Chapter Eight

Aubrey

Everett has kept his distance since I asked him to leave the other morning. I haven’t seen or heard from him. I want to think he has got the hint and has backed off, but I don’t think that will be the case. He doesn’t strike me as someone who would surrender that easily. Kissing him back was a huge mistake! Regardless of how good it felt at the time, it was a foolish action on my part.

I would see him tonight for Hugo’s birthday. Something I am not looking forward to. If it weren’t for Hugo, I would cancel. I wouldn’t do that to him, not after everything he and Erica have done for me. I have his cake ready to take with me. Erica is picking me up to take me. It should be a good night and nothing too crazy. There will probably be about twenty people, I think. We are having dinner and drinks.

I secure the cake in a box and head to get ready. Erica is arriving shortly. I straighten my hair, pinning some of it back. I keep my make-up light and basic, including mascara, blusher, and light pink lipstick. A white, strappy summer dress that stops mid-thigh is what I chose to wear. I pair it with silver sandals.

A sigh escapes my lips as I view myself in the mirror. Perhaps I should put on something a bit baggier. Dresses make me feel self-conscious. I only wear them when necessary. As I walk to my closet to look for something else, I hear my front door open and Erica calling out for me.

“I will be through in a minute.”

I guess I don’t have time to change after all. I sigh, grabbing an oversized cardigan, and I pull it on. I make sure I have everything in my bag before I head through to join her.

My cousin is as beautiful and perfect as ever. Her dark brown hair flows over her shoulders, and her make-up is flawless. Her favourite Gucci heels complement her gorgeous red dress. Her beauty is striking. A part of me has always been a little envious of her beauty.

“Cute dress. You look beautiful.” She compliments with a bright smile.

“Thank you. As always, you look beautiful.” I smile.

“Thanks. Are you ready to go?”

I nod, “Yes. I need to grab the cake, and I am ready to go.”

I lift it cautiously. We leave my apartment, Erica locking up for me since my hands were full.

“The cake looks delicious.” She smiles.

“I hope so. As requested, it’s made with chocolate and crème.”

“I will need to make sure to keep some by for the kids.”

The kids were away, staying with an aunt on our side of the family for the night. A kid-free night is something I’m sure they’re really looking forward to. They are great parents, however, everyone requires some downtime occasionally.

“I will make sure to do that, or they won’t be too happy with me.” I snicker.

We have plenty of cake. There’s enough for at least forty people. There should be plenty left over.

Erica and I chat on the drive to their place. They stay in a beautiful three-story mansion that Hugo helped build with his own hands a few years ago. It is secure for the sake of the kids and their three huskies. It is private, too. Hugo wanted to ensure his family's safety when he wasn’t around.

We soon arrive, Erica typing in the code and drives us up the long driveway. Several cars are already present. She parks, and just as we’re getting out, another car arrives. One I recognised. It is Everett. No, I am not ready to see him. Right behind us is where he parks.

I take a deep breath, preparing to see him. Quickly exiting the car, he runs to the passenger side. He has someone with him. Did he bring a date? The moment a stunning blonde emerges from the car, my question is answered. A black designer dress and heels showed off her perfect figure. Oh wow, what is she, a model or something?

Everett glanced up, his eyes meeting mine as he smirked, his hand resting on her lower back. Hold on, is he attempting to evoke jealousy in me? If that’s the case, he’s an idiot. That plan is not going to work. Jealousy isn’t something I feel, so I won’t be a pawn in his game.

“Tara, it has been a long time.” Erica smiles and rushes over to greet her with a hug.

Wait, they know one another? She isn’t just some woman he happened to bring along?

Returning the hug, she agrees. “Yes, it’s been too long. It’s great seeing you again.”

They seem very friendly. They part but start chatting away. Everett seized the chance to come over to me. He stands next to me.

“Hey, sweetness, you look beautiful.” He whispers.

I turn my head to look at him. “Thank you, but you shouldn’t be complimenting another woman while you have a date with you. It is rude and disrespectful.” I say and head inside.

I’m not going to let him play games with me. I greet everyone as I head to the kitchen with the cake. Hugo is in the kitchen.

“Hey, you are here.” He smiles.

“Yes, and I have cake.”

I set it down, and he comes over to take a look. “Oh, it looks good. Thank you for making it.”

“You are welcome.”

“Where is Erica?”

“Everett arrived at the same time as us with Tara. I believe her name is. They two are chatting outside.”

“Her name is Tara, yes. I figured he was kidding when he said he was bringing her.”

“Why?”

I am curious about who she is. I can’t help myself.

“Tara is a former girlfriend. They weren’t together long. I knew they were still hooking up occasionally, but I didn’t think he would bring her along as his date.”

Everett has had girlfriends. I’m surprised by that. I believed he was the kind of guy who was only interested in sex and nothing else.

“Maybe they are trying again.” I shrug.

“No chance. They were so toxic together. Both too stubborn and alpha-like.”

He excuses himself to go and see Tara. I assume they got along, too. I look around, sighing, and then I see the vodka. I pour myself a small glass and gulp it down. To get through tonight, I may require a couple of these. I’m unconcerned about Everett being with someone else. I do care that even though he is, he probably still won’t leave me alone, which isn’t fair on Tara. I don’t know what he is up to, but whatever it is, I refuse to partake. I am not here for all that bullshit! I am here to celebrate Hugo’s birthday and nothing more.