Chapter 24

Aiden

It had been the longest week ever with the twins taking out their retaliation on Ella for bailing on them to spend the day with me, and while I’d like to think it was worth it, I missed her like crazy. I decided to intervene and pay her a surprise visit.

Sadie answered the door and leaned against the jamb trying her best to look innocent, but it wasn’t working.

“Hey, Aiden. Don’t tell me you’re here to apologize to me for lying about the foursome.”

“Okay, I won’t. Is Ella around?”

“You know if you didn’t like me, all you had to do was say so. Ella thinks you’re Mr. Perfect, but I know you’re just like any other asshole player stringing girls along.”

“I never strung you along, Sadie. And don’t pretend you didn’t have fun. I know you enjoyed yourself with Zep. He told me so.” Zep had told me how bored she’d been, but I wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction of admitting that.

“Please, watching him and Halle and knowing you were not going to show because you were off with that little bitch, Ella. I could have had more fun at home with my vibrator, or at least scored someone else. It’s not like I’m incapable.”

“Then, why don’t you? Could you get Ella, please?”

“I don’t have the patience for most people. You and I could have had fun. It’s a shame.” She stepped away from the door, still not acknowledging my requests to see Ella.

“Is Ella even home?”

“This isn’t her home, but no, she’s not. She’s out with Halle. You can come up and wait if you like. I’ll try to be hospitable.” She lifted her shoulder and looked me up and down.

“No, thanks. But could you please tell her I stopped by?” I knew the moment I asked the answer was a big, fat hell no.

She gave me a big toothy grin. “Sure thing, lover.” She shut the door in my face and on my way to the car I decided to stop and text her. I couldn’t trust Sadie to pass along any message, and if she wasn’t far out, I’d wait in the area and come back when she got home. I ducked to the side of the walk and heard laughter from across the lawn.

When I looked up, I could see between the house and a small garage to where the driveway led back to the side entrance. Parked there was my mother’s car.

I put the phone in my pocket and started for it wondering if I could be mistaken, but the closer I got, I could hear the shrill laughter that I knew was my mother’s, accompanied by what could only be Nola Blue’s. I caught a glimpse of the women who were sitting on the back patio under an umbrella by the pool, and my blood turned cold.

I’d told my mother about Ella’s relationship to Scott Blue, that Nola had no knowledge of the relationship, and though she’d insinuated that she hated the woman, there they were laughing it up like old friends. I wondered what all my mother had told her, and if she was here to learn more about Ella.

I’d yet to invite her over to meet my mother, and though I knew it irked her, it wasn’t mine or Ella’s fault. She’d been bogged down by work and the day she’d come over, my mother hadn’t been home.

I decided to leave and question my mother about it later, but as I walked to my car, my mother came around the building on the way to her car with Nola Blue in tow.

Nola spoke before my mother had the chance. “Aiden? You must be looking for Ella.”

“Yes, but Sadie said she’s off with Halle?” At least I’d find out if she was gone or if the twins had her upstairs locked away in their closet.

“They had some appointments, but she should be back later. I’ll tell her you dropped by. If you’ll excuse me,” she turned to my mother, “I’ll call you later. Thanks again for stopping by on such short notice.”

As Nola walked away, my mother gave me a tight grin. “Aiden. I guess you’re wondering what I’m doing here.”

“Yeah, I’m hoping you’re not checking up on me or Ella.” I was livid but trying to keep my composure.

“Nola called me over. She’s got some property for sale, and I was just getting her listing. I thought maybe you had recommended her, but she said that wasn’t the case.”

“No, I didn’t, but I’d like to know what property she’s listed.” I had a feeling I already knew.

“It’s a place out on the beach, just down the way from yours, actually.” Ella’s house. Patricia didn’t have to say it, but I knew.

“Could you take me by there?” I wanted to go see the property up close and take some time with my mother to find out what Nola’s game was and how she ended up with the property to sell in the first place.

Mother handed me the paper she held in her hand. “Here’s the address. I’ll follow you there.”

The two of us headed out, and sure enough, my mother led me right to Ella’s property. I thought about it on the way and remembered Ella had told me that the house had been taken by the bank. If that were true, then why did Nola have it to sell.

It was the first thing I asked my mother. “Is this place in Nola’s name?”

“Well, she couldn’t sell it otherwise. She’s supposed to fax the paperwork over later, but I’m sure she knows better.”

I stood with her as she unlocked the door and then we walked into the home where Ella was raised. It was a beautiful place, nice and homey, cozy and clean. I could see her growing up there, coming down the stairs, all knees and elbows, her bright smile growing from a young girl’s face to a woman’s. “There’s no bank involved?”

“A bank? No, she claims it’s hers free and clear.”

I walked through the house and imagined Ella in each room. Baking cookies with her mother in the kitchen, watching cartoons in the living room as a kid. I remembered what she’d told me about the garage, how her mother had it made into a workshop. I walked out and found it lined with counters and cabinets, a sure sign that the place was used the way she’d said it was.

“They seemed to turn this place into a workshop of sorts, but it can be converted back to a garage.” My mother had no idea of the blasphemy she spoke.

This was Ella’s workshop.

“I want to buy this place.” The words came out with so much certainty that I didn’t blink, but my mother was taken aback.

“Excuse me? You want this place for you? Your home is so much nicer, and if you’re buying it for Zep—

“It doesn’t matter why I want it. I’m buying it. I’ll transfer the deposit as soon as she sends you the proof of ownership.”

My mother knew better than to argue with me over something I wanted to buy, but she tilted her head and gave me a narrow-eyed look. “You’re buying it for that girl, aren’t you?”

“Ella. Her name is Ella, not that girl. And yes, considering this is where she grew up, I’m buying it for her. I want you to make sure that Nola has ownership before you agree to anything.”

“What’s going on, Aiden? There’s more than you’re telling me.” She grabbed my arms and looked me square in the eye. “You can tell me what’s going on.”

“See if you can trace the deed back to Layla Ford or her bank, and do not tell Nola Blue that I’m the buyer. Don’t tell her anything.”

Patricia nodded. “You think she stole it, don’t you? From Ella?”

“Either her or her dying mother.”

“Wait, you think she stole this place from Layla Ford on her deathbed?” My mother’s eyes hardened, and she bared her teeth. “If you’re right, then she’s in a whole lot of trouble, and I’m not sure we need to be mixed up in it. Don’t you go making any accusations unless you’re absolutely sure? We don’t want a lawsuit on our hands, but I promise, son, I’ll do all I can to find out how she secured the property, even if I have to ask her.”

“She’ll lie.”

“No offense, son, but let’s hope it’s not Ella who is lying about this house. Maybe she grew up here, but this place could have been in her father’s name. Scott could have taken care of her until her death, and if that’s the case, then Nola has every right to sell this place.”

“And if that’s the case, I’m fine with it, but I’m still buying it. It’s Ella’s home, and she should have it. She learned all of her mother’s talents right here in this room. She has a bright future, and she’s been given a rough deal in life. I’m going to make sure she’s got a second chance, and that things will go better for her from here on out. She’s a hard worker, a good person, and she deserves the best.”

“You really care about her.” My mother wasn’t asking. She pulled me in for a tight hug and then tousled my hair. “I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.”

“Thanks, mom.”

She smiled and pinched my cheek. “I like the sound of that.”