Page 23 of Flawless Aria

“Being a career woman herself, she understands. We’ve already discussed it. She’s disappointed but she’s fine with the wait. Gives her more time to plan.” Oops. That might have backfired in my face.

“You just gave me a brilliant idea. Why not have a destination wedding!” She’s so excited that she squeals. Yes, you heard me correctly. Squeals.

“That’s way too extravagant. What about the bridal shower and the Bachelor and Bachelorette party? A destination wedding is too involved, and I won’t have time for all the incidentals. I’m not a machine; I’ll need time to relax, too.” I’m grasping at straws, but this can’t happen.

“Emma and I will take care of everything. All you need to do is make sure you and Aria show up.” Grabbing her phone, she takes a screenshot of my schedule. Why do I have a feeling that no matter how many excuses I come up with, she will find a way to get us hitched as soon as possible?

When she gets up to leave, I stop her. “Mom, I’m begging you. Do not plan a destination wedding. Aria and I don’t mind you helping out, but we don’t want you and her mom taking over. It’s our wedding and we don’t want any damn surprises!” Granted, that was harsh, but sometimes I need to put my foot down.

“Jaxon, you worry too much. I promise before we finalize all the details, all four of us will have a sit down to go over everything. Now, I need to run. I’m meeting with Emma in thirty so we can make all the necessary adjustments.”

When she kisses my cheek before leaving, I feel like it’s the kiss of death. Aria is going to kill me.

Grabbing my phone, I try calling Aria just to give her a heads up. “Pick up, come on baby, pick up.” When it goes straight to voicemail, I hang up.

Running my fingers through my hair, I decide it would be easier just to drive over there. I need to get to her first, because if her mom calls after their meeting, Aria will freak out. Thinking I gave my mom the thumbs up to plan this destination disaster.

As soon as I pull out of the driveway, I put two and two together. Macy was flying in today and if Aria didn’t answer her phone, nine out of ten she’s with her.

ARIA

I wantedto pick Macy up at the airport, but she insisted on renting a car. I’ve convinced myself it’s better this way. Gives me more time to find the right words to explain why we did what we did. She’s going to be furious with both of us but mainly me. She warned me to stay away from him and I didn’t listen. Now I’m living a lie with no end in sight.

I’m taking out the cheesecake I made when the doorbell rings. Even knowing how mad she’s going to be, I’m excited she’s here.

“Hey bestie, I’m so happy you’re here.” I mean every word when she hugs me so tight, tears threaten to fall. Sometimes I wish she was my big sister instead of Stephanie.

“Ditto, sweetie. Now I’m in desperate need of the bathroom so get out of my way.” We both laugh as she goes running down the hall. My cheeks hurt from smiling and she just walked in. I know that will soon change.

I head into the kitchen and fill the kettle with water, knowing she’ll want a hot cup of tea while we chat. Unless she wants something stronger. I stocked up on wine. Not only because she was visiting this weekend but because I need it to fall asleep.

“It smells delish in here. Have you been baking?” Her eyes light up the minute she notices the cheesecake cooling on the counter. “Girl, my ass just gained ten pounds by smelling it, let alone eating the damn thing.”

“Stop. You’re losing too much weight as is. I’m making tea so we can have some when it cools.” I busy myself getting out the tea bags while she settles in at the island. Watching me run around the kitchen like I’m possessed. More like avoiding the topic at hand.

“Aria, the tea can wait. Please sit down so we can talk.” Damn, she can’t wait to get down to business.

“Macy, I…”

“I’m not here to judge. I love you dearly and I want what’s best for you. If Jax is the man for you, then I want to hear it from you. Not the tabloids or your sister’s social media. Just start from the beginning.”

After I explain how it all started, I pause to make us some tea. I know she’s listening but also reading between the lines. Once the tea is ready and I take a few sips, I continue. “I’m his fake fiancée and I know it’s childish to hold onto someone based on a lie, but for now it’s real to me.”

“It is real, babe. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’ve been in love with Jax for a very long time.” I’m shocked that she would say such a thing when she continues. “The night you ran into him at the bar, when I asked you to leave it alone, you ignored me and went to talk to him. That’s when you validated all of my suspicions.”

“I was showing him a little compassion for God’s sake. How do you equate that with love?”

“You’re not that good of an actress, Aria. You both love each other. It’s the reason it’s working. You’re believable. No one knows it’s fake because it’s not. It’s very much real. Maybe you guys are technically playing a part, but your love for one another doesn’t know you’re faking it. Jax is your twin flame.”

What? She’s lost her mind. I studied all that in Psychology. She’s dead wrong.

“That’s absurd. Where did you ever come up with a crazy idea like that? It’s ridiculous. Of course, I love him. We’ve known each other for years, but I’m not in love with him.”

“Did you sleep with him? Get down and dirty between the sheets because people who fake it don’t have sex, Aria.”

She’s right. If it was a fake relationship, we never would have taken it to the next level. Jax would never hurt me like that.

The ache inside of my chest splits me wide open.

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