Incineration (Heart of Stone) (12 page)

“God yeah” she grinned. “Okay George, we’d love to” he
cheered happily down the phone “I’ll book our flights and email you with the
date and time” I told him as we said our goodbyes, Courtneys hangover  seemed
to have disappeared as she happily chatted about how much fun we were going to
have.

After managing to secure flights for tomorrow, I texted
Brian and apologised that I couldn’t attend his birthday party and he replied
saying I must join him and Brenda for dinner tonight at the exclusive
restaurant ‘cuisine’ and I confirmed, telling him I would be there for 7
O’clock.

 Around lunch time I made my way home and collapsed on my
bed, the comfort of my own belongings cradling me soothingly.

I dozed until I heard a knock at the door and grudgingly
left my bed to answer it, frowning when I saw a guy with a huge bunch of
flowers in his hand “Delivery for a Miss Stone” he drawled, looking bored. I
raised my eyebrows at his dreariness and took them from him, thanking him and
closing the door, I went in search of a vase.

I arranged them in the three vases that I needed to
accommodate them all and sat on the sofa with the envelope that had been
attached, flicking it in my fingers as I debated whether to just bin it but
curiosity won me over again and I opened it

Ava,

I am so sorry. I wanted to talk to you first but I didn’t
think you would ever open up and I need to know everything about you Baby. I
love you and I want to help you through it, I want to take away your pain and I
can’t do that unless I know what your sorrow is. Please, talk to me. I can’t
describe in a letter how much you mean to me, how much I want to mend your
broken heart and fill it with happiness. I understand now, I know why you hide
behind a mask, why you won’t let me in but I want you to trust me Ava, I need
you to trust me. Once again, I am sorry for how I have done it behind your back
but I don’t apologise for the way I love you and the overwhelming desire to
comfort you and make you happy. I love you Ava

Mason

I cried at his words but couldn’t find it in myself to
forgive him, so I refused to ring him or see him and went to pack my case for
the morning.

 At 7 O’clock I entered the restaurant and informed the
maître d who I was with and he led me over
to Brian and Brenda’s table. They both stood and kissed my cheek and ushered me
into a chair as the waiter handed us some menus. “How are you Ava?” Brendas’
first words were accompanied with huge smile on her face “I really apologise
for not being able to attend on Saturday but I’m flying out tomorrow to see
George” she frowned but nodded “I didn’t ask why you weren’t joining us Dear, I
asked how you were” she raised her eyebrows; her ability to read me was
uncanny. I smiled slightly and perused the menu “I’m good” I lied, not lifting
my eyes to hers. “No you’re not” she stated and I bit my lip, sighing “I just
need a break Brenda” I shrugged and this time she nodded in understanding “I
gather the arse has been his usual shameless self” she winked and placed her
order with the waiter when he approached.

As I finished
telling him what I wanted my phone rang “Excuse me” I said as I retrieved it
from my bag. Mason! I quickly declined and popped it bag in my bag, I gritted
my teeth when it rang again. Brian and Brenda looked at me quizzically as I
declined it again.

I couldn’t switch
it off because I was waiting on a call from Courtney about our departure
tomorrow. The bloody thing refused to stop ringing and I reluctantly answered,
not wanting to look uncomfortable all night as it rang constantly “Excuse me
again” I grated and stood and walked over to a large window and answered

“What!” I hissed
“Ava, Baby. I’m so glad you answered” he said happily and it riled me “What do
you want Mason?” I snapped and I heard him inhale “I want to talk to you Ava”
he said quite harshly “Well I don’t want to talk to you” I ground out, trying
to bate my anger “I’m in the middle of an engagement and your incessant ringing
is making me look rude” I spat and I heard him growl “Who are you with Ava?”
his voice was low and sharp. I scoffed “None of your damn business” I slammed
and I could sense his anger rising “I will ask again. Who. Are. You. With?” he
spat out each word and I rolled my eyes at his childishness “What the hell
Mason? I’m with Brian and Brenda. Not that it is any of your concern. I must
say I’m surprised you haven’t slipped into Rebecca in my absence” I could hear
his heavy breathing and the snarl that rumbled in his throat “Ava!” he warned,
his voice low and
rough “Not that it’s any of my business now who you
fuck” I closed my eyes as the picture of them both ripped at me.

