The Return Of His Ex Wife
Chapter 32: Vacation

Chapter 32: Vacation

Tara’s POV

"I know. I shouldn’t have said that." I said to Ella who had made it so obvious she was disappointed in me! She had been since last night when she heard I called Derek before calling Arlo. And I understand why she had to be mad at me! I just couldn’t help myself back then.

"Tara, you’ve been making a lot of mistakes lately! And I’m your friend. I’m even dumber than you are. But I’ve learned from my mistakes. I want you to be on the right track here."

"I am!" I said in defense. "I really am. I just need to solve this on my own, do you understand?"

She got up and walked a few feet away from me. "No! No, I don’t understand you. Arlo is trying all he can to please you. He really likes you, and you lie to him like that?"

"Arlo will understand. Ella, you know how important this project is to me. And yet, Mike thought it would be fun to mess with me like this!"

"So what? Couldn’t you speak to Arlo about it?"

"No." I didn’t understand her. Why would I tell "Arlo something so personal like that when I barely know him! No, I will deal with this by myself."

Ella sighed. She didn’t look too happy about it but she came back to sit by my side. "I just want what’s best for you. And I think Arlo wants that too. He’s rich, influential, he could have helped you." She said softly, but it wouldn’t change my mind.

This project was so important to me because it was something I would be doing in my late mother’s name. I wanted to open up numerous stores in her name; Celine, that was what I would call it. And the only person who knew about it was Mike! We used to be close before, so that was why. I had made friends with potential investors, and Mike was my biggest investor! Even though we had been on and off for the last seven years, he would never withdraw from this project. Something was wrong, and I intend to find out.

He was already in Miami, I see his post every day with his whole family, so with Arlo’s proposal...I wanted to see Mike. He had a lot of explanation to give.

"The fact that you’re not even considerate of poor Richard? I know how important seeing Mike is, but couldn’t you go alone? Why do you have to drag Richard into this?" Ella asked.

"Drag Richard?" This made me scoff in disbelief. "You mean why am I dragging you along? You can stay if you want. I won’t leave Richard alone-"

"-will you just shut the fuck up?" Ella scolded, and with that tone, I did shut up being too stunned to respond. "I care about you. A lot. I’m just giving you a little advice, that’s all. If you’re doing this even at the expense of Richard’s safety, then should you really be doing this?"

I frowned, unable to give her any response.

"Whatever. I’ll support you no matter what. Just be careful and don’t lose the only person who cares about Richard like he’s his own." She said before walking out. Somehow I knew she was right. Still, I was angry. When was she going to leave my house anyway! It wasn’t like she would be here forever...

"Damn it, you’re a bad friend." The thought dwelled in my mind for ever thinking like that. I heaved in a deep sigh. "I know what I’m doing..."

Did I?

***

"This is amazing! Just what I need." Ella screeched the moment we arrived at the island. The whole scenery looked so lively and relaxed. This was a mansion, like images I’d only normally see online. I really wished I could have planned a vacation like this with just Richard and I, but I had been too busy with work. Too busy with work because I had to show my dad I was capable and better than Mike!

"I’m glad you like it here. Come on, my sister is waiting inside." Arlo led us inside towards the entrance. We entered and were waiting by a receptionist desk. He whispered softly to her, smiling as they both talked like he was flirting with her...! I looked away, trying not to be distracted. Richard came close and held on to me, looking around his new vicinity too.

Soon after, a beautiful slender lady with sharp fierce eyes and long black silky hair that poured on her shoulder to her back. Green stripes were highlighted in her hair, and somehow made her more beautiful.

"Hello there, I’m Sofia, Arlo’s sister." She spoke so fluently in American English, making me realize only Arlo had his sexy England accent.

"I was supposed to introduce you, big head."

"Big head? Have you seen my new look? This soft silky hair makes my head very small--"

I actually laughed, causing them to look at me. I laughed because I fancied their relationship. "Arlo talks about you a lot." I said, and she smiled. I wished I could have had this relationship with my brothers, but I was just a stupid bastard, wasn’t I??

We got settled in our rooms, Ella Richard and I sharing one, while Arlo and Sofia got separate rooms. Her friends were two beautiful ladies so they stayed with Sofia.

We were to meet by noon for lunch at an exquisite restaurant and all I could think about was how to be on my best behavior once I would be meeting with Mike. We fought a lot, and that was only because no matter what I did, he just never appreciated me!

"Is it true I’ll be having caviar today?" Richard said excitedly as we got ready.

"Definitely." I said to him. Ella acted like everything was fine but I could tell she wasn’t too happy with me.

"We’re almost set, come on, let’s try out our dresses." Ella said to me, "Richard, go try out yours too!"

Yesterday, I had forced Ella and Richard to go shopping, but we had my stylist bring some cool outfits over. I wanted to be the best when Ali would show up with my idiot step brother. I had to look very good.

Richard held my hand to draw attention. "What is it?"

"Does this mean Arlo is my new dad?"

Ella spewed the sip of cold soda she had in her mouth while I froze like I’d just seen something horror! Richard asked the weirdest questions ever! Arlo, his new daddy??? What the heck!