Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Ava

I hated everything about the dinner: the over-familiarity by Cary, mum's makeup and the hovering looks of Rowland Johnson as he continued ogling me. The fact that he even made Darren stood from beside me , says it all. Rowland Johnson is a fucking pervert! And so, even though I haven't spent up to an hour, all I kept thinking about is for the miserable dinner to end. I couldn't wait to get back to my apartment .I clenched my fist in the napkin and pretended to clean my mouth when Cary dropped his bomb.

To say that I was shocked was an understatement and so, I needed to talk some sense into my mom.

“Please tell me this is a joke mom,” I pleaded immediately as we were in the room and out of hearing. Well , she didn't do exactly what I wanted. Instead she fidgeted and shifted her weight on her feet. She knew about the arrangement because she had been the one to remind him. So, It wasn't a joke, I realised.

“I… I get it Ava. You don't like any of this arrangement and all. But it's only for the meantime, Cary and I are…”

“I don't want to hear it mum! Spare me the details.” I said, cutting her short. “I don't have any issues with you remarrying and I'm in support of whatever you want..in fact, I am happy that you finally found someone for yourself. But this? I don't like it one bit!” I said with all of the strength left in me

“Calm down Ava. You make it sound like it really is a bad thing.” She said

“That's because it is a bad thing. You are the one getting married, not me. I'm not inclusive of this deal. First you marry into a family whose life is all over social media, now you want to drag me into it?” That's unfair mom.

“You heard Cary right? You can go back once the wedding is over. Try to see the good side of this Ava. I'll be able to see you everyday and we can even bond well” she said, trying to convince me.

“I can't because this isn't normal. I have to share the same roof as Rowland Johnson? That good for nothing brat. I don't want to be a part of this mom. This isn't convenient for me one bit.

The door opened at this instance and Cary waltzed in apologising for eavesdropping on our conversation. I rolled my eyes at this, if he knew it was wrong to do so, why then did he do it?

“Ava, I think I should address this. To be honest , even I would be angry if I found myself in this situation. But believe me when I say it's a tradition. Also, beyond that , we need to show the world that we are one big family.. that's the only way your mother and I won't get any lashes from the public and believe me, they would find you too and bring you to the spotlight. So allow me to do this because it is for our own good.

“This is all about the perception of the media ? Well , I don't want to be a part of this. I have a life outside all of this. It's not convenient for me at all to juggle coming and going to work from here everyday. Not to talk of packing again. Mr Johnson, I really don't mind that my mom stays here, but I'll appreciate it if you count me out. Let the media say whatever they want” I said.

“Call me Johnson Ava. We would all become family soon. And I might have a solution to your worry. I'm sure Rowland could work something out with you. He can take you to work every morning. Also, you don't really need to pack much, you can go shopping for whatever you need,” he said, shocking the life out of me while my mom just stares at Cary sheepishly.

“That's not possible!” I heard Rowland 's voice from behind the door. In a second, he burst through the door, forcing it open.

“I'm no Chauffeur or nanny, why should I be bothered about all of this? Let her find her way to her place of work and get her stuff here. Don't make me babysit her. And if you don't like that option dad, buy her a car!” Rowland exclaimed.

Cary held the glass of wine in hand tightly and faced Rowland in a voice cold as ice and one that sounded like a warning.

“Rowland, you'll take Ava to her apartment and wait till she has her stuff. And, if need be for her to go to the mall, you'll escort her there. Also, you'll take her to work everyday till the wedding is over,” Cary stated firmly so much that even I knew that I had no more say on the matter.

I looked at my mom one more time but she was busy worshipping the floor where Cary stood. When she finally glanced at me , her eyes were full of apology.

Rowland huffed out of the room, muttering about having to babysit a grown up. I shot mum one last look and told her how I felt about everything.

“I hate all of this mom, I don't like this one bit but as always, my opinion doesn't matter, " I said and left the room. It was already dark and I knew it would be morning before I got back. I wondered why packing couldn't wait and what the rush was all about.

“Just so we are clear,” I said as soon as we were inside his car. “I don't like this just as you don't either. So, please spare me whatever bollocks you have in your throat” I said in anger and turned my eyes to the side.