Finding Me (Love's Not Easy Series Book 1) (3 page)

When Lexi mentioned how she thought that her Gran probably loved having her company. Aimee had to explain that her maternal grandmother died when she was twelve, and her grandfather had died prior to her mom and Gran moving to the United States. Aimee asked to change the subject. Shortly after, Colin and Aiden went to the park to play ball, while the girls went shopping.

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He had to be cautious that the group did not realize he had been following them. Madam was right, Aimee Pittman was sitting right in front of him and, with Prince Aiden, none the less.

This mess is worse than she originally thought. He wanted to take a snapshot with his cell; but, he couldn’t without blowing his cover. He tried to listen to their conversation, but they spoke in low voices.

Once, he saw the Prince hug her and, another time, he held her hand. Madam is not going to be happy. Not at all. When the spiky green hair kid left, he followed him.  Aimee looked like she was crying. Madam was not going to like what he observed.  She is here to go to Ancaster University and, from the looks of things, for the full program. He needed to find someone to spy for them, but who?

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Lexi drove the girls to meet Mr. Myers at Ancaster Bank. It took him and Aimee a little over an hour to set up her accounts. Afterwards, they went shopping at a few local vendors and boutiques near campus. Aimee bought six outfits and two new pair of shoes. They went to the market and a shop that sold household items, before returning home. When they returned to the flat at five p.m., Aimee laid down for a much needed nap. She had not recovered from her jet lag just yet.

The clock read 7:45 when Aimee awoke. Piper and Sophia sat on Piper’s bed looking at magazines. “So, were you going to let me sleep right through the meeting?”

Piper laughed. “You just looked so peaceful, we didn’t want to disturb you. The guys aren’t back yet, so we figured we would wake you when they got here.”

Aimee pulled her hair in a messy bun and joined them. Sophia was looking at a cooking magazine. She told Aimee how her dream was to become a world famous chef. She missed the cutoff to apply to the culinary school of her choice and was only going to Ancaster University for one year.  She had already started her early application process to the school.

Piper glanced at the clock. “We need to go down, the guys will be back soon and I want to get some food before they devour it.”

Lexi was in the kitchen when the girls came down. Sophia and Piper sat on the couch. They discussed how Lexi wanted to be the flat leader but Aiden suggested we vote. Piper made comments with regard to how Aiden may be a Prince, but Lexi was the self-proclaimed Queen of Flat 707.

Aimee, feeling that everyone was being unfair to Lexi, decided she would help her in the kitchen. Sophia laughed and told her it was her own funeral. Lexi was getting down the plates when Aimee entered the kitchen. She took the forks from a drawer and began helping set the table.  Then, she got ice from the ice maker for drinks.

The guys arrived a little after eight with Pizzas and a DVD.

“What took so long?” Lexi asked in a harsh tone.

“The line was long.” Aiden waved the DVD in the air.

“A movie. Seriously, we can watch movies on the internet.” Lexi was getting mad, which was causing her neck to turn red.

“Not this one, you can’t.” Colin placed the pizzas on the table.

Josiah took a plate. “Yeah, it’s an action packed thriller, full of lots of blood, guts, and glory.”

Sophia stood behind him. “Gross.”

Lexi rolled her eyes. Aiden laughed as he sat beside Lexi. “Why Lexi, I thought those were your favorite movies.”

Colin laughed. “We forgot, you are the romantic type.”

The discussion on the movie went on for a few minutes. Sophia and Piper agreed a comedy would be nice. Aimee agreed on the comedy as she sat between Aiden and Lexi. Colin then confessed, it was an action packed romantic comedy.

As soon as everyone sat down at the table, the meeting started. Lexi read the letter from the Villa Advisor, explaining the Villa rules. It was posted on the message board when she was done.