The tears came quickly and I rapidly tried to blink them
away “God damn it Ava!” he growled and then he sighed “Let me come over tonight
and we’ll talk” he asked gently. I wiped at my eyes, trying to turn my back to
Brian and Brenda “No Mason. I’m leaving for Portugal tomorrow. Please don’t
contact me again” I sobbed and ended the call as I heard him shout my name.

Rushing to the restrooms I clung to the vanity, desperately
splashing my face with water before I went back out.

Why had I let him in? I knew he would break me but my stupid
hormones and emotions betrayed my head and flung themselves all the way in, way
too deeply.

I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed “Come on Ava,
push it back and start again” I told myself. Rolling my neck and pushing my
shoulders back I returned to my hosts and as I was walking over to the table I
could see Brian having a heated conversation into his phone

“No, I’m not telling you. Just leave her be” he snarled and
as I slid into my seat Brenda slipped her hand in mine “You okay Darling?” she
asked, her expression full of sympathy and I nodded and faked a happy smile.
“For fucks sake Mason I said no!” he tried again and I groaned. He glanced at
me and I mouthed sorry but he winked and shook his head “well do it then, I
don’t care” he sighed and ended the call.

He coughed and picked up his cutlery “Sorry about that” he
said and grinned “Doesn’t know how to take no for an answer that man” he smiled
warmly at me and cut into his steak “What’s happened Darling?” Brenda probed
and I gripped my fork “He just broke my trust, that’s all” I said and left it
at that.

 Both me and Brian received another call each from Mason but
neither of us answered and at 11pm we hugged and said our goodbyes and I
promised to ring as soon as I landed in Portugal “Ava, have a few days holiday
before you decide anything. I know he’s a bastard but he does love you” Brian
said as he took my hand “I’m not apologising for whatever he’s done but I’ve
never known him to be like this” I nodded and promised I wouldn’t make any rash
decisions and climbed in a taxi and headed home.

Me and Courtney landed at Faro airport the next morning to
be greeted by hot sun and George. As soon as I saw him, I dropped my case and
ran into his open arms “Ava” he laughed “Princess, I missed you so much” we
both hugged each other tight for a long while “come on, let’s get you both
back” he grinned and winked at Courtney as he gave her a hug “And how are you
Sweetheart?” he asked her “I’m good George, looking after Ava for you” he
smiled warmly and thanked her as we both climbed into his waiting car.

We approached his new home, a large villa on a cliffs edge
and we both gasped “George, its stunning” I breathed as I exited the car and
went straight over to the cliff to admire the view.

The panoramic vista was heaven itself and I already felt my
tension easing. I took a deep breath, inhaling the pure air as I stood looking
at the clear, blue water below.

Courtney had gone In to find the toilet and I felt Georges
arms wrap around my shoulders, I sighed and snuggled into the comfort of him
“What’s he done Ava?” he asked gently, his chin resting on my head as we both
started out to the horizon. I sighed heavily “We got close and he broke my
trust” I told him honestly, the only man I had ever been able to be open with.
I felt him sigh and nod “I did worry about how he would react to you. You are
beautiful and that man can seduce a nun” we both laughed at his words “But to
be honest Ava, I thought if you were ready for a relationship, then he would be
just the man to break through. I didn’t expect you to fall for him though. I’m
sorry” I shrugged “Oh George, it’s not your fault. He wanted me to open up to
him and I wasn’t ready so he went behind my back and pulled all the stops till
he found every single piece of information about me” a tear fell and George spun
me round and pulled me close “Oh Princess. I’m sorry. He rang me a few days ago
wanting to know what had happened that night and I refused to tell him, I told
him you would tell him in your own time but…I guess he couldn’t wait” he
stroked my hair and held me while I wept “He told me he loved me George” I
cried and he pulled back, his gaze scrutinising me “Mason told you he loved
you?” he asked, shocked and I nodded “I loved him too, that’s why it hurts so
much that he betrayed me” George shook his head and looked astounded “Wow, I
mean I know the man can work some magic but he’s  usually the kind to fuck ‘em
and fuck off” he winked when I laughed “I just thought that’s what you needed
Sweetheart. If I’d have known this would happen I wouldn’t have pushed you two
together” he said sadly.

