The Austin Arrangement novel Chapter 23

Ava and I were indulging in a rather expensive shopping spree at Union Square in San Francisco.

Of course shopping in all the high end stores like Louis Vuitton,Valentino and Macy's wasn't something that I was used to. Despite being born and raised here,I've never shopped in the heart of the city.

Christmas time here was something out of this world,colours of red,green and warm white lights surrounded us.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched the romantic couples skate around on the ice rink holding hands.

"Christmas is quite a romantic season for young married couples."

Ava winked at me."You should ask my Son to take you ice skating."

I chuckled."Oh,I don't know about that. I don't think ice skating would be something that Jeremy would be interested in doing.

He'd probably think it's too silly."I took my eyes off the ice skaters and walked on ahead.

I couldn't imagine Jeremy Austin on the ice in one of his designer suits,completely out of his comfort zone.I think I'd rather go with Tasha and Alex,they would enjoy it.

"It doesn't hurt to ask,My Love. My son is too uptight for his own good."

She linked her arm with mine and we walked towards Macy's."Is everything okay between you two?"

"Of course,Everything is fine."

She sighed."I've noticed him lately,it seems like he has a lot going on in his mind. You know you can always talk to me about anything at all?"

I smiled at her,appreciating her offer but knowing that I couldn't tell her the truth. Despite how close I've gotten to Jeremy's Mother,I still have to lie to her. "I appreciate that,Thank You."

"Let's fine you something gorgeous to wear for this party."She smiled,before pulling me towards the store.

Finding something gorgeous to wear was the last thing on my mind,but I liked spending time with Ava. It felt like having my Mom back.

When Jeremy first mentioned the after party I was excited about the idea. That was up until he practically ordered me not to invite Alex. Alex is my best friend,how could I tell him that he's not invited when he's going to be at the Ballet sitting proudly in the front row.

I'm not doing it!!

***

After an eventful day of shopping with Ava,I was back at the mansion Christmas decorating with Finley.

Christmas was always a huge thing in my Family, we were all involved in decorating the tree with the rule of wearing our matching holiday jumpers.

Last year was a sad one for us,although we tried our hardest to keep our family tradition alive. Finley and I decorated the tree together in the apartment that I was living in with Natasha. We spent the holidays with her Family which was so generous of them..But it wasn't the same.This year will be hard too,but being with Jeremy will make it harder.

"Thanks for having me over,Ness. It's nice to keep the tradition of us doing this together."

I smiled at my Brother."Mom and Dad would have wanted it that way."

I stood back and looked at our tree."I have to say,we did a way better job at decorating than they did."

He chuckled."I was thinking the same.

This is the first time I've been in your home,it must be nice living in a Mansion."He looked around."The decor is him..It's not you at all."

"Well Jeremy and I haven't been married all that long."I placed a silver bobble on the tree."We had talked about redecorating, maybe we'll get around to it after the holidays."

"Well it's a big Job."

A big Job that will never happen. My brother was right about the decor though,it's so not me. There wasn't a touch of greenery in sight. I'm sure Jeremy told a designer what he wanted and they did exactly that.

Finley picked his beer bottle up from the table and took a swig."So this ballet tomorrow,You're nervous about it I can tell."

I glanced at him as i browsed through the box of decorations."How can you tell?"

"Because you're figity,you get like that when you're nervous."He chuckled.

"You don't have to worry about a thing,Ness. You're going to be great."

"I hope so,everyone is going to be there.I just want it to be perfect."

I picked a bobble out of the box,looked down at it and smiled."Do you remember this one?"I extended my hand out to show my brother the family Christmas decoration.

"No,I don't want to play happy families right now,Vanessa.I'm going to my room. It's been a long fucked up day and I don't have the patience."He turned around and walked towards the stairs.

"Um well,My things are kind of in your room."I winced,waiting for him to shout at me. The anger was expect,I've invaded his space again after all.

He turned around and glared at me."What do you mean your things are kind of in my room,Why?"

"The other bedrooms don't have any beds,I set my room up so he could stay there."I walked closer to him as he stood by the stairs."It's going to look weird if I'm caught in a different room than you are,Jeremy."

"You're worming your way in to my bed,Vanessa. That kiss ment nothing,

You realise that,Don't you?"

He's so arrogant it hurts just to look at him sometimes."I'm not trying to worm my way into your bed. All I care about is people finding out about this Arrangement.

My brother would never look at me the same again if he found out about this."

"Fine,Whatever. I'll be in my office and I don't want to be disturbed."He sighed,turning towards the stairs and walking away in a huff.

I walked back into the living room to join my brother. The kiss was just a kiss,Jeremy had made that very clear.

At the time,it didn't feel like he didn't want it.

I crossed the room towards Finley."The tree looks great."

"We still have to turn on the lights,but I was waiting on you."Finley handed me the remote for the tree lights."Is Jeremy okay?"

"He's fine,he just has a lot on his plate with work at the moment.

Ready for the lights."I pressed the button on the remote and the tree lit up.

"Looking good,Like I said the best tree yet."

I smiled at him."The best tree yet."I looked up at the tree standing tall with white light and the colours of Silver,Red and Gold."I think this is going to be a good Christmas."

***