Chapter 13 Mythic Grey #2
As I sat there, their faces began to blur as my eyes glassed over. I could barely muster a smile for them, knowing how much they wanted to celebrate me, but my heart was heavy. It felt wrong to be celebrating anything when the world felt so dark and unforgiving.
“How are you managing, sweetie?” my mom asked with a tone and expression full of concern.
“Barely.”
“We’re here for you,” my dad added gently. “Always.”
I swallowed hard, wishing that the comfort of their words could somehow ease the pain. But all I could think about was Jeremy and the void his absence left.
As I continued to talk to my parents about Jeremy, the pain of his loss spilling out with each word, a notification dropped down on my screen.
All day, I had been ignoring calls and messages, people wishing me a happy birthday and offering empty clichés, but this one caught my attention because it was from Mythic.
I hesitated for a moment before opening it.
His message simply read, Happy birthday, Avi.
Still, my heart fluttered as if it was a message full of sweet sentiments, and I felt a small warmth cover me despite everything.
I replied with a simple thank-you, adding a sad face emoji that mirrored how I felt inside.
As I resumed my conversation with my parents, my other line rang. It was Mythic with a video call. I quickly ended the call with my parents and answered his.
The moment his handsome, chocolate complexion filled the screen, a small smile broke through the heaviness I had been carrying. He looked concerned, his brows slightly furrowed, and that expression made my heart ache in the best way.
“What are you doing?” His deep rumble was so warm and inviting.
“Nothing,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light, but I knew he could see through it. “Damar is with Stephanie. They’re making arrangements for Jeremy’s service and going shopping for his clothes to be buried in.”
His face softened, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes. “You shouldn’t be alone on your birthday, Avi.”
I shrugged sadly. “I don’t even care about celebrating. Nothing feels right. Mia is missing, and Jeremy is dead. There’s really nothing to celebrate.”
“Listen to me,” Mythic said firmly but still gentle. “You need to get out of that house. Slip on something comfortable because I’m coming to get you.”
At first, I hesitated, wanting to refuse. The thought of going out felt wrong and inconsiderate. But I knew being with him would be the perfect medicine. “I don’t know, Mythic…”
“Just for a little while,” he urged with a voice that would convince me to do anything. “You need some fresh air. Let me take your mind off everything for a little while. It’ll be good for you.”
As I looked into his eyes, the warmth and concern radiating from him was undeniable.
After a moment, I sighed, feeling the tension in my chest ease slightly. “Okay,” I finally said. “I’ll get ready.”
“Good. I’ll be there soon,” he replied, a hint of relief washing over his face.
Mythic had taken me to Reggie’s on the Beach.
The restaurant sat right on the lakefront.
The sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore was like a soothing balm for my troubled soul.
As I took a deep breath, the smell of grilled seafood mixed with the fresh breeze.
The salty air kissed my skin. Listening to the waves allowed a calm that I had been yearning for to wash over me.
For the first time in days, I felt a bit of peace.
Sitting across from Mythic, I watched as he ordered our drinks with an admiring smirk. His confident demeanor made me feel at ease. The way he moved, the way he spoke brought a sense of comfort I always needed.
“Thanks for bringing me here,” I said, smiling into his eyes.
A hint of a smile tugged at his cocky yet sexy smirk. “I had to make sure you had a happy birthday, even with everything that has happened. You deserve it, Avi.”
I could feel the tension in my chest slowly dissipating.
The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, and I wished that every day could be this easy, this beautiful.
For a moment, the worries about Jeremy and Damar faded into the background, and I let myself enjoy the moment.
As we waited for our drinks, Mythic reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box.
“What’s this?” I asked, eyeing it suspiciously as he handed it to me.
“Just a little something for your birthday.”
My heart raced with curiosity as I opened the box carefully. A delicate diamond necklace lay inside. A small charm shaped like a wave hung from it.
I gasped, my fingers brushing over it. “My God, Mythic. This is beautiful.”
“I figured you could use a reminder of how calming the waves can be,” he said, his voice low, “especially with everything you’ve been through lately.”
I felt a swell of emotion rise within me.
“It’s perfect. Thank you so much.” I looked up at him, genuinely touched by his thoughtfulness.
For a guy like him, so gritty and tough, it was impressive how well he understood me and what I needed.
Staring at it, I told him, “This was so thoughtful. You didn’t have to do this. ”
He shrugged, a hint of pride in his smile. “Yes, I did. I have to show my appreciation for the finer things.”
As we sat across from each other, the silence between us felt smothering, like it was holding on to all the words neither of us dared to say.
Mythic’s eyes were filled with the same longing and love that always had me caught up.
His gaze was deep, searching mine like he could see straight into my soul, and my heart was racing, pulling me toward him even though I knew I shouldn’t.
I couldn’t ignore how he made me feel, like I was the only one in the room, like I was seen, loved, and completely his, even when I knew the reality of my life was pulling me in another direction.
Finally, I tore my eyes away, desperate to gather my composure and the ability to speak again. “You managed to make me smile today. Thank you.”
He leaned back in his chair with a satisfied grin spreading across his face. “That was the plan.”