Next, they decided to make some rules specifically for their flat. Colin and Josiah were not thrilled with the no intercourse or no alcohol in the flat rule. But, Lexi had a way of convincing them that the rooms are close together and the walls are thin and that, if they wanted to stay drunk and be wild, they could always join a fraternity.

In the end, they agreed to the rules. The last item was voting on the leader. They decided on a written ballot, with Lexi and Aiden as the candidates. The end vote was Lexi three and Aiden four. Aiden let Lexi know he voted for her and that he would require her help. Lexi agreed to share the duties with him.

When they were cleaning up, Lexi approached Aimee. “I know you were my third vote. Thanks.”

Aimee grinned. “Anytime.”

The movie was just as the guys said, an action packed romantic comedy. When it ended, Aimee went straight to her room.  She was so exhausted. Piper came up shortly after, and they read their Bibles again. Aimee was really enjoying herself and she thanked God for her new friends. She added a special prayer for Josiah.  Something about him seems off and it was more than his appearance. He left the flat half way through the movie and stated he would be back Sunday night.

Saturday was a beautiful day, so instead of going straight to Huffington Square, the girls went to Birch Park with Aiden and Colin. The guys found a group of people to play soccer with and the girls spotted a tennis court nearby. Aimee and Sophia teamed up against Piper and Lexi. When the games ended, they went to eat at a small restaurant just outside of the park. It had outdoor tables, so they could eat and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

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He had to look twice at the tall, blonde girl. She looked very familiar; but, she could not be who he thought. That was impossible. He watched them from a distance for a while, before walking away. There was just no possible way. He was being paranoid.

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The man in the grey shirt was watching Aimee, this much he was for sure. If memory served him right, the guy could mean trouble for Aimee. Things just keep getting more complicated. He needed to get a spy on Aimee quick, someone young. Someone who can befriend her. He had his work cut out for him. No one from this group will do. They are already bonding as her friends, and may tell her. The green hair kid is not with them, but he looks as if he would turn out to be an enemy, not an ally. Madam is not pleased with him as it is. He failed to keep the girl in the states and away from the horrible secrets Neahovia holds for her. The poor girl is in so much danger and doesn’t even know it.

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Sunday morning, Aimee and Piper attended services at Wise Chapel.   The congregation was so nice. They met Rev. Mark early and toured the church. The building was remodeled into a beautiful church. Aimee marveled at the wondrous work God had created. She thought about the old building, and how it looked, when she and Piper arrived to help work on it three years ago. It was so old and run down. In fact, if not for the church restoring the building, the city was going to condemn the building.

Most people thought the project was useless, that the building had no potential. They said trying to restore and turn it into a church was crazy, but when God’s in control, nothing is useless or crazy. She then thought about how that building related to a loss soul, and how God turns something as ugly as sin, into something as beautiful as redemption. He redeemed us from our sins, just as he redeemed Wise Chapel from being condemned. She shared her thoughts with Mark. He looked up to heaven. “That’s something close to what I preached for my first sermon here.”

James escorted the girls to a young adult class. The lessons were targeted for college students and young adults starting out in the world. It was a study on the book of James. Aimee loved the book of James and the class was very insightful. She tried to keep from staring at her friends. James and Piper sat together and were whispering to each other when the lesson ended.

After class, they went to the main Sanctuary for Worship service. The message was about What God Requires of Us. It was a truly uplifting message. The last part of the sermon was Aimee’s favorite, it was taken from the text of Micah 6: 8
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

Rev. Mark preached on how, with these characteristics, we can truly worship God. If we justly show others love and mercy, without expecting something in return, and walk humbly with God everyday, then others will see God through us. Just before the altar call, Rev. Mark ask everyone to think about who it is that ultimately gives you strength and courage? God. We should use the virtues he gives us to ensure that we are living our lives as God wants us to. To live as Christ did, while here on earth.

Tessa invited Aimee and Piper to join them for Sunday dinner. Tessa and Mark prepared the food for the cookout, while the girls hung out with James and his sister, Cameron. James and Piper found out that they both are majoring in Advertisement.

