“Get what?”
“That he loves you. I’m talking about when someone really loves you. When a man loves you enough to look out for your brother when doing so is to his detriment; when he does so because he wants the best for you. I’m talking about a man who knows that even if you are too much of a coward to admit it, you love your brother.
Josh allowed you to leave him and stay away for all these years because he wanted to give you time to grow up. Seven years later and nearly everything that comes out of your mouth reminds me of a child.
It’s time for you to join the realm of adults, Lux. You remind me of me in so many ways except one. I know Jason Kingdom is my blessing. I know without a doubt that no one will ever love me the way he loves me. I’m about to do you a favor. You can take it or leave it, your choice.
The woman adored by a Kingdom man has the status of a queen, and I’m not talking about their money. I’m talking about the way they make you feel each and every day. I’m talking about the way they care for you and those you hold dear.
I’m saying if one of them loves you they would move heaven and earth to keep you safe and happy. I love me some Josh, Lux, more than you know and I refuse to hide that fact. Now it’s time for you to decide if you’re woman enough to give him what he deserves. If the answer is no, then leave, get on that plane you spoke about and go. Leave now because if you hurt that man one more time, I will hurt you!”
Lux wanted to rage and scream at the smaller woman who was so secure in her position of wife. Yet no matter how she viewed her relationship with Josh the end always remained a blur. The women who thought nothing of coming to their table was only a part of her uncertainty.
Aviva and Jason hadn’t experienced what she and Josh had been through with her brother. How could she possibly know what it was like to feel so hurt by the actions of another, and Lux told her so. The wry laugh Aviva emitted at her question was a sound she would always remember.
“Of course, Jason and I have never walked in yours and Josh’s shoes, and you’ve never walked in ours. Don’t be so quick to dismiss what we’ve been through. One day, if I ever completely trust you, I’ll tell you our story. The path that led Jason and me to where we are now is irrelevant to your story.”
With a shrug, Aviva hopped from her bar stool and looked at Lux. “How your story ends is entirely up to the both of you. I have what I want, and I’m going to keep it. What about you, Lux, do you have what you want?”
Aviva didn’t wait for an answer. The look she gave Lux was devoid of expression. It was clear she’d said all she intended to when she turned and walked away.
Chapter 15
While Jake and MacKenzie were visiting her elderly parents in Miami, they’d succumbed to their wishes and gotten married. Although they didn’t regret their decision, it meant they had to make Jackson happy by participating in a post wedding reception.
Today was that day. Through the use of Josh’s credit card, Lux had a beautiful gown and she was glad the dress had cost him a fortune.
After the disaster at the restaurant, she deliberately avoided being alone with Josh. She knew he could have come to her room to speak to her, but he didn’t. He always approached her when they were downstairs. She supposed this choice was for his benefit. He wanted a conversation rather than a confrontation.
Still too conflicted, her blank stares at his repeated attempts to talk drove him away. After her third rebuff, he stopped seeking her out.
Everyone including Aviva was pleasant to her. Lux could tell the other members of the family were aware of the tension between them, and she supposed that was why they tried to include her as much as they could.
Left to her own devices, she walked along the shelves of books in the library in an attempt to find reading matter to pique her interest. Finding nothing she gave up and made her way to the kitchen.
Pushing open the kitchen door, Lux was surprised to find Aviva and MacKenzie bustling around as though it were their domain. Just then Lux remembered that due to the party the staff would be off duty until midday.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you,” she apologized about to back out of the kitchen.
“Girl, get your behind in here,” MacKenzie called in reaction to her apology. “This Jamaican girl is trying to tell me that her salt fish, Ackee and dumplings taste better than a plate of bacon and grits. I know different but for the most part it’s better to humor island girls.”
Noticing the look of skepticism Aviva threw at her friend, Lux decided to join in. “As a matter of fact, you’re both wrong, but if I had to give points it would have to go to you, MacKenzie.”
“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence,” MacKenzie replied with a smug smile.