Two weeks have passed quickly. Between the constant parties and events I had to accompany Dimitri to, the days began blurring together. Callista should be here in a week, and then my liver, brain, and body can have a break. I have also called Eric lately, but he has yet to answer. Could you clarify that situation? As far as I knew, we left things off in a good spot. Tanya has been at home with her son, getting him ready for summer school, with Roy wrapped around her finger. Reign was coming around increasingly since he was back in town from business, and Callista was now away.
"So," Tanya sighed, "What did we want to do today?"
"I dunno," I shrugged, "Dimitri, Roy, and Reign seem busy with work on the balcony office."
"They're closing a deal," Tanya clarified.
I glanced at her devious smirk, to which I returned in kind, "Do I hear some trickery on your part?"
"Bitch," she scoffed, "You've been listening too."
I raised a brow in cockiness, "You're one to talk."
"What's that supposed to mean?" she cocked a brow.
I looked at her. She can't be serious. I leaned down, giving her the exact look we always offer each other, which makes us break in understanding what the other is referring to. This time, she fakes obliviousness while looking around the room.
"Please!" I exclaimed, "I've seen your new clothes, Cameron's new clothes, your new car, " I listed, "I can keep going bitch!"
We both began to smile.
"So can I!" she giggled.
We both broke out in laughter. This was one fucked up situation.
"I was going to see what the laughter was about, but I see I've come home to happy women in my kitchen," Callista's voice broke our silence. I froze. Need help to move.
I took a deep breath to compose as adrenaline coursed through my veins. Reign was supposed to be somewhere else. Ever. Oh no.
"You're back!" I turned to greet Callista with a warm hug, baffled by the sight before me.
"Eric?" I gasped.
I turned to Tanya for an answer, but she needed clarification.
"Ivy," Eric slyly greeted me while embracing me.
I wasn't sure how to react to this situation. What the Hell is happening right now? The shock was the dominant feeling. Is this why he hasn't been answering my calls or texts? Was he with her this entire time? He could have at least told me. Perhaps we aren't as close as I thought we were after all.
"Tanya," he exhaled while giving her the same heartfelt hug.
He seemed genuine enough, but that was beside the point. I took out my phone and texted Tanya and Eric. Get Reign out of here now!
Tanya instantly saw my 911 and finished her coffee.
"So nice to meet you, Callista!" Tanya greeted and hugged her kindly, "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to see what's keeping Rob."
Once she disappeared upstairs, Eric saw my text.
"Where's Dimitri?" Callista asked while casting off her coat and purse.
I froze, unsure of what to say or do, "Upstairs with Rob talking business."
Callista began making her way to the end of the stairs. Panic struck me. I rushed over to her quickly, turned her around, and pressed my lips to hers. My left hand seized her hip as the other slid up her back, pulling her in closer to me. She can't go upstairs. I rubbed my tongue over hers ruthlessly with the intent of keeping her distracted long enough to get Reign out of there. I stepped farther from the stairwell, guiding her back toward the kitchen. My hand slid to the nape of her neck, seizing it within my grasp.
"You didn't miss me?" I growled intensely. I looked at her with a devilish smile.
She studied me briefly and returned the favor in kind.
"I thought I heard you," Dimitri interrupted our entanglement. Callista pecked me on the cheek before making her way over to her husband. I glanced in their direction for confirmation that Reign was gone. Dimitri and Callista were kissing intensely, and Eric shook his head. He gestured up the stairs to reveal the scene of Roy and Tanya helping usher Reign out of the patio exit on the second floor. Once their kiss broke abruptly, my eyes widened in fear.
"So!" I exaggerated, "Eric! How was Sydney!?"
I saw the three of them freeze as if statues upon my echoing voice.
"It was fabulous," Callista answered, "That reminds me, I got you something."
Callista began going to her bag, on a clear path, to see them.
"Let me get that for you!" Eric remarked while rushing over to grab one of her shopping bags, which she tossed off once she arrived. Chanel.
My eyes widened as Callista presented me with a black lamb-quilted Gucci clutch with a detachable gold and diamond chain. The artistry of the handstitched lambskin and the silk inside was breathtaking. This purse alone cost more than ten thousand dollars. I embraced her.
"Thank you!" I beamed while gesturing for them to leave.
Once Reign was gone, Roy and Tanya went down to join us.
"Thank you!" I repeated before releasing her.
I saw her embracing Roy with much more love than I'd ever seen her give to Dimitri. Dimitri could care less. The woman he was in love with was Eve.
"I'm going to head out to grab a bite to eat with Ivy," Tanya smiled, "Eric, wanna join?"
"Sounds good to me," Eric agreed.
I looked at Callista, but she and Dimitri were going up the stairs.
"Take the car," Callista smiled, "I'm exhausted. I need some rest!"
Once the two of them were gone, Roy made his exit. I folded my arms and looked over at Eric.
"You have some explaining to do," I stomped my foot.
Eric slightly nodded with a smile; he was different. Cockier. I liked it.
"You have no idea," he devilishly smiled, "Why don't we take those unopened bottles and return to your place?"
"Okay," I nodded. I'm excited to see what he has to explain.