Over dinner, they discussed how the church was reaching out to the youth and college students; but, the lack of Sunday School teachers was making it hard. Aimee and Piper volunteered to help start a class for fourth through sixth grade. After dinner, James offered to escort the girls home, and then he took Piper out for a fro yo.

Chapter Three

Classes will begin on Wednesday at nine a.m. Monday and Tuesday was packed with mandatory events for Year One students. The girls spent Tuesday evening shopping for a dress for Aimee to wear to a Semi-formal dinner being held for Year One Business Management students. The dinner had several guest speakers scheduled and was being held at a hotel owned by a Business Management Alumni. Aiden offered to be Aimee’s escort since they both had to attend the event. So, Lexi was going to make sure they both looked great.

Aimee was wide awake at 5:30 a.m., two hours before her alarm was set to go off. She thought about taking her shower, but was afraid she would wake Piper. So, instead, she brushed her teeth and put her hair in a messy bun. She had been wanting to watch the sunrise over the ocean; and, their back patio was the perfect spot.

The kitchen light was on when she made her way downstairs. She could smell the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Aiden was standing next to the pot.

Aimee leaned on the counter. “Hey.”

Aiden turned. “Oh, hey, guess you caught me.” He said as he grinned.

“That smells great.”

“It’s a special blend; if you want, I can pour you a cup. I was planning to sit on the patio and drink mine.”

Aimee stretched her arms. “I was going to have a cup of coffee on the patio too; so, I will meet you out there. I use the creamer in the fridge.”

The air coming off the beach was so warm. Aimee took a seat in the chair on the end. It was a perfect view of the ocean.

“So, Aimee, what’s got you up so early this morning?” He handed Aimee her coffee.

“I have been up since five a.m. I was just lying in the bed, tossing and turning, so I decided I would come down before I woke Piper. Plus, I love sunrises.”

“Are you anxious about classes starting today?”

“Not really. I think I am finally adjusting to the time change.”

“That’s great.”

Aimee took a sip of the coffee. “This is the best coffee I have ever had.”

“My mom has a friend who owns a coffee shop. She keeps me in stock.”

Aimee was amazed. “Your mom, the Queen, has a friend who owns a coffee shop?

“We are not snobs, Aimee.”

“I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to say that your family was snobs.”

Aiden laughed. “Relax, Aimee. My mom and Phoebe are childhood friends.”

“I could never imagine my dad or Deandre having friends like that.”

“Like what?”

“Ordinary friends. Deandre likes for everyone to think that she is not a snob; but, the truth is, if she can gain nothing from a friendship with you, she does not speak to you.”

“And your dad?”

“Does whatever Deandre says. She is so different from my mom. Mom would literally give people the clothes off her back; or, better yet, buy them new clothes. A lot of the charities she and Gran sponsored had no clue what they actually gave. They didn’t do it for recognition or to gain popularity; they did it because they cared.   I can’t believe my dad married Deandre…”

“It sounds as though your mom and Gran were great.”

“My Gran always told me that we should never take our blessings for granted. I can hear her now saying:
Aimee, honey, God has blessed us with so much more than we deserve.  We need to shower others with blessings.”

“I like that. It is a good philosophy to live by.”

Aimee choked. “It’s not philosophy.  It is living by God's word.”

The sunrise was coming over the horizon, turning the grey night sky into vibrant burst of colors. The crimson red lined the length of the ocean in an ombre effect, as the diffident shades of orange traveled up into the sky. The center displayed a joyous, yellow sun ball.

“In the words of my mom, it’s a new day with a fresh start. Time for us to get out there and find out who we are.” Aimee grinned as she quoted the words of her mother.

Aiden stretched. “That really suits us right now. My mom says that this is the year we will find ourselves.”

Aimee lifted her coffee. “To finding me.”

Aiden laughed as he clanged her coffee cup. “To finding me.”

