“I’ll get the bail money ready,” I tease, unable to hide my grin. “I’m just a DM away.”
Beau bows his head with a soft laugh. “I’ll remember that, Miss Edwards.”
EIGHT
As the sun rises in the morning, my body refuses to sleep in despite screaming at me to rest.
I’d barely slept, maybe three hours at most. The night ended only a few hours ago when Rocky started taking his clothes off after multiple rounds of shots. He got his hands on Cognac, an awful-tasting drink, but apparently, the French people enjoy it.
The newlyweds had long gone, saying goodbye to everyone before retiring to their own place for some alone time. The moment they left, the party turned into something else.
Beau disappeared early. I’m not sure where, nor did I ask. For all I know, he’s Bruce Wayne pretending to be Batman to fight crime.
That, or he hooked up with someone in town.
People drank more, and the music got louder. To Eric's amusement, Rocky got fed up with his suit and began stripping off.
When we all caught a glimpse of the leopard print underwear, I took the opportunity to excuse myself to bed. Some things can never be unseen.
Inside the kitchen, there are three personal chefs preparing breakfast. I offer them a smile, then ask politely for coffee since my brain is yet to wake up. Of all guests, I’m the only one accustomed to the time zone, making it easier for me to be awake at this time, even though a little more sleep would have been nice. The irony of this, my father is nowhere to be seen. The one person who always wakes up each morning before anyone else.
I walk outside to the patio area, where a small wicker table and two chairs sit. The view is impressive, just open fields of the countryside and a lot of silence. I’m not used to it, having spent my time in the city for the last few months, but after a long day with all my family, I welcome the momentary silence.
“Morning,” a voice behind me yawns.
Ava is wearing a burgundy robe with a coffee in hand. She takes a seat across from me, yawning again. Her hair is a mess, tied into a bun, yet she still looks beautiful even though she’s make-up free. Okay, maybe the dark circles make her look older, but I’ll keep that observation to myself.
“Are you awake before your kids? How is that possible?”
“It’s a miracle. Promise me you’ll enjoy your life before you have kids,” she says while taking a sip from the small espresso cup. “Sleep is the greatest gift to ever exist.”
My eyes fall to the tabletop, but as quick as it does, I raise them again with a forced smile. “I like thinking about me for once.”
“So, nothing from Cole?”
I shake my head. “I unfollowed him on socials.”
“Good move, nothing worse than staying friends with an ex.”
“You unfollowed all your ex-boyfriends?”
Ava nods. “Any guy I’d slept with.”
“Wow.” I chuckle, surprised at her admission. “That’s a lot of unfollowing.”
Across the table, Ava presses her lips flat in annoyance but then breaks out into a knowing smile. “Yeah, whatever, so I have a past.”
“Too bad Austin can’t unfollow his ex.”
“Funny,” she responds with sarcasm laced in her voice. “Lucky, I’m an understanding wife.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” I admit, wondering how anyone stays near their ex-partner. “You, Millie, even Mom and Dad with Uncle Julian.”
Ava lets out a sigh, relaxing her shoulders as she enjoys the view around us. It’s hard to believe she’s a mother of two daughters. Ava has always been the selfish one, thinking about herself. Look at her now, all responsibility and a changed woman.
“When you find that person, no one else matters. Ex-lovers are exes for a reason. It was never meant to be.”
“True, although I don’t know how Dad managed to move on and be around Uncle Julian.”