"Aodhan, what did you do this time, young man?" I asked.
"Nothing," Aodhan dropped his head in shame.
I knelt to his level and looked into his eyes. "Son, I love you. I won't get upset at every little thing. If I ever do, it's because I'm scared for you, not angry at you."
"I wanted the pudding; I didn't mean to, Mama," he confessed.
"It's okay, baby," I embraced my son tightly. Ariel will watch you for a few hours, and then we're going home, okay?"
Aodhan, my secret. I'll never tell Dimitri or Reign. One was his father; I don't know which; honestly, I don't care. Aodhan has both of their good qualities. Both Dimitri and Reign looked so similar that telling which could be his father was a tough one.
"I know that look," Ariel hinted. "What's wrong?"
"You've been one of my closest friends since moving here. You're also the godmother to Aodhan," I rambled.
"Right, everything okay?" Ariel asked.
Ariel had short, bright orange hair with freckles splattered perfectly across her cheeks and nose. I met her when she came in to apply to be a bartender at my bar. It turns out she wasn't so good at mixing drinks, but she was a good friend—one I never thought I would have again after how Tanya treated me.
"Yeah," I diverted, "Just have a lot going on."
"Want me to come over tonight?" Ariel teased.
"You have no idea how much I would love that, but there are a few old friends in town, "I lied. "They wanted to see me tomorrow. I was going to ask if Aodhan could stay with you during the day while I'm busy."
"Of course, anything." Ariel pecked me on the cheek and said to my son, "Come on, Aodhan, let's raid the fridge for desserts!"
"Yay!" Aodhan jumped ecstatically and followed after Ariel to the kitchen.
"There you are," a familiar voice spoke from behind me.
"What are you doing here?" I snapped, "Did you and Dimitri seriously follow me here?"
"Who was that?" Dimitri interjected.
"Ariel," I answered, "She's a friend."
"Seems a bit young to have a child," Reign commented.
I folded my arms over my chest, "Did you come here to judge my choice of friends or-"
"Dimitri!" a wedding guest interrupted us, "Good of you to make it!"
I looked between them. "You know each other?"
"Of course!" the guy beamed.
He shook Dimitri's hand, which was followed by a friendly hug.
"Ivy, this is Roy's son, Stefan," Dimitri introduced.
"Roy's son? That means-"
"There you are!" Roy interrupted, "I was wondering when you would make it!"
What the Hell was going on? There was no way. "One sec, I'll be right back."
I rushed to the back with all my information on the wedding party and guests. I began rifling through the papers like a spastic cat when I found it. There it was, clear as day.
Wedding Ceremony
Roy Fairmont & Callista Baldwin
I covered my face in frustration as the invitation fell to the floor.
"Why?!" I grunted.
My assistant handled everything regarding the paperwork for all of my events. I had no idea. I aimlessly walked out to the bar, poured a big glass of whiskey, downed the contents, and tried my best not to freak out.
"Ivy! Long time no see," a sultry woman's voice radiated my manic mind.
I turned and couldn't help but smile. "Callista."
Callista threw her arms around me in a warm embrace. Part of me wanted to fall apart, but there was no way I could let that happen.
Hold it together, the dark voice slithered in my head.
Don't break now.
"Congratulations!" I smiled, "I've been so busy. I'm so sorry."
"Don't be!" Callista hushed, "Your assistant was amazing until she entered labor."
"She's a machine," I clarified. "Her husband will take care of their baby while she works."
"I like her already," she giggled. "May I have a glass?"
"Oh- of course!" I stammered while refilling mine as well.
We clinked our glasses together.
"To the rest of our lives," Callista cheered.
Roy snuck up behind Callista and embraced her. She giggled and held him back.
"There you are, Mrs. Fairmont," Roy beamed.
"Here I am!" Callista teased.
"Ivy! I meant to say hi, but you ran off before I could get a word in," Roy said.
"Sorry," I diverted, "I have a lot going on."
"No worries," Roy waved it off.. "You must join us tonight! We'll be celebrating at the hotel! Come, I haven't seen you in so long!"
"Sorry to interrupt; Aodhan was tired and wanted to sleep from the sugar rush," Ariel said behind me.
I saw Aodhan asleep over her shoulder. My heart began racing in my chest, and my cheeks flushed red with panic.
"You can take him home now. I'm going to be here all night," I gritted.
Ariel gave me a puzzled look but understood the task. "Of course, see you tomorrow."