Chapter 44Victor
Chapter Forty-Four
Victor
I stumble through the door of my corporate apartment, legs wobbly from hours of skating. Kicking off my shoes, I can't help but grin like an idiot as I replay the day in my head.
"You're getting pretty good at this, Mr. Fancy Skates!" Olivia had teased, whizzing past me for the hundredth time.
I'd laughed, my heart light. "Just wait till I get my sea legs, kiddo. I'll catch up to you yet."
Avery had watched from the sidelines, bundled up in her coat. When I'd offered her my hand, she'd shaken her head with a soft smile. "I'm good here. You two have fun. "
Now, collapsing onto my couch, I'm exhausted but can't wipe the grin off my face. Who knew a day at the rink could be so... perfect?
My phone buzzes, yanking me from the warm afterglow. Fishing it out of my pocket, I see a flood of notifications. Shit. The board meeting. The fallout. How could I have forgotten?
I groan, rubbing my temples. The meeting feels like it happened a lifetime ago, buried under the laughter and joy of today. But now reality comes crashing back.
As I scroll through message after message from the guys, my stomach sinks.
Roman
Yo V, what went down last night?
What am I going to tell them? That I let my emotions get the better of me? That I put the entire project at risk because of... what? A girl I barely know and her daughter?
But as I start to type out a response, Olivia's gleeful face flashes in my mind. Avery's quiet strength. The way they both looked at me today, like I was just... Victor. Not some corporate big shot.
I hesitate, finger hovering over the screen. For the first time in my life, I'm not sure which version of myself I want to be.
I take a deep breath and dive into the group chat:
Lawrence
Heard you went off script yesterday. What happened?
Sebastian
Seems so. Are the investors happy with this turn of events?
Roman
Who cares? It was awesome! Fuck the investors!
I can't help but chuckle at Roman's typical bravado. My fingers fly across the screen as I type out a response:
Victor
No need to worry about the investors. Even if they all pull out, I can cover the build myself.
Sebastian
Is that wise, Victor? We're talking about a significant amount of capital.
I can practically see Sebastian's furrowed brow and concerned eyes behind his glasses. Always the voice of reason, that one.
Roman
Who cares if it's wise? He's doing it for the right reasons!
Lawrence
And what reason is that ?
My heart races as I stare at Lawrence's question. What reason indeed?
I run a hand through my hair, trying to find the right words. How do I explain that for the first time in years, I feel... alive? That helping those kids on the ice feels more fulfilling than any business deal I've ever closed? That being with Avery and Olivia has given me a place where I finally feel like I belong?
My phone buzzes again, reminding me they're waiting for an answer. I take a deep breath and start typing, deciding that I'm just going to change the subject.
Victor
Quick question.
You all around Boston for Thanksgiving? Or willing to travel?
Thinking of hosting this year.
The diversion works. A flurry of responses floods my screen.
Sebastian
Hosting? You?
Lawrence
Didn't know you could cook, Stone.
Roman
Hell yeah, I'm in! Your place better be stocked with good booze .
I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders relaxing slightly.
Victor
Great. It's set then. Thanksgiving at my place.
As I put my phone down, it buzzes again. A private message from Roman.
Roman
What's with the sudden holiday spirit?
This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain girl, would it?
I feel my jaw clench. Damn Roman and his perceptiveness.
Victor
No reason. Just feeling festive.
Roman
Come on, man. Admit it.
This is all about her.
I stare at the screen, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. Part of me wants to confide in him, to share the warmth that's been growing in my chest since I met Avery. But another part, the part that's been hurt before, holds back.
Victor
Look, it's early. I don't want to jinx anything.
As I hit send, I realize it's the closest I've come to admitting my feelings, even to myself.
Roman's response is almost immediate, and I can practically hear his teasing tone through the text.
Roman
Look at you falling first.
Forget the book about Larry and Willow. Someone should write a romance book about you guys.
I'm seeing it now.
Definitely an enemies-to-lovers, but what should the title be?
Victor
Let's not.
Roman
Skating on Thin Ice
Victor
Roman
Roman
Blades of Passion?
I don't bother trying to stop him. I know that he needs to get out a few before he'll stop and read anything I write.
Roman
Melting my Heart
No. These aren't right. It's gotta convey that it's a spicy romance.
Plowing into Passion
I roll my eyes, but can't help the small smile tugging at my lips. Leave it to Roman to turn my life into a bestselling novel.
Victor
Thank you, Roman.
That's enough now.
Roman
Last one
Slippery when Warm
Okay, I'm done now
I toss my phone onto the couch, running a hand through my hair. As I'm getting ready for bed, my phone chimes again. I sigh, expecting another quip from Roman. But when I glance at the screen, my heart does a weird clenchy thing. It's from Avery.
Avery
Goodnight, Victor. Thanks for today. Olivia can't stop talking about skating with you .
I stare at the message, warmth spreading through my chest. My fingers hover over the keyboard, unsure how to respond. It's been so long since I've felt this way, I've almost forgotten how to navigate it.
Victor
Goodnight, Chestnut.