Chapter 25
For the restof the ride, we sat in silence. Both of us lost in our own thoughts. Once we were driving through huge golden gates that entered an enormous property with perfectly cut grass and landscaping, I knew we were there. Luxury vehicles lined the mile-long wraparound driveway.
Their estate was massive, and I’d seen some big houses before, but this one took the cake. This wasn’t rich. This was generational wealth, and it bled off the concrete castle layout.
“Wow.”
“Yeah,” Aires remarked. “Try growing up in this place.”
As soon as the driver parked on the roundabout, I inhaled a deep, steady breath. Aires stepped out, and I followed his lead, unconsciously grabbing his hand.
“I have one more question.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Do I look okay?”
I wore a fitted, knee-length black dress with heels, while Aires was dressed in an all-black suit. He looked so handsome, and if it weren’t for the circumstances, I’d tell him he needed to wear this suit for me again.
“You look perfect,” he reaffirmed, kissing my hand once more before leading the way.
My heart pounded out of my chest as we walked inside. Their home was like a museum with columns, portraits, and antiques in every corner you walked through. There were so many rooms on our way to the main area, and I couldn’t believe he had grown up in this extravagant and decadent place. It all mesmerized me, trying to focus on one thing at a time, but there was too much to see.
Every room we passed had an antique feel, as if the decorations hadn’t changed in decades.
“This is crazy,” I muttered under my breath.
“Tell me about it. This estate has been in my family for generations.”
“I can see that.”
“Don’t let it intimidate you.”
“I once met the Dalai Lama. This is nothing.”
“Keep that confidence up. You’re going to need it.”
I opened my mouth but quickly shut it when I saw Aires’s mom walking in our direction.
“Nicholas!” she exclaimed, pulling him into a hug. “Darling, I’m so glad you’re here.”
I stood beside them with my hands at my sides, taking it all in. I expected to meet a colder woman than Aires described and not so warm and welcoming. Her embrace seemed genuine, like a mother who missed her son. It was only then I realized a bunch of people surrounded us.
Is she performing for everyone?
I truly wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. I couldn’t imagine a mother not loving her son. It didn’t seem natural or maternal to me.
They embraced for a couple of seconds before our eyes connected.
“Hi.” I extended my hand to her. “I’m Bailey. It”s so nice to finally officially meet you, Mrs. Aires.”
“Bailey Pierce-McGraw, oh my goodness… look how much you’ve grown!” She instantly pulled me into a similar hug as she did with her son.
I hugged her again, feeling as though this was genuine from her. We had just arrived, and I was already confused. If she was putting on an act, I was already falling for it.
Maybe she’s changed?
I held out hope for Aires’s sake. I’d seen his parents on set a handful of times when we were on The Kids Club.
“Welcome to our home,” she added, gesturing to another family member for me to meet.
After the funeral, everyone came back to their estate. The place was packed with people, yet you couldn’t tell since the house was enormous. Aires was quiet most of the morning. The funeral was lovely, filled to the brim with flowers and decadence. Aires sat in the row designated for his family, and I sat beside him. He held my hand for most of it, and believe it or not, I think I saw his father shed a tear or two.
Our eyes locked from across the open floorplan of the library in their summer home. It reminded me of the one from Beauty and the Beast with the huge gold ladder. I resisted the urge to climb and scale across the books.
In a room filled with his family and their guests, we found each other without even trying.
* * *