At nine a.m., Aimee and Aiden sat in their Business Accounting class. Professor Clayborne handed the class his course outline. This was the one class Aimee dreaded; she hated Accounting. There are eighty people in her lecture class; that lasted one hour every Monday and Wednesday. The rest of the week, was lab days, and they had to choose two to attend.  Each class had a minimum of twenty students. Aimee and Aiden decided on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The entire morning was the same thing; finding their classes and then their seats. Going over the class syllabus and signing up for labs. They had a break from one until two, then back to class till four.

At lunch, they met Piper, Lexi, Colin, and James in the Student Union. Colin hassled Aimee and Aiden about their career choices; suggesting they switch to production. Aimee informed him, he would be in need of a Business Manager and someone to market his films. Piper joked that he would need her and James for his advertising team and Lexi was going to be the Public Relations person for all of them. She would take care of all Press Releases. They laughed about how easy it seemed, in theory, just get our degrees and watch out world, here comes flat 707.

The next topic was Colin trying to pry childhood stories about Aimee from James. He told a few; but, left out the embarrassing ones. No doubt, in fear of Aimee retaliating and telling some stories to Piper on him. James offered to walk Piper to her next class. Lexi watched the two leave. “Well, Aimee, it looks like, before too long, you and I are going to be the only singles in our flat.”

Colin stood. “Excuse me, there is no girl hanging on my arm.”

Lexi stood. “Yet. Soon enough, it will be a different one every week.”

The one hour break flew by, unlike the next two hours.

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Friday evening came quickly. Classes ended at four p.m. Aimee had to rush home to take a shower and get her hair and makeup done before six. Luckily, Lexi, Piper, and Sophia offered to help her. Lexi did hair, while Piper did make-up, and Sophia did her nails. Thanks to the group effort, Aimee was ready by 5:45.

She could not believe her eyes when she looked at herself in the full length mirror. Lexi had fixed her hair in a princess braid up do. Her lavender low/high cocktail dress looked beautiful on her. The front ending just above her knees, while the back was long and flowing. It had a sweetheart neckline, with the front detailed with sparkling, silver beads. She placed on the jewelry she had bought at the dress shop; and, completed her look with a pair of silver heels and matching silver handbag.

Aimee turned to her friends. “Thanks so much. I could have never pulled this together on my own.”

Lexi hugged her. “That’s what friends are for. Now, let’s go take some photos. I am sure your dad will want to see how beautiful you are.”

Aiden was waiting patiently in the foyer when the girls came down. Of course, Aimee was last. Lexi wanted her to make a dramatic entrance.

Aiden was sure his heart stopped beating the second he saw her. She was a true vision of natural beauty. She walked down the steps with such grace and elegance. He knew he would have trouble trying not to stare at her tonight. He felt a nudge in his side from Colin as he coughed. “Ava.”

“Sorry, dude. I am not blind.” He looked over at Colin.

“Didn’t your mother always tell us that when we meet the girl that God has planned for us, we would only have eyes for her? And to pull our eyes away from her beauty would seem impossible.”

“Yeah, she did; and I have never seen Ava look as beautiful as Aimee.”

Colin shook his head. “Man, did you just hear what you said?”

“Yeah, and if you repeat, it you’re dead.”

“No problem, because I agree.”

Aimee saw Aiden and Colin in the foyer talking. Aiden was wearing a grey tux, with a lavender tie, and a vest with splashes of grey and lavender. Lexi had done a great job at making sure they matched. His hair was fixed in his usual style; but, he was clean shaved, which Aimee found just as attractive as his five o’clock shadow. “Wow, he looks hot.” She turned her head.  Had she just said that out loud?

“What did you say?” Piper grinned.

“Nothing.” Aimee was reprimanding herself. What was she doing; he is taken?

Piper laughed. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. And yes, he does.”

Aimee walked over to the guys as Colin gave a low whistle. “Hot, hot.”

