Aiden Harper

Avoidance is real, folks

Eden

On Sunday, I stayed in my room and searched for a job. I applied at a hotel for a housekeeping position. It was an honest job with decent pay. I could still pay my bills and save money.

On Monday, I received a response for an interview. I dressed in business casual and left via the fire escape. I didn't take long to arrive and meet with the hotel manager. The interview went so well that she hired me on the spot and had me fill out hiring forms. Then, she gave me information about the dress code and my job duties.

I thanked her before heading to a coffee shop for coffee and a pastry. I couldn't go to the cafe or bakery if Aiden were there. He needed his space from me since I was a reminder of what my sister did.

I grabbed my coffee and pastry and headed to the park. Once there, I sat on a bench alone and nibbled on my food. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I didn't bother to check it. It's probably someone else wanting to destroy any shred of happiness I might have left.

I finished my food and sipped my coffee while people-watching. Couples strode together, holding hands, and so in love. I want to scream at them, "Love doesn't exist." It's a facade for hurt and pain. Run in the other direction and avoid love like the plague.

My phone kept vibrating in my pocket. Can't a girl stew in bitterness without people blowing up her phone?

I checked my phone to find several missed calls, messages from Marissa and her parents, and random numbers. I texted Marissa that I was super and turned off my phone—no need to worry about me. I'm just fantastic with my coffee while alone without love because love sucks.

******
Aiden

I needed to clear my head after finding out that bullshit. Then, I needed to figure out how to make Mia pay.

For two years, I dealt with guilt over something I didn't do. Two fucking years. I was beyond pissed and didn't want to take it out on Eden.

Diego knew better than to talk to me when I was this pissed. So, like any intelligent cousin, he left me alone.

When Monday arrived, I hauled my ass to my therapy session and unloaded on Conner. He had to bring Jayden in to help him since my second therapy session went so well.

I paced Conner's office and unloaded what I discovered about that shitty night. I told him how we found out about Mia's involvement, including what happened at the dinner party. Conner listened while I lost my shit. Jayden lingered in the office to keep me from demolishing the room. I didn't blame him since I'm like my grandpa Matt.

"Aiden, do you think Eden played a part in what happened that night?" Conner asked me.

I looked at Conner. "No."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"You didn't hesitate with your answer. Why?"

Jayden leaned his backside against the desk, his hands on the edge, and studied me.

"Eden can't stand her sister. Plus, she was in a relationship when I first met her. She only came because Marissa invited her. Marissa confirmed it," I said.

"Why didn't you talk to Eden when she sought you out after you discovered the truth?" Conner asked.

"I didn't want to say something I would regret because of my anger. I didn't want to hurt Eden."

"Why?"

I pondered Conner's question before the truth smacked me in the face. "Because I'm in love with Eden."