by Nina Levine
Slowly, I pull back, sniffling. His eyes gloss over as he wipes the tear running down my cheek.
“You’re going to do great things. You have the Edwards and Mason blood in you, though your argumentative side comes from your mom.”
I laugh, allowing my face to rest in his hand. “Between you and Mom, I don’t think failure is an option. Besides, someone has to be a good role model for Addison and Alexandra. Lord knows Ava is dying to teach them how to become the next influencer on social media.”
Dad laughs, shaking his head. “Your sister will be the death of me. How much easier would it be to have all sons?”
“Maybe one day you’ll be blessed with all grandsons.”
“Hey…” He smirks playfully. “Don’t go getting any ideas.”
“I have a career to achieve, Dad. You can count on me to be studying the next seven years.”
“I remember those days. I’m not as disciplined as your mom, though.”
Gentle footsteps echo in the distance. A few seconds later, Mom enters the room dressed in her navy-blue robe, surprised to see us laughing.
“Am I interrupting?”
“No.” Dad motions for her to come over. She moves toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck so lovingly. “We were just discussing her law degree.”
Mom’s eyes perk up. “So… it’s official?”
“I’m going to Yale.” I grin with a slight bounce.
Mom lets go of Dad, hugging me as her eyes glass over. “Gee, kid, we sure are going to miss you around here.”
“You’ve got three more daughters to continue the headaches.”
“Tell me about it. Ava will be the death of me.”
“That’s what Dad said.” I chuckle, then slow down. “Mom, I was thinking, do you think next summer Aunt Nikki would allow me to volunteer at the Manhattan firm?”
“I’m sure she can make it happen. I’m glad she and Uncle Rocky are in the city should you get lonely. Beau is what?” She looks at Dad, “In middle school? And, of course, Will still works in the city.”
“I forgot about Will,” I say, barely able to remember the last time I’ve seen him. “I’m sure if I get lonely, I can visit them often.”
I let out a yawn, noting the time once again. There’s so much to think about, so much to plan and do, but the exhaustion of what has been a very tiring day creeps in.
“I’m off to bed. It’s been a long day. I’m sure you lovebirds want to be alone.” The second I say it, I cringe at myself. “You know what? Please don’t answer that.”
Both Mom and Dad laugh at the same time. “We shall remain quiet.”
I turn back to face them one more time. “I love you guys. Thank you again for everything.”
And as I watch my parents gaze lovingly upon me, I realize how blessed I am to have their unconditional love. For my years of growing up as their daughter, they have been two people so in love and never once letting me believe otherwise.
My thoughts drift to Austin. I do love him enough that I don’t want to let go of what we have. Our geographical location will prove a challenge, but if we do love each other as much as we say we do, then anything is possible.
I know my parents made it work, despite the trials and tribulations they faced. In the end, their love was unstoppable.
As for Austin and me, only time will tell.
And for the last few months we have left together, I wanted to make every minute count.
I want to make memories to last me a lifetime.
4
Amelia
In the blink of an eye, graduation passes and so does our summer in France.
It’s been a family tradition of ours to spend the summer in our chateau in Champagne, along with my Uncle Noah and Aunt Kate, who own a place next door. My cousins, Jessa, Nash, and Sienna, join us too, making it all the more fun.
The older we became, the more freedom our parents allowed. Though Alexandra and Sienna, being the youngest of us all, would often get left behind on our mischievous adventures.
This time, I savored it all—the beautiful countryside, the sunsets, the smell of the air, and dinners with my family, not knowing when I’d be able to join them next. The plans for next summer will most likely involve working since I want to gain as much practical experience as possible. Traditionally, campuses will empty as students travel back home or to their chosen holiday destination.
It’s my last night in LA before our flight to the East Coast tomorrow. Mom has organized a family dinner, cooking all my favorite dishes, making it harder to leave. As I sit at the table, quiet and lost in thought, my sisters remain just as silent.
“I wonder if the meatloaf at Yale is still as bad as I remember,” Mom says to break the silence.
“It was just as bad at USCF,” Dad adds to the conversation. “It must be a universal college thing.”
“All the more reason I should study local.” Ava finally laughs. “Mom’s cooking rivals the best of restaurants in LA.”
“Aww, that’s nice of you, honey. You still can’t go to Cabo with Alyssa,” Mom replies, making her final decision known.
“Drats… worth a try,” Ava mumbles.
My sister, Addison, is reserved. With six years apart, a piece of me is sad to leave her during the years she’ll need me the most. Ava is so carefree, always wanting to have fun, and Addison is the complete opposite, her nose usually in some book.
“You’ll all visit, right?” I cheerfully ask. “Addison, you would love the Yale library. When Dad and Mom took me there last month, I couldn’t believe how many books they had.”
Addison’s expression shifts, a small smile escaping. It’s uncanny that Ava and Addison look so much alike, both of them a spitting image of Dad. They have the same emerald eyes we all got from him, a strong genetic trait of his. Yet their hair color and skin tone mirror that of Dad’s. Alexandra is a combination of both Mom and Dad. I’m the only one, according to everyone, who grew over the years to look more like Mom.
“Daddy, when can we go visit?” Alexandra questions, tugging at his sleeve beside him.
“Soon, sweetheart. We need to get your sister settled in first. Let her get used to her new schedule and studying, then perhaps we can spend Christmas and New Year’s in Manhattan if Mom is okay with that.”
Mom beams at the idea. “That sounds perfect. A white Christmas is always beautiful.”
We immerse ourselves in idle chit-chat, something I enjoy with my family since it’s always entertaining when everyone is involved. Not long after we finish, Andy stops by with his parents to say goodbye. Andy has been accepted into NYU, which came as a relief to my parents since he‘ll be only a train ride away from me. I always knew he’d follow a creative career given Aunt Adriana is a designer, and his biological father, who had passed away when Andy was an infant, used to paint as a hobby.
But it’s Uncle Julian who he admires the most and influenced his love of photography. The two of them have traveled all over the world, and whenever they return, I sit for hours and listen to their stories, which include photos Andy captured.
“I’m going to miss you,” Aunt Adriana confesses, struggling to compose herself. I wrap my arms around her, knowing I‘ll miss her just as much.
“I’m going to miss you, too. You’ve got my email. I want to see all those designs you’ve been working on.”
“Of course, your opinion means everything to me.” She smiles before looking at Ava jokingly. “If it were up to Ava, my designs would involve midriffs and booty shorts.”
My dad shakes his head in disappointment. “Did you have to go there, Adriana?”
“Why yes, dear brother,” she responds in jest, then turns her focus back to me. “Now, listen, you, I want updates on everything, including men.”
“Jesus Christ, Adriana! Let the girl focus on studying. The last thing she should be thinking about is boys.”
“Men, Lex,” Aunt Adriana corrects him. “She’ll be with men now.”
“Just after eight,” Mom informs me. “You go spend time with Austin. Don’t keep that lovely boy waiting.”
I say goodbye to Aunt Adriana and Uncle Julian, then remind Andy we planned to catch up in two weeks for dinner in the city.
I drive over to Austin’s place, though he suggests we take his car for a drive since he plans to take the vehicle off-road. After twenty minutes, we park the car and take our belongings to our favorite spot.
We sit on the picnic blanket on a hill that overlooks the city. The views are stunning at night, a light show which twinkles in the distance. The area is secluded, making it peaceful and just what we both need to calm our anxious nerves.
“Are you nervous?” I ask, staring into the distance.
“Yes,” Austin admits, his trance just as deep as mine. “New school, new crowd, no parents. It’s a lot to take in.”
I nod, feeling just as overwhelmed as him.
“I’m just a call away, or text, or DM.” I smile, offering him support. “I’ll always be there for you.”
Austin lowers his head. “I’d be foolish to think you’ll be mine forever. Once those college boys see you, you’ll be the talk of the campus.”
I purse my lips, placing my hand on his knee. “That’s not true. Have you seen me in study mode? I look like Chewbacca. When we were cramming for finals, I didn’t wash my hair for a week.”
A laugh escapes him. “Don’t underestimate how beautiful you are, Miel.”
“Well, I can say the same for you. I spent most of this year trying to fend off junior and senior girls from trying to dig their claws into you. College girls will fall in love with the handsome man studying to be a doctor.”
“Hmm… I forgot about the doctor card. I guess it could come in handy one day.”
A pang of jealousy hits me. Why does this have to be so hard? If I love him like I say I do, why am I going to a school so far away? I often look at my parents, knowing their story since Mom had shared it with me. They moved heaven and earth to be with one another. That’s true love, but why am I not fighting for Austin?
“Austin?” I say above a whisper. “I don’t want us to end.”
Austin closes his eyes, almost as if he’s breathing a sigh of relief. He turns to face me, his finger grazing against my lip, making my heart pitter-patter like a butterfly trapped in captivity.
“Neither do I, Miel, but I don’t know how to make it work. We’re so far apart, and then our class load means we’ll be so busy.”
“Maybe,” I suggest eagerly. “We don’t label this or us. We don’t need to say goodbye forever. Why can’t we just say no words at all?”
Austin cups my chin, bringing me in for a deep kiss. I tug at his shirt, not wanting to let him go. For a moment, our eyes meet, and something passes between us. Gently, he lays me down and hovers on top of me, burying his head into my neck and lavishing me with kisses. I moan slightly, running my hands through his hair, desperate to capture his scent in my memories. His hand wanders toward my thigh, grazing up before our eyes meet again.
I want him.
“Austin,” I whisper with trembling hands. “I’m ready.”
His eyes widen, not with excitement as I assumed most men would feel at this moment but of torture. “Are you sure? I don’t want to pressure you.”
Austin’s caring nature settles my anxious thoughts. If there’s any man who deserves to own this moment, one that will stay with me for a lifetime, I want it to be Austin Carter.
I take in the sight of him, bringing his lips to mine. “You’re perfect.”
And much like the last few months, this moment came and went in the blink of an eye. I gasp with each touch and wince slightly when he enters me, but soon I understand the power of intimacy. How this very moment, with the right person, can change the beat of one’s heart.
With every thrust, desire overcomes us, driving our bodies to move in sync. Our kisses deepen, rushed with urgency, until the slight pain I experience subsides, and my body begins to convulse into a beautiful finish.
I throw my head back when Austin pulls out abruptly, his body jerking forward as he spills out beside us.
“Are you okay?” I ask, barely able to catch my breath.
“Yes,” he answers with a grin. “I’m perfect.”
And as his lips find their way back to mine, we exchange our ‘I love you’s’ and promise not to map out our future on the fear of losing each other.
We’ll always have this moment, and no matter what happens from now, no one can ever take that away from us.
5
Will
“William Rockford Romano, why are you avoiding my calls?”
My mother’s nagging voice barrels through the speaker. For someone who is ambitious and works long hours, she should understand my time during business is precious.
“I’m not ignoring you, Mother. I’ve been busy, that’s all.”
“Oh, cut the bullshit with me. There was some online article of you with some girl at last night’s grand opening of the new office towers downtown. Busy being a playboy, I see? The apple does not fall far from the tree.”
I snicker, having heard this a dozen times. “Dad would be proud.”
“Yes, unfortunately, your father is quite proud of your inability to settle down,” she complains, reminding me why I avoid her calls like the plague. “Now, when are you coming over for dinner? It’s been too long, and your brother misses you.”
Closing my eyes for a brief moment, I ignore the constant pings of emails coming through, knowing I have one more meeting this afternoon, which will most likely extend into after-work drinks.
“I’ll check with my assistant and get back to you.”
“Is your personal assistant still the blonde with the rather bouncy ass? Or did you manage to conflict your work relationship, too?”
I let out an annoyed huff, wondering why on earth I have to justify my sex life to my overbearing mother. “Of course not. She had other endeavors she wished to pursue.”
There’s a rustle in the background, distracting Mom until I hear, “How’s my boy? Don’t tell me you let her suck your dick and then fired her?”
“Rocky!” Mom shouts, the loud sound causing me to distance the phone from my ear. “How crass of you to say that to your son.”
I let out a snicker. Dad has been crass for as long as I can remember. He doesn’t take life seriously, something I love about him. “Uh… no, Dad, I wouldn’t quite put it that way.”
“So you fucked her, then?”
“Jesus Christ, go away. And why are you here?” The voices filter out before Mom tells him to fuck off, plain and simple. “Now listen, ignore your father, and please come to dinner. I miss you.”
“I will, Mom. Promise.”
We hang up the phone, my smile still lingering from Dad’s blunt yet accurate calling of my sex life. Jennifer, as she shall be named, was too hard to resist. Every single goddamn time she bent over to water the plants in my office—to the low-cut blouses she wore—it was too much.
Yet, I’m a gentleman. I didn’t make a move until a work event last week in which she got drunk and offered to suck my cock. Of course, I warned her that she’d have to give up her nicely-paid position by doing so.
She wanted cock more.
Who could blame her?
I got what I needed, and it wasn’t as if she was a hard worker. Her skills were less than par. But, of course, I’m down an assistant, and these temporary women filling in have been old and undesirable.
Considering I run this company, how fucking hard is it to find someone competent?
I note the time, grabbing my phone and wandering across to the boardroom. The noise stops upon my arrival, my management team quietly waiting until Lex enters the room. The bastards all fall on their knees with his dominating presence, whereas I extend my hand, shaking his.
&nb
sp; Unlike everyone else, I’ve known Lex on a personal level all of my life. I have considered him an uncle for my entire life, a great mentor, and one who treats me like his own son. Not only do we have personal ties, but it’s also Lex who invested in my company, allowing it to launch initially, making it now a multi-million-dollar business.
He informed me of his trip to the city, and I suggested we meet as there’s a chance of extending the business, though we need more capital.
“Let’s get down to it,” he insists, taking his spot at the table. “Show me your numbers.”
By the end of the meeting, my staff scurries out like lost puppies, leaving only Lex and me. Outside the window, darkness falls, and just like I had predicted, we dragged well into the night.
“I’m going to agree with you. I see the potential and want the full scope of this merger by the end of the month. You deliver what I need, and the capital is yours.”
I breathe a sigh of relief, confident I can do that. I only learn from the best, and there’s no chance in hell that Lex will allow me to screw this up.
Standing up to stretch my legs, I open the cabinet and pull out a Scotch bottle I store in there, handing a glass to Lex. We cheer on our proposed deal, then both let out a relaxed breath.
“Change of topic,” Lex says, taking another drink. “Amelia has started