you feel better,” she replies quickly. I see Aubry raise an eyebrow at her quick response. I fail to stifle my laughter as I walk toward my room, leaving them chatting.
After I lock my bedroom door behind me, I run to the desk on the other side of the room and open the envelope from the attorney’s office again. Sure enough, it’s signed Mark Lewis. I need to meet this man in person. I try to shake away the thoughts I keep having about Aimee and the drumming of her fingers. It is a total coincidence I tell myself repeatedly. Total coincidence—except I don’t believe in coincidences.
I lay down with the black velvet box in my hand until Aimee knocks on my door to let me know she’s leaving. I toss the box under my pillow and open the door to her smiling face. I laugh and link arms with her as I walk her to the door.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” she says as she hugs me goodbye. “Thank you!” she whispers loudly.
“Don’t thank me yet,” I reply as we air kiss on both cheeks.
When I walk back to the living room, I see that Aubry’s door is half open, so I peek in.
“Aub?” I call out.
