Chapter 52: Trust

Chapter 52: Trust
AVA

“You ordered vegetarian?” I asked August, peeking inside the pizza box.

“It’s your favorite, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. I was just surprised. I didn’t think you’d still remember.”

“How could I forget? It ended up being my favorite too, remember?” He said, winking at me, which made me smile.

“Where do you want this?” he asked, holding the box.

“Just leave it by the closet. I’ll unpack it later, thanks.”

I was in San Francisco, and August had kindly come to help me move in. He lived just a few blocks from the hotel that would be my home for the next three months. He had offered me a room at his place, but since work was paying, I figured, why not take advantage of the hotel?

“All done,” he said, walking over and plopping on the couch.

“Thank you, August. I really appreciate your help,” I said, handing him a glass of wine.

“It’s my pleasure,” he replied.

“Put on the movie. I’m going to be quick,” I told him as I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. I was jet-lagged, and if I didn’t shower now, I’d go to bed feeling filthy.

I made it quick and stepped out, thoughts of Camilo running through my mind the whole time I was there.

“You deserve better,” I whispered, repeating it three times in front of the mirror before putting on my pajama shorts and an oversized shirt.

I returned to the front and plopped next to August on the couch. He pressed play, and the movie started. I had chosen it--Curve. I wasn't into horror movies, but I was intrigued by this one for some reason.

We dug into the pizza, and I couldn’t stop laughing as we reminisced about our high school days. It's funny how everything seemed so amusing in retrospect, even the things that made me want to cry back then. I guess time really is a healer. I hoped it wouldn’t let me down this time, too.

August got up to go to the bathroom, and just then, there was a knock at the door. He stopped, wanting to turn around and get it, but I told him it was fine and that I’d get it. It was probably the hotel staff.

Opening the door, I shouted back at him, half laughing as he started making crazy jokes about who could be knocking. But the words and laughter died in my throat the moment the door opened.

“Camilo? What are you doing here?”

“Hi, can I come in?”

“No, Camilo. It’s not a good idea. What are you doing here?”

“How could you just leave without telling me?” he asked, and I didn’t miss the hurt look in his eyes.

“We’re not together anymore, Camilo. I don’t have to tell you anything,” I replied, still shocked by his presence. How had he even known I was here?

“Everything okay?” August asked, coming into view. And Camilo’s expression immediately hardened.

“What the fuck is he doing here, Ava?” He demanded, and something about his tone made me snap. I wouldn't have this bullshit from him. How dare he question me like this after he was the one who cheated on me and admitted to having feelings for someone else?

“It’s none of your business what he's doing here. I don't have to explain myself to you! You lost that right when you cheated on me.”

“Oh, so you’re just going to fuck around too?” He sneered.

That was it. I pushed him back by his chest, trying to close the door, but he pushed it open again. A small scream escaped me as I staggered back, the glass slipping from my hand and shattering on the floor.

“Do not fucking push her like that!” August snapped, rushing over.

“Stay the fuck out of this!” Camilo snapped back, stepping toward me, concern now flickering in his face.

“I’m sorry,” he said, reaching to touch me, but I pulled away.

“Just leave, Camilo, and don’t come here again.”

“Baby, I-”

“Didn’t you hear what she said?” August said, stepping toward me, but before he could touch me, Camilo's fist landed on his jaw. I screamed as August staggered back, then retaliated. A fight ensued, and I tried to separate them, but I couldn’t. So I ran to the hotel line and called security.

I couldn’t believe this was happening.

Security arrived quickly and pulled them apart, escorting Camilo out of the room.

••••

MERA

I opened my eyes to a faint sound and raised my head a little, trying to listen better. It was the doorbell. My face immediately fell into a frown, thinking about how it must have been at least midnight. I glanced over at the clock to make sure, and it was 12:15 a.m. Who could it be at this hour?

I switched on my bedside light and got up, careful not to wake Noa. Throwing on my robe, I headed downstairs. I wouldn’t usually answer the door at this time, but Camilo had people guarding the place ever since the Alejandro incident. 

I walked up to the monitor first, and my eyes widened in surprise when I saw Camilo on the other side. What was he doing here at this time of night?

Yanking the door open, my face immediately twisted into a concerned frown, taking in the bruises on his face.

“Wha-” I started to ask what had happened, but his lips against mine silenced me. I shuddered at his touch and kissed him back, feeling the familiar butterflies in my stomach. 

My back hit the cool wood as he pinned me against the door, and a moan tore from my lips. I don't know how long we went on for before we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily.

Camilo's eyes found mine with an intensity that made me shudder once more. I wanted to ask where he was coming from and whether he was okay, but before the words escaped my lips, his lips were on mine again in another fiery kiss that turned my knees to jelly.

Another moan tore through my chest, but I snapped out of the blissful haze the moment his lips left mine and trailed to my jawline. I just knew something had happened and wanted to know what it was.

“Camilo… wait,” I said breathlessly, and that halted him instantly. 

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, stepping back from me before turning away, hands rubbing over his face. And I fixed my robe and stepped up to him, gently touching his back. I didn’t want him to be sorry. I only wanted to know what happened.

“Are you okay?” He didn't answer right away. “Camilo, you’re scaring me. What happened?” I asked again, and he slid down the wall to the floor with this vulnerability in his eyes that I'd never seen before. I followed him down to my knees. “What happened, Camilo?”

“I’m a mess, Mera. Now she hates me,” he said, hugging me back as I hugged him, and my heart broke. I didn't have to ask who he was talking about.

“I’m sorry, Camilo,” I whispered, still holding, wishing there was something I could do. I was in love with Camilo, that I couldn't deny but it wasn't right. He was Ava's man, and I somehow had to get over him and my feelings for him. I'd already caused so much pain.

“Give her some time. She loves you.”

“No, I don't need time..."

I was confused and asked what he needed, to which he said he needed to get his act together and take accountability for his actions. He said he hurt Ava, and he needed to accept that and stop doing all the other stupid shit he was doing.

“I'm acting a fool... trying to keep her on some leash even though I know exactly how I feel and that I'm only hurting her more. I don't know why I keep doing that because I know it's over."

“Maybe it's not Camilo. Ava loves you,” I began, but he cut me off, saying it is over. I didn't know what to say to that, so I just placed my hand on his.

I don't know how long we stayed like that before he eventually got up and tried to leave, but I stopped him. I asked him to sleep in one of the bedrooms. It was late, and I didn’t feel comfortable with him driving in his state. He agreed, and I stayed with him until he fell asleep. Then I returned to my room and tried to get a little more rest.