Chapter 50Avery
Chapter Fifty
Avery
Olivia's squeals of delight are like music set to the vibrant visuals of the parade below. She's practically bouncing out of her shoes on Victor's balcony, hands waving in the air as she tries to catch the confetti that flutters down from above. I lean against the cool railing, a smile tugging at my lips, watching Roman down there with her, his arms raised high, mirroring her excitement. He's a giant kid at heart, and it's impossible not to get swept up in their joy.
"Has he ever really grown up?" I tease, nudging Victor with my elbow. He stands beside me, a half-smile playing on his lips, his eyes following the two figures amid the colorful chaos.
"Roman?" Victor chuckles, the sound rich and warm. " Oh, he's perpetually twelve, I swear. But," he adds, flashing me a playful grin, "the boyish charm seems to be a hit with the ladies."
I can't help but laugh, but then I notice a subtle shift in his posture. A tension in his broad shoulders that wasn't there a moment ago. My smile fades a little, replaced by concern. I close the gap between us, instinctively wrapping my arms around him. His embrace is immediate, enveloping me in a sense of safety that's hard to describe—it's right in a way that fills me with warmth yet wrong because it reminds me of all the barriers still standing tall between us.
"Feels a bit like we're dancing on a tightrope, doesn't it?" I murmur into his chest, my words slightly muffled.
Victor's arms tighten around me, and he lets out a long sigh. "Let's not worry about the fall right now," he whispers back, his breath stirring the hair near my ear. "For now, just remember how right this feels... We'll figure out the rest later."
There's a promise in his voice, and I nod against him, letting myself sink into the moment, wishing time would slow down and let us linger here a little while longer.
The chime of the doorbell slices through the air, and Victor's body goes rigid beside me. His blue eyes flicker with something unreadable as he pulls away from our embrace.
"Hey, why so jumpy?" I ask, tilting my head to catch his gaze .
He rubs the back of his neck, a small frown etching his brow. "I don't know," he admits, voice trailing off. "It's just... it's been a year since we've all been in one place. We text, sure, but..."
I nod, understanding the unspoken worries swirling behind his stormy eyes. "They're your family, Victor. They love you. There's nothing to be nervous about."
His lips twitch into a half-smile, appreciation lighting up his features. "Yeah, you're right."
Together, we move towards the door, steps in sync. I reach out and turn the handle, pulling it open. On the other side stand two men, their presence commanding, each distinctly different from the other.
Two men stand at the forefront – Lawrence, with his fiery red hair and sharp hazel eyes, practically vibrating with energy. Beside him, Sebastian cuts a more reserved figure, his black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose as he surveys us with a thoughtful gaze.
But it's the woman who truly catches my eye. Her emerald hair cascades over her shoulders, and vibrant tattoos adorn her skin – a tapestry of flowers and vines that seem to dance in the light. Despite her fierce appearance, there's a warmth in her eyes that immediately puts me at ease.
Victor clears his throat. "Guys, I'd like you to meet–"
Victor's introduction is cut short as Roman bursts through the balcony doors, Olivia perched on his shoulders, both grinning from ear to ear .
"Hey, the gang's all here!" Roman exclaims, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the newcomers.
Victor chuckles, some of the tension visibly leaving his shoulders. "As I was saying, this is–"
"I'm Olivia!" my daughter chimes in, waving enthusiastically from her lofty position.
I can't help but laugh. "And I'm Avery, Olivia's mom. It's great to meet you all."
Victor nods, gesturing to each person in turn. "Lawrence, Sebastian, and this is Willow, Lawrence's wife."
Willow steps forward, her tattoos seeming to shimmer as she moves. "It's lovely to meet you both," she says, her voice warm and melodic.
The guys exchange hearty handshakes and back-slaps, their joy at being reunited evident. I watch Victor's face, seeing his earlier anxiety melt away in the presence of his friends.
"C'mon, Liv," Roman says, turning back towards the balcony. "Let's catch the rest of the parade!"
