Turn Towards the Sun (28 page)

“Not in my world. If Chris came home a millionaire I’d have no trouble accepting it.” She laughs.

“But that’s the thing Cass, you’re already in a relationship with Chris. It’s different when you just meet a guy.”

“Whatever Ava. So you fell in love with a rich guy instead of a loser. Cry me a river.”

Gabby bursts into laughter. I have no defense.

Grayson pulls into a small parking lot. “I’ll wait here.”

“Or I can call you when we’re ready.
”
I offer.

“It’s no problem.”

Now I’m sure I’m his job for the weekend. Who can blame Enzo though? I haven’t exactly been responsible when he’s not around.

We jump out of the car and head towards the shops. Cassie and Gabby are chatting away, fast friends. My phone vibrates.

Hot and Bossy: I’m in San Diego. Wish you were here.

Me: I’m in hot ass Phoenix. Wish I was there too.

Hot and Bossy: Drink water!

Me: Okay!

Hot and Bossy: Love you

Me: Love you back

“Okay ladies, let’s get this party started.” I clap my hands and rally my girls.

The shops at Avalon are all locally owned
business
es
, which
I love. We pass some clothing
boutiques,
but most of the shops contain various items for the body and home. We find this adorable shop that makes
handmade
soaps and body creams. The owner uses milk from her own goat farm. I pick out several bars of scrumptious smelling soap and a new organic eye cream.

Next,
we head into a fragrance shop. The owner will help you make your own customized blend. Gabby and Cassie both pick out a fragrance.

“I’m buying!”

“No you’re not Ava.” Gabby argues.

“Speak for yourself Gabs.” Cassie retorts.

We all start laughing. Each fragrance is a hundred and ten dollars. I know Gabby doesn’t want to spend that without a job.

“Please?” I bat my eyelashes at Gabby.

She frowns. “I’ve already accepted way too much from you and Enzo.”

“Gabby, this is my world now. I can do these things for people I love and I want to.” I sound eerily like Enzo.

She nods and smiles. “Thank you.”

I throw down the Amex card and we head to the next store. I stop and buy water and ask Cassie to take a picture of me drinking it with my phone. I send it to Enzo.

Me: Being a good girl
J

Hot and Bossy: Being a safe girl. Thank you

“I don’t get it, you guys have some kind of water fetish or something?” Cassie is perplexed.

“I’ve had a little problem with hydration. It’s kind of an inside joke.”

We must go into twenty stores. I’m surprised Cassie is holding up so well in this heat but of
course,
she’s on a shopping high. Gabby is her normally composed self.

“I can only take on one more store then I want lunch and a pedicure.” I announce dramatically. We head into a stationery store.

“Who uses stationery anymore?” Cassie looks around.

“It sure is beautiful stuff though.” Gabby muses.

“Let’s get some and write letters. Even if it’s to each other.” I suggest. 

Immediately
,
I spot a package with real sunflowers pressed into the paper. How perfect. I grab three packages. I look around for something with an ‘E’ or an ‘M’ on it.

A saleswoman approaches. “May I help you?”

“I wanted some monogrammed stationery. Do you have it?” I can’t imagine there is anything they don’t have here.

“It’s special order. We make it per your request. Would you like to see our sample book?”

I nod and follow her. She pulls out a book with hundreds of choices. It’s all very personalized, for weddings, babies, birthdays, you name it.

“I’m just looking for something simple and chic for a man.” She smiles and flips to the back of the book. I see a
cream-colored
card with a blue ribbon pressed into the paper that reminds me of Enzo’s eyes. It’s very elegant and not gender specific. She shows me the fonts I can pick from. I pick out a very ornate font that entwines the letters you pick into a striking design.

“What initials did you want ma’am?”

Cassie and Gabby are standing over my shoulder. “An E and an M please.”

“You should add an A.” Cassie says.

“That’s a great idea.
” Gabby nods her head in approval.

“Don’t you think that’s a little presumptuous?”

Cassie glares at
me,
and I know the shit storm is coming.

“Well I don’t know
‘
miss let me buy eve
rything with my new boyfriend’s
Amex card while I plan my trip to Italy in my Mercedes
’
.”

Gabby starts cracking up. I turn back to the saleswoman.

“Can you add an A please?”

I pay for my
purchases,
and we head back to
Grayson,
who
waits
dutifully in the same spot we left him. He takes our bags and places them in the trunk.

“Where to?”

“Girasole.”

He nods.

“We’ll eat at the bistro on the
grounds,
then we can head over to the spa.” The girls nod.

“There’s nothing but salads on this menu.” Cassie pouts.

“I told
you,
that’s what lunching ladies do here.” I tease.

“It’s probably best to eat light before the spa. Can we pig out later?” Gabby asks.

“Great idea Gabs.” Cassie is pleased once more.

We walk over to the spa and check in.

“Do you have an appointment miss?” The young woman at the counter asks me. Shit! I didn’t even think of that.

“No. I’m sorry we don’t.”

She purses her lips together and shakes her head as she looks at the appointment book.
“I don’t know if I can get you in today.”

