Ivory Causeways Framed Distant Outposts by Arman Steele 9

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on January 27, 2026

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Telegram

Crossing the lines (Sleeping with my Best friends)

Chapter 9

The next day, I called Dean, Chris, and Andrew to let them know the time and place for their tuxedo fitting. Dean said he had that covered and would take care of it. I said okay and that everything else was settled, The days leading up to the wedding were hectic. The girls and I had been on the go non–stop

Two days before the wedding, we all ended up at a club drinking together. Andrew and Mallory both said they weren’t losing their freedom; they didn’t need

separate parties.

I asked Mallory and Andrew if they needed or wanted me to change my hair color for the wedding, as I didn’t want anything to go wrong or take attention

away from my friends‘ special day. They both flat out said no. Mallory let me know that her mother, stepfather, and two stepsisters would be at the wedding

to keep an eye on them, as they might cause a problem.

The day before the wedding, I met with Dean and Aleck. I called them over to my place because I needed to speak with them. When they walked into the apartment, they didn’t say anything; they just looked around.

“So when will you be getting married?” Aleck asked. I let out a sigh.

“I’m not getting married. You need to be in a relationship in order to get married. I called you here because I need help. Macy had been trying to cancel all the reservations and orders. Luckily, we figured she would and contacted everyone. However, I think she may try something tomorrow. Also, Mallory’s

stepsisters and stepfather–we need to keep an eye on them. Mal said they might cause a scene.”

“We’ll have someone watching for her and her family. What are their Aleck asked.

“I don’t know; Mal didn’t say. I’ll ask her and let you know.”

“Wait, what do you mean, you need to be in a relationship? Didn’t you tell him the other day you forgave him? Aren’t you two together?” Dean asked.

I rolled my eyes. “Yes. I can’t be with someone that cheats. My pers perfectly for Mallory and Andrew,” I said, looking at them.

“Oh, it will,” Aleck said, smiling. Dean looked at me and smiled.

isn’t important right now. My only concern is making sure tomorrow goes

What was with them? After they left, I went to bed early. I was somewhere between sleep and wake when I heard it. The smoke alarm went off like crazy. opened my eyes, and the place was red. I jumped up immediately. I could smell the smoke, and I rushed out and saw the flames. I heard yelling and shouting. I opened the door and ran out.

I ran back into my apartment and grabbed my bag and small suitcase that I had packed earlier that day. I grabbed a blanket and soaked it with water. I wrapped myself up with it and headed towards the exit. The entire hallway was filled with smoke. The apartment door opposite mine was on fire. Apparently, it was only my floor that was on fire. When I reached the third floor, I ran into a firefighter. He helped me outside. They asked if I lived with anyone and how many people lived on that floor.

I told them I lived alone and there were four apartments on that floor. I called Dean. I don’t know why, but I did. It was two in the morning. He answered on

the second ring.

“What happened?” I let out a sigh when I heard his voice.

“I’m sorry for calling you so late. We have a wedding to attend in nine hours. It’s two in the morning, and I’m in my pajamas standing outside my apartment building that is currently on fire,” I said.

The line went dead, and I was left looking at the phone. Five minutes later, Aleck was calling. “Aleck?”

A

1/4

3:33 pm P PM M

Chapter 9

“Where are you? We’re almost there.”

‘I see you,” I said. I saw the car; it would be hard to miss their car. I walked over towards the car. The minute they saw me, they got out and wrapped me up

in a coat.

“Where are your slippers?” Dean said, grabbing my suitcase. Aleck picked me up and put me in the car.

“Wait here with her, Aleck. I’ll find out what happened.‘ Dean walked away, heading towards the firefighters. Thankfully, nothing pertaining to the wedding

was in there. Aleck looked at me.

“You have a busy day tomorrow. Close your eyes and relax,” he said, looking at me. “Okay.”

I closed my eyes and tried to shut my brain off. I heard the doors slamming. I opened my eyes and looked at them. They were looking at each other. “What is

it?”

“According to the firefighters, it seems like a case of arson. The fire started in the apartment next to yours and the one opposite. The fire made it to your apartment; you’re lucky you woke up in time,” Dean said.

“Okay. Just don’t mention anything to Mallory or the others. I’ll tell them later. I just need to close my eyes for a bit. I’m really tired.”

“Go ahead.”

I closed my eyes and shut my brain off. Who would do something like that? I had no idea where they were taking me, but I wasn’t worried. I let the sleep consume me. I was jolted awake and sat up, the sleep still in my eyes. I was in Aleck’s arms just as he was putting me on a bed.

“Where am I?”

“Our place, the guest room. Go to sleep, Layla; we have a wedding in a few hours.”

“Okay. Night, Aleck. Night, Dean.”

I rolled over and hugged a pillow and went back to sleep. If I had known they were both looking at me while I slept and they would both kiss my forehead gently like a child, I probably would be worried.

I woke up to knocking. I sat up, my hair rumpled and my pajama top off my shoulders. I got off the bed and opened the door. Aleck was leaning against the doorframe. He handed me a cup of coffee.

‘We let you sleep as long as we could. It’s already eight. You need to leave; we need to leave. We’re heading over to Andrew’s place; Chris will meet us

there.”

“Okay, give me a few minutes. Let me shower, and we’ll leave.”

Dean came around the corner and handed me a bag. “You’re not going back into that apartment; it’s unsafe. Wear this. After the reception, we’ll take you

back there.

“Okay, thank you.”

‘Hurry up and come have breakfast,” Aleck said, pushing himself away from the door. I grabbed a quick shower, When I walked out, they were waiting for me. We had a quiet breakfast. We were in the garage about to leave. Aleck handed me the keys. After I had borrowed the car, I had returned it.

“Your other car has been scrapped; this is your only option now.” He put a box in my hand. “There’s no arguing, Layla.”

2/4

3:33 pm P Pм M

Chapter 9

Dean put another box in my hand. “What is this? And what am I supposed to do with it?”

“Wear it,” Dean replied.

“All of it,” Aleck said in a tone I knew. I just shook my head and got into the car and left. On my way over, I started a group call.

###

### Group Call

LAYLA: I’m on my way to get you guys.

REA: We’re all at Mal’s place.

LAYLA: Okay, ten minutes and I’ll be there.

MALLORY: See you soon. I’m getting married!

I made it to Mallory’s place in record time. Thankfully, all our dresses were locked at the venue. When I pulled up to the front, they were waiting for me. On the drive to the venue, they were laughing.

“Mal, I forgot to ask. What are your stepsisters‘ names? That way, we’ll know who to keep an eye out for.”

“Lexi and Tina.” Her phone was ringing.

“Hi, Mom. Almost… WHAT? Mom, please stop them. Mom!”

She ended the call and looked at us with tears in her eyes. I pulled into the parking lot in front of the venue. I saw the makeup artist and hairstylist pull up

at the same time.

“Rea, can you get them inside? We’ll bring Mal in.”

“Okay.” She jumped out of the car and headed towards the four people.

“Mal, what did your mom say?” Nella asked as Mallory started crying.

‘Lexi and Tina are both wearing white dresses and refuse to change them. Mom tried stopping them, but their father is backing them up.”

I looked at Nella. “Do you trust us, Mal?”

“You know I do.”

“Good. No one will see them in that dress. We promise.”

“Okay.”

We got her to stop crying and got her inside so they could start doing her hair and makeup. I pulled Nella and Rea to the side. We explained what happened. Rea looked worried but smiled.

“Layla, you take care of Mallory. Nella and I will take care of it. Have Mal send us their pictures. Never mind. The guests should be arriving soon, they Il be