As they disappear outside, Victor ushers us all towards the kitchen. "I've got breakfast ready. Shall we?"
We settle around the large island, the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries filling the air. I find myself wedged between Victor and Sebastian, acutely aware of Victor's knee brushing against mine under the counter.
"So," Lawrence says, reaching for a croissant, "what do you all do these days? It's been too long since we've caught up properly."
Sebastian adjusts his glasses. "Still running the software company. We've expanded into AI now, actually."
I feel a knot forming in my stomach. These are Victor's successful friends, and I'm just... me.
"That's fantastic," Willow says, her eyes sparkling with interest. "I've been working on sustainable agriculture projects. It's challenging, but rewarding."
Lawrence nods proudly. "And the shipping company's doing well. We've gone international this year."
They all turn to me expectantly, and I feel my cheeks grow warm. "I, uh..." I start, my voice barely above a whisper.
Just as I'm about to stammer out that I'm a waitress, Victor's voice cuts in smoothly.
"She's an incredible artist," he says, his hand resting on my shoulder. "And a community leader. Actually," he adds with a chuckle, "she's currently leading the charge against my new development project."
I glance at him, surprised by his words and the hint of pride in his voice.
Lawrence raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh? And how's that working out for you two?"
Victor and I exchange a look, a silent conversation passing between us.
"We're... still figuring it out," I admit, feeling a small smile tug at my lips.
"It's complicated," Victor adds, his blue eyes twinkling.
Lawrence and Willow burst into laughter. "Oh, we know all about that," Willow says, her green hair shimmering as she shakes her head.
"Do tell," I say, grateful for the shift in focus.
Willow grins. "I led an entire team to occupy land Lawrence was trying to build a pipeline on. We were at each other's throats for months."
"And now look at us," Lawrence adds, his fiery demeanor softening as he gazes at his wife.
"If we found common ground, I'm sure you two will too," Willow says with a wink.
As the conversation shifts, Victor, Lawrence, and Sebastian fall into a discussion about business trends. I listen for a while, but soon feel overwhelmed by the jargon and my own swirling thoughts.
"Excuse me for a moment," I murmur, slipping off my stool.
I make my way to Victor's room, seeking refuge in the adjoining bathroom. Leaning against the cool tile, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Why am I so nervous? My hands are shaking, and I can't seem to shake this feeling of being out of place.
Deep breaths, Avery. Just breathe.
The door creaks open and Victor's silhouette fills the space, his frame casting a long shadow across the bathroom tiles. He finds me by the sink, my fingers gripped tight on the edge.
"Hey," he says softly, concern etching his features. "You okay?"
I shake my head, not trusting my voice just yet. His arms enfold me in a warm embrace that steadies my shaking form. I inhale the familiar scent of him, a mixture of cologne and something inherently Victor that calms my nerves.
"I don't know," I admit, my words muffled against his shirt. "I got... overwhelmed, I guess. Nervous."
"Hey, it's okay." His voice is firm, reassuring. "Your feelings are valid, Avery. But, don't worry about impressing anyone. They all really like you. And even if they didn't..." He pulls back to look at me, blue eyes intense. "They can go to hell."
I can't help but laugh, a short burst of sound that echoes off the walls. "That should matter to you, though. They're your family."
He looks at me with a seriousness that catches my breath. "I want you and Olivia to be my family too."
The words hang between us, and it feels like the world stops spinning for a moment. I'm stunned, searching his face for the truth behind those words.
Then there's a knock at the bedroom door. We both turn as Olivia pops her head in, her eyes bright with excitement. "The guys sent me to tell you the caterer's here! "
"Thanks, Liv," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
"Be right there," Victor adds, giving her a small smile. She nods, disappearing as swiftly as she appeared.
Victor leans in, his lips brushing my ear. "We'll talk more later," he whispers, a promise that sends a shiver down my spine.
"Later," I echo, watching him go. My heart's still doing somersaults, but somehow, I feel like everything's going to be alright.