A laugh comes from me, and Elliot steps back, allowing Avalon and me to walk into the first area of the manor. Avalon and Elliot are chatting behind me, my heels clicking as I walk.
The scent fills me instantly, and I close my eyes. Oh, God. I’ve missed the lavender smell that floats through the manor surroundingme. The white walls are decorated with Renaissance paintings, all of which are the original pieces. There’s a grand piano in the corner, though it serves as decoration. I’ve never played, and Sawyer stopped playing years ago. Since then, it’s been collecting dust, but given how old the piano is, Mom and Dad use it as a bragging chip.
“Ms. Evans, your room is ready. You can go and freshen up.”
“Thank you, Elliot,” Avalon smiles.
Though she’s still a little uncomfortable being catered to, it’s less than it used to be. The first time she visited me, she was reluctant to even sit in the living room. She feels a lot like she’s being left out, and although I can’t exactly tear the place down so it wouldn’t look as it does, I did have a long chat with her. She’s someone I love a lot, and what’s mine is hers, end of story.
“Where are Mom and Dad?” I ask, turning around.
Elliot checks his gold wrist-watch, then his eyes flick back to me. “They’re in a business meeting, they’ll be home for dinner. Your brother will be joining, too.”
A frown etches on my face. “Isn’t he supposed to be in France?”
“He cut the trip short so he could return in time for the party.”
“Very well,” I offer a polite smile. “When you get the chance, can you email me the guest list? I want to see who’s coming.”
“Of course, I’ll do it shortly.”
“Thank you,” I turn to Avalon. “Let’s go freshen up. I’m tired.”
“Do you ladies want some snacks before lunch?”
“Oh, that would be fantastic, Elliot,” I sigh in relief. “Send us something.”
He nods, then walks off toward the kitchen. Avalon and I start walking up the grand staircase, and for some reason, she seems fidgety. She’s avoiding looking at me, and I can’t help rolling my eyes.
“For the record, I didn’t tell Grace. She knew beforehand.”
“I can feel your judgmental stare from a mile away, you know,” she mutters.
“I’m in no position to judge you, Ava,” I pause at the top of the stairs on the third floor. I look at her for a brief moment, then continue walking toward the part of the manor that’s mine. It has my grand bedroom, with an en suite bathroom, a bigger living room area, and a smaller guest room, which Avalon will be using during her stay. “You know I love you, right? Who you’re with is none of my business as long as he’s not abusive, and it’s all consensual.”
Avalon retreats to the bedroom, and I go into mine. Our belongings are already inside, courtesy of Elliot, and since I have more than enough time before lunch, I only take a quick shower, change into comfortable clothes, and then head into the living room area.
The decor ranges between grey, black, and baby pink shades. Mom’s favorite interior designer put together this living room, piece by piece. From the wall color and the details on the curtains, to the smallest decorations, candles on the shelves, and even having someone arrange all of my books in alphabetical order, by genre.
Avalon storms into the living room, hair damp as she slumps into the sofa across from me. “Do you think I’m a slut for being with Colton?”
The question catches me off guard. “What? No. If anything, he’s the slut between the two of you.”
Avalon blinks. “I’m sorry?”
I roll my eyes. “Please, have you not seen the way he dresses, talks, and acts? The man is the definition of a man-whore. But for what it’s worth, I’d never call another woman anything as degrading as a slut.”
“I’m proud of you,” she snorts. “You’ve grown as a person, it seems.”
“To be fair, I’ve never insulted another woman based on her looks, or who she sleeps with. I just insult their intelligence when they’re stupid.”
“When someone has a brain like yours, it’s easy to meet people less smart.”
I shrug.
Elliot comes in, bringing us a tray of fresh fruit, sliced up and put together nicely. There’s a bowl of chips, and some freshly squeezed orange juice. He puts everything on the table in front of us, and after thanking him, I wait until he’s out of the door.
“I just…” I pause, trying to find the words. “I want you to be careful.”