I pulled out of his arms “Hey, I’m here to have fun. No more
mention of Mason for the few days I’m here to spend with you” he nodded and
grinned “I have to ring Brian to let him know I’ve arrived. I’ll be in a mo.
Get the kettle on” I winked and he smiled happily, and disappeared in the
house.

“Hello?” Brian’s voice came through as the call connected
“Hi Brian, I’m just letting you know I’ve arrived safely” I said and he was
quiet and I heard a door close. “Ava” he breathed wearily down the phone “Brian
what’s wrong?” I asked; worry surging forward at the sound of his voice.
“Everything’s fine sweetheart. Brenda’s just had a bit of an accident so we are
in the hospital at the moment” I gasped “Brian what happened?” he sighed again
and I could picture him running his hands through his hair “She’s fine, she
slipped and twisted her ankle but we have been here all night so I’m just a bit
tired” I exhaled heavily “Oh thank god. How is she?” I asked, full of concern
for the woman I had only just met but cared for deeply “She’s okay. We’ve had
to cancel my party until next weekend, much to her displeasure but…you know,
she’s my priority…” he drifted off and spoke to somebody in the background
“Ava, I have to go but you take care Darling and enjoy your few days with
George. Give him our regards” I smiled “I will Brian. You give Brenda a hug and
kiss from me”

I was just about to disconnect when Brian shouted me back “I
didn’t want to say anything Ava but…but well I just thought you should know” I
frowned “Know what Brian?” he gulped “Erm well…Erm well I didn’t want to tell
you but Brenda says I must…” I held my breath “Brian please, just tell me” he
sighed and then carried on “Okay I’m just gonna say it. We went to the club
when you left last night and Mason was there” I stood silent, closing my eyes;
my stomach clenching as I knew what was coming “well he was really drunk Ava”
he was having trouble and I encouraged him “And he was there with Rebecca” I
finished for him. He sighed heavily “Yes” he said quietly and I swallowed back
the nausea “Did he leave with her Brian?” my heart had stopped as I waited for
his reply “Brian?” I urged but already knew the answer “Yes” he whispered and I
let out a sob “Jesus Christ, I’m gonna kill him” Brian roared “No Brian. It’s
okay, I expected it” I heard him gulp “I’m so sorry Ava. He was drunk and high.
I don’t think he even knew who he was never mind who she was. He had a right go
at me for not letting on where we were last night. He looked broken sweetheart”
I gulped back the tears and told him not to worry I would be fine and ended the
call.

 I sat on the cliff edge for a long while until George came
out and took one look at me and carried me in, gently placing me on the sofa
and disappeared in to a different room. Courtney hugged me “What’s he done now
Babe?” she asked gently, wiping the tears from my cheeks “He left the club with
Rebecca last night” I told her and I could hear her knuckles crack violently as
she clenched her fist.

I heard George shouting and swearing in the other room “I
will personally see you rot in hell for this, you’ve broken her you fucking
cunt” I had never heard him so angry and I cringed at his words but opened the
door to the room he was in, walked over to him, took his phone and disconnected
the call. “George, I’m okay. I promise” I smiled at him through my tears and
cupped his caring face. “I will get through it. He helped me move on in a way
and for that I am grateful” I said softly and his expression softened but he looked
puzzled so I carried on “George. You know what happened and I never thought I
would be able to go with a man ever again but Mason pushed me through that
barrier and took down those walls and I enjoyed it, I never thought I would but
I did” I cocked my head and realised the truth of my words “And for that I’m
indebted to him, he was patient and gentle with me and I needed it” he nodded
and sighed “I just laid into him and he never uttered a word, he just took it
Ava. That’s not something I expected from him. He eventually just kept saying
how sorry he was” he laughed bitterly and I grabbed his hand and squeezed “come
on lets have that drink and you can take me exploring” I grinned in excitement
and he pulled me into his side “You are gonna love it here and the Portuguese
are gonna love you Ava. Let’s see if we can hook you up with a hot bloke” he
winked and grinned.