“You were engaged the first time you did it.”

“Bitch!”

“A real bitch. I wouldn’t be telling you any of this if I didn’t care about your future. You’re not happy with the life you’re living, and it’s time you owned up to that shit.”

“How do you know I’m not happy? How do you know Bash doesn’t love me? What is it you think you know, Gaia?”

“You’re right, I don’t know anything.” She mumbles, disconnecting the call.

“There you are, dear.” Bash says, coming, grabbing my shoulders, and planting a kiss on my forehead.

“Hey, Bash.”

“Have you moved all your things here yet?” He’s been bugging me to move everything out of Aunt Josie’s house to his since the day he asked me to move in.

“Bash, you know I’m not giving up my home, so I will take half with me and leave the other half with Auntie and G.” I see the moment his face turns sour at the mention of them both. I’m going to find out why none of them like each other if it’s the last thing I do.

“Whatever you say, darling. Listen, something came up tonight, and we have to push the family dinner to next weekend.” He says apologetically.

“What? Why?” I whine.

“It seems my attention is needed out of town. I have to go and close another real estate deal in New York.”

“New York? Are you kidding? What am I supposed to do while you’re gone?” I shake out of his grip, turn around, and pin him with a stare that shows how pissed I am.

“Darling, it’s only for the weekend. Today is Friday, I’ll be back before Sunday night. Well before you start your new job in a few weeks. How does that sound?” He asks, caressing the side of my face as I lean into his touch.

“I guess it sounds okay, I mean, what other choice do I have?”

“I hate to say it, but you could go and spend time with Gaia and your aunt.” He says, rolling his eyes.

“Be nice.” I’m trying to hold my laughter but failing miserably. “I don’t know what it is about you and them, but I do know you all better figure it all out before we get married.” I laugh. He looks at me as if there is something else he wants to say, but doesn’t.

“You’re right, darling. Maybe you could even pack up some boxes while I’m gone?” He says, pressing his lips to mine. “I must be off.”

“Yeah, sounds good, see you when you get back.” And just like that, I’m left alone.

I’m about to do something that I think I’ll regret. I pick up the phone and call Gaia.

“What?”

“Don’t be so rude. I know I’m gonna regret this but, I’m in.” I whisper.

“You’re in what? Deep shit?” She laughs.

“Stop being a dick! I’ll go to the party with you.”

“Really? What changed your mind?”

“I’d rather not talk about it over the phone.”

“Okay, well you know the party doesn’t get into full swing until later so… I’ll meet you at home?”

“Be there in thirty.” I smile, disconnecting the call.

“It seems tonight just might be looking up afterall.” I say, smiling devilishly to myself.

Chapter Six