She laughed. “Thanks.”

They took a few pictures as Colin joked at how this was closely resembling a date.  Even though Lexi scolded him for saying it, Aimee had to agree; in a way, it kind of felt like a date.

As they walked out the door, Colin joined them. “Now, you two kids don’t stay out too late.” He laughed and shut the door.

The dinner was held at the exclusive LJE Hotel and Convention Center. The hotel looked like something out of a Hollywood movie. It was a hotel for the elite. A huge, crystal chandelier was hanging from the vaulted ceiling in the hotel lobby. The staircase was wide, with red velvet carpet, and brass rails. A concierge stood at the bottom of the steps ready to assist them to Sheridan Hall.

Sheridan Hall was decorated with round tables covered, in the Ancaster University colors of black and twilight blue. Each table was set up to seat four people. The centerpieces, on each table, had white and twilight blue flowers. Lights was strung around the room to complete the decor. A huge podium sat on the stage; which, was decorated in the school colors.

Aimee and Aiden was seated in the front tables. She took her seat by Aiden, and started admiring the place settings. “I can’t believe the Business School can afford to put something like this on.”

Aiden grinned. “Mr. Edward owns the hotel; and, he’s an Ancaster UNI Alumni. He is paying for the entire dinner.”

“Oh.”

“His son is a second year Business and Hotel Management student.”

“So, how did we score front row tables?”

“Did you forget who your escort is?”

“Oh yeah. How did they know we would be coming together?”

“One of the coordinators called, wanting to know if Ava would be joining me. I told her no. I then told her, I would be accompanying Miss Aimee Pittman to the dinner.”

“Ok.” She looked around nervously.

“Aimee, you need to relax. These people smell fear.”

“I know.” She saw a flash of a camera. “Aiden, someone just took our picture.  What if it gets posted and Ava sees it?”

He looked around for the source of the camera. “I told her we would be attending the dinner together.”

The photographer went in the opposite direction, just as the first speaker made his way to the podium.

The first speaker was Mr. Edward. He welcomed everyone to the LJE Hotel, then spoke of how to prepare yourself for the business world. His speech was elegant. He held a great deal of confidence as he did a PowerPoint on his keys to being a successful business person.

He was followed by his son, Liam.  He gave his speech with just as much elegance and confidence as his dad. He told of his experience growing up as the son and grandson of two of Neahovia’s most successful business men; and, a few things he learned during his first year of school and his summer internships.

When he completed his speech, the coordinator informed them to enjoy the appetizers and drinks that would shortly be served. She then encouraged everyone to take a few minutes to mingle with the students close to them.

Aimee looked at Aiden. “I have two questions. A). Are they going to pray? B). Why are we the only two at our table?”

He laughed. “A). probably not and.” He lifted the other name cards. “B). LJ. Edward and his sister Sheridan Edward.”

Aimee opened her mouth to ask another question; but, Mr. Edward appeared.

“Aiden, my boy, how are you?” The elder gentlemen spoke with an accent so thick it seemed fake.

“Mr. Edward, I’m doing great. Your presentation was wonderful.”

“Thank you.” He turned toward Aimee. “And who is this vision of beauty?” Aimee blushed.

“This is Aimee Pittman. She has chosen to come all the way from United States of America to study Business in our wonderful country.”

“Miss Pittman, I hope you enjoy your stay in Neahovia. How long will you be studying with us, a year?”

“I will be attending all three years here, sir.”

“Oh, I see; and then, after your studies here, will you return to United States?”

“I haven’t decided which country I will live in.”

He looked Aimee up and down, as if he was checking her out. “If I may say, dear. Do you think a woman of your stature is made for the harsh world of business?”

Aimee sat straighter. “I am not sure as to what you mean by a woman of my stature. But I can assure you, that I am probably more capable of holding my own in the harsh world of business, as you put it, than most of the men in this room.”