Axel studies me for a second. “You’re on a family vacation, and you want us to crash dinner?”
“Not crashing—invited.”
Heaven wanders into the villa with an explanation about needing to edit a video before dinner.
“And what else?” Axel asks me without missing a beat.
He pulls his hair out of its bun and runs his finger through it as it falls past his shoulders to the middle of his back. I remember my amusement when he admitted Heaven likes to call him Thor.
“Okay, apparently you and I are ‘crazy’ magnets.”
Axel clenches his jaw because he hates acknowledging Allie. Luckily, I’m not here to talk about her.
“What did Emma do, now?”
“Well after the last time we talked about her she’s watched me when she shouldn’t have, texts and calls incessantly, and showed up to my office dressed one step up from hooker and started to undress.”
Axel rubs his scalp. “Shut that shit down, Beau. Be harsh if you have to. Get protective orders and everything. Never underestimate someone’s level of crazy.”
We’re silent for a moment. Allie really overstepped her boundaries, enough to go away for a long time. Emma’s desperation doesn’t feel like that level of crazy. I think this is her fucked up version of fighting for a man. A man who doesn’t want her, but still.
“I’ve pushed her away in no uncertain terms. I know what caused her escalation, but recent events can either give her a clear picture that we’re never happening or push her deeper into her crazy.”
“What events?”
“Go get ready.”
I call my mom before he can argue and tell her we’re coming and confirm that Axel and Heaven are free of shellfish allergies.
Axel and Heaven reappear about thirty minutes later. Heaven has donned a green maxi length sundress with some shiny gold strappy sandals. Her hair is in a high ponytail and her shades are designer. Axel is wearing navy shorts, tan boat shoes, a tan belt, and a white linen button-up. His hair is parted down the middle and separated into two French braids. He’s shades are also designer.
“You two clean up quickly.”
Axel quirks his lips but doesn’t respond. I don’t need to see his eyes to know he’s still waiting for more information.
I’ve never mentioned Celeste to him, so I have to fill him in on our entire relationship when it’s time. We make small talk on the way back to our villa. My mom greets Axel with a big hug, although she’s only seen him once, and my dad waves because he’s putting the finishing touches on the clambake. I know Axel will turn down a beer so I offer him coconut water. Brett shakes Axel’s and Heaven’s hands on the way to the shower.
“Security?” Axel asks under his breath. “Since when did you need to travel with a local police officer?”
“You’re back!” Celeste says from behind. We turn in time for her to adhere to my side and wrap her arms around my waist.
I push her brown and gold ringlets off her face to kiss her forehead. The haziness of her gaze speaks of a good nap.
“Enjoy your nap?” I tease with a kiss to her lips then turn to catch Axel and Heaven’s surprised eyes.
“Celeste, this is my best friend Axel and his fiancée, Heaven. Axel and Heaven, this is Celeste.”
I didn’t give her a title because I’m not fully sure what to call her. We’re obviously a couple. She’s on vacation with me and my parents and is carrying my child. I’d found it strange that my dad’s marriage idea didn’t bother or scare me. It made me realize that I’m truly ready to move on with my life. Celeste and I both know Sara holds a special place in my heart, but she isn’t here anymore. She doesn’t need my dedication.
Axel graciously shakes her hand, then Heaven begins chatting up Celeste about the dress she’s wearing. It’s a flowing dress that doesn’t show much of her little bump. I don’t need to look at Axel to know I’m getting a dirty look for leaving him in the dark. There wasn’t anything to tell when we were in Houston, and the last time I was in California, making sure Axel was okay was my only concern.
“Celeste, darling,” my mom calls out. “Do you have any cravings or foods that upset the baby? Oh, shoot, I forgot the ice cream you wanted.”
Axel is jerking me toward the door. “Don’t worry about it, Momma Scott, Beau and I are on it. Heaven, text me if any of you need anything else.” I can barely wave before I’m on the other side of the villa’s wall. “Spill, bro,” Axel demands once we begin our pedestrian journey.
“It’s a long story,” I begin.
“Well, fucking walk slow, then.”
