Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 100

~Fit Hits the Shan~

The dark clouds looming overhead mirrored the darkness of his heart on that fall morning, AJ thought as he stood on the terrace of his penthouse apartment. He didn't want to feel dark and gloomy or unhappy and empty, but still the feelings persisted in wrapping themselves around his heart and squeezing him tight. Keesha Ward was to marry his brother in just a few hours, and he couldn't help but wonder if the old adage was true: "Happy is the bride the sun shines down on." And, if it was true, what did the dark clouds have in store for her?

"Don't tell me you believe in those old proverbs?" Eve asked, walking out onto the terrace to join AJ. She handed him a steaming mug of hot chocolate and took a sip of her own as she rested her brown eyes upon him.

"I...um... You heard me?" he asked, raising his contrite hazel eyes to hers.

"Yeah," she nodded. She placed her hand on his forearm to quiet him as he opened his mouth to speak. "It's okay. Really, it is. Whatever is happening between us now, first and foremost, I'm your friend. And, as your friend, I wouldn't be much of one if I begrudged you for being sad. Keesha is getting married today. I know that hurts. You don't have to hide it from me."

"Oh, Eve," he sighed deeply. He rubbed his free hand over his wearily over his face. "I didn't think it would hurt so much. I thought I'd gotten past some of it, but..."

Eve placed her mug on the ledge of the railing and did the same with his. She opened her arms to him. "Come here." He went to her, and they wrapped their arms around each other. She whispered softly to him. "It's gonna hurt. You just have to ride it out, but one thing's for sure, you will make it through this day. I'm making damn sure of it!"

AJ moved slightly so that he could cup her face with both hands. His thumb lightly grazed her face as he looked down into her bright, shining eyes. His husky voice asked her, "What did I ever do to deserve you and what you've given to me?"

Smiling, she shrugged. "I don't know. You're just lucky, I guess." As he laughed softly, she continued, "Now, you have exactly twenty minutes to get dressed. You're not spending this day cooped up in here. We're going out on the town."

"But it's about to rain..." he began.

"No, buts, and what if it does? A little rain never hurt nobody!" She stepped away from their embrace and gave him a playful shove toward the open glass doors. "Now, go!"

"I'm going! I'm going," he laughed softly. As he stepped into his apartment, he wasn't exactly bouncing with joy, but a pleasant feeling of peace had settled over him. Today wasn't just any ordinary day. Keesha was marrying someone else and the thought of it still hurt. But he would survive it. Eve yelled for him to hurry up, and he shook his head and laughed. Yeah, he would definitely survive it.

~*~

Below her, the Quartermaine mansion was abuzz with activity and Keesha could feel the excitement pumping through the walls. If she closed her eyes, she could almost see the hustle and bustle, which was taking place just one story down.

When she and Jason had announced their engagement to his family, they had mistakenly thought that they'd have a small, simple ceremony. They hadn't finalized anything other than the fact that they were to be married. Perhaps, they should have because as soon as the words had been uttered, Monica, and Edward even, had insisted that the nuptials would take place right there at the Q mansion. And even though she and Jason had protested, their words had fallen on deaf ears, and with the assurance that their needs and wants would be given top priority, she and Jason had consented.

Naturally, the Wards had been upset when they heard that the Quartermaines would host the blessed event. To placate his fiancée's parents, Jason had casually mentioned that his family hadn't said nor done anything in regard to their honeymoon plans. Keesha's eyes had widened in shock at his forwardness, but as his blue eyes twinkled and her parents had jumped on the idea of sponsoring their trip to the Caribbean... Well, Keesha's shock had soon disappeared, and a blissful smile graced her face.