I turn around and see Camilla walking by and wave. Sh
e enters and comes to greet me.
“Ava. So good to see you again. What are you doing here?”

“Enzo suggested a spa
day,
but I forgot to make an
appointment,
so I don’t know if we can get in.”

Camilla smiles. “You can get in. One moment.”

I watch Camilla walk to the counter and say something to the woman
,
whose eyes shoot up at me in surprise.

Camilla walks back to me.
“You know Ava, you should use who you know a little bit more.” She winks. “Good to see you again. Come back when you’re ready for your next cut and color.”

“I will. Thanks Camilla.”

“Miss Bradshaw, I must not have seen these openings here. We can certainly accommodate you and your friends.”

I look back at Gabby and Cassie and motion with thumbs up. Cassie pulls her sunglasses down and winks.

“Right this way ladies.”

“That was so much
fun,
Ava.” Gabby
wiggles
her freshly painted toes.

“I agree. You’ve got mad perks.” Cassie is using her fake gangsta voice again.

We wait for Grayson to pull the car around and take us back to my place.

“Who can we push around tomorrow?” Cassie cackles once more.

We pile back into my place and discuss our plans for the evening.

“I vote we order in and watch some sappy rom-com movie only a girl could love.” Cassie belts out.

“I vote we do that and add a pitcher of margaritas.” Gabby chimes in.

“Okay, Gabby, order the pizza. Cassie, make the margs, and I’ll get the movie set up.”

I run
to
change clothes and pull out my phone. I want to hear Enzo’s voice. I hope he’s not too busy.

“Ciao bella.”

“Ciao Enzo. I just wanted to say hi. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“You are never interrupting me. In fact, this call is the highlight of my very boring day. What did you do today?”

“We went to Avalon then lunch and spa at Girasole. Now we are ordering a pizza and going to watch a chick flick.”

“Sounds like a fun day.” It’s silent for a moment. He speaks first.

“Ava I’m really glad you called. I love hearing your voice.”

“That’s all I wanted too Enzo, to hear your voice.”

“Go have fun with your friends. I’m going to order room service and catch up on some contract reading.”

“Okay, bye baby.”

“Ciao amore. Love you.”

“Love you back.”

I hang up and feel giddy inside.

“Pizza
’
s here!” I hear Cassie call out. Gabby is pouring
drinks,
and we all head into the living room.

I select
Only You
from my
collection,
and we sit down to scarf.

“So I think Chris wants to get married. He’s been hinting.” Cassie suddenly announces. I stop mid chew and stare. Gabby looks interested.

“That’s awesome. You don’t seem excited though.” Her reaction confuses me.

“I don’t know if I’m ready to settle down.”

I start laughing. “You’re already settled down Cass. Look at us. We’re sitting on the couch watching Robert Downy Jr. movies on a Friday night. You’re settled.”

She frowns but agrees.

“Don’t be scared. Just go with it. Sound familiar?” I echo her earlier advice to me.

“Well I think both you bitches should stop whining about your amazing love lives and find me a man!” Gabby bursts
out,
and we all start laughing.

“I’m stuffed.” Cassie announces as the movie credits roll.

“I’m going to bed ladies.” Gabby grabs her purse to head home.

“Me too.” I get up to go to my room.

“Okay. Good night.” Cassie adds.

I see Gabby out and lock the door.

That was so much fun. We laughed so hard my face hurts. I hear my phone vibrating on the nightstand.

Hot and Bossy: Ready for bed?

Me: Just getting in.

Hot and Bossy: Alone?

Me: Don’t be silly.

Hot and Bossy: No. I mean alone. No girls?

Me: No girls, just me.

Where is he going with this? My phone rings.

“Ciao Ava.”

“Ciao Enzo.” I’m already grinning.

“What are you doing?”

“I told you. Getting in bed.”

“What are you wearing?” Oh goody
,
I love this game!

“Betty Boop pajamas.”

“Take them off.”

I stand and do as I’m told.

“What are you wearing?”

“Nothing.
Are they off?”

“Yes.”

“I want you to close your eyes and run your hands
over
your body, like I do.”

“Okay.” I close my eyes and do as he says.

“How does it feel?”

“Good. I’m pretending it’s you.”

“Good. Now play with your nipples.”

I reach up and run my hands across my breasts, pulling gently on each nipple. I moan.

“Does it feel good
?”

“Yes.”

“Now I want you to put your hands between your legs and rub your clit.”

Wow,
this is totally hot.

“Are you doing that Ava?”

“Yes.” My breathing is heavier now.

“I want you to make yourself come Ava, just like I do. So keep rubbing.”

I rub in a circular motion
and pretend
his hands are doing this. My breath
quickens,
and I know I’ll be there soon.

“Tell me how it feels Ava.”

“Amazing.” I breathe. I listen
to his
breathing and know that he’s pleasing himself too.

“Are you ready
? Are you going to come for me?”

I hear his breath catch as my own orgasm washes over my body. I’m panting, trying to catch my breath.

“Thank you.” I whisper into the phone.

“You’re welcome. Buona notte my love.”

“Buona notte.”

“You look chipper this morning. Sure Enzo didn’t sneak into your room last night?”