Chapter 43: Chapter Forty-Three

Everett

I didn’t have a call to make. Aubrey probably knows that. I should have asked. She would be better with Erica, Hugo, the kids and the dogs. At least there, she won’t have to worry about me changing like the damn weather around her. My behaviour must be confusing her. I stopped seeing her because we were spending too much time with one another. Now, I am inviting her to stay for as long as she needs. I need to stop and stick to one thing.

Sighing, I pour a single scotch and swallow it down all at once. I am tempted for a second one, but I won’t. It is still only early afternoon. I do not need to get wasted at this time of the day to stop myself from thinking. I disappear to my office, hiding out. I rest back on my office chair, running my fingers through my hair. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Aubrey was supposed to be another conquest, nothing more, nothing less. How did I end up here? Yes, my anger when I found out stems from my childhood, but it is more than that. The thought of him hurting Aubrey angered me further. It is hypocritical of me. I used her and hurt her, not in the same way; I could never lift my hand to a woman, but I still hurt her, all while she is trying to heal from the hell she went through before me. I am a selfish bastard. It would be best if Aubrey forgets all about me. I don’t deserve to have her in my life, even as a friend. But it won’t be possible to stay away since she works with my brother and is family to them. I groan in frustration.

I hear the front door open. It must be Hugo and Erica. It couldn’t be anyone else. I pull it together, not wanting them to know something is wrong. I stroll through to greet them.

“Where is Aubrey?” Erica asks.

“In the back yard.”

She nods, going to give her the medication. I should have known she didn’t have that with her.

“Are you okay, Everett? You seem stressed.”

“I am fine.” I lie, “Do you want a coffee?”

I wanted to distract him from our conversation. I can’t tell him the truth.

“Sure, we can have one before we need to head home for the kids and the dogs.”

He follows me to the kitchen. I pop my head outside. “Do any of you ladies want a coffee?”

“I am okay, thanks.” Aubrey smiles.

“I will have one,” Erica adds in.

I become silent, lost in my thoughts as I make three coffees.

“Everett, are you sure you are okay? I know today would have brought up some bad memories.” He appears next to me.

“Hugo, I am fine. I promise. You don’t need to be concerned about me.”

He doesn’t seem convinced but knows me well enough not to push. He nods, followed by a sigh. Erica and Aubrey come inside a few minutes later.

“Aubrey has decided to stay here with Everett for a couple of days,” Erica announces.

“Why?” Hugo asks, confused.

“Because you two have enough going on with work, the kids, and the dogs. You don’t need me hanging around, either.”

“Aubrey, you wouldn’t be a bother at all.”

“I told her the same thing, but she insisted,” Erica says.

“If that is what you want, that is fine. But you are always welcome at our place.”

Hugo doesn’t seem annoyed at her change of mind. He has no reason to be. It is Aubrey’s decision. I am surprised, though. I never expected her to want to stay here. I didn’t think Hugo and Erica would want Aubrey to stay here with me.

Aubrey glances over me. “Is that still okay? It will only be a couple of days.”

“Yes, that is fine. You can stay here as long as you need.”

She smiles. “Thank you. I will stay here for a couple of days, and then if I still can’t return to my place, I will go and stay with Erica and Hugo.”

“Whatever you want and need, Aubrey.” I smile.

Erica and Hugo look at me strangely. I know what they are thinking. They are wondering why I am being nice to Aubrey. It isn’t a side that comes out often.

“We can bring some of your things over tomorrow.” Erica smiles.

“I will stop by and pick it up, rather than you having to drive back out here.”

I still need to go to work. I can pick them up on my way home. Then again, maybe working from home will be best in case Aubrey doesn’t want to be alone. I want her to feel comfortable and safe.

“How about the two of you come to ours later for dinner? I will cook. We can get some wine and maybe have a fun game night or something. You can both stay over and then come back here tomorrow?” Erica suggests.

“Sure, if Aubrey is up for it.”

“I am.” She answers with a smile.

Erica nods. “Great. We should get home. Come over about six?”

It is only three, we still have some time before we will need to leave. I don’t know about staying. We can see how the night goes. Hugo and Erica finish their coffee and head home.

Aubrey and I go to the living room to sit, not saying a word to one another.

“What made you change your mind?” My words break the silence.

She turns to me. “The same reason I told them. They have enough, they don’t need me adding to it. I like it here. It is beautiful and quiet.”

“I meant what I said to them. You can stay here for as long as you need.”

“Thank you. It will only be a couple of days. I don’t want things getting weird between us again.”

“I understand.”

I don’t want that either, but it does mean I am going to tell her to leave, even if it becomes too much for me. I wouldn’t do that, not again, not when she is going through what she is right now. If she is here with me, it means that bastard can’t get anywhere near her. I have someone watching him now, anyway. I will know his every move and if he comes anywhere near her apartment or work. He does, he won’t be doing it again. She is desperate to get home, and hopefully, we can make that possible in the next week or something. I still like the idea of finding her somewhere new, but Aubrey won’t agree to that. All I can do is make sure she is safe no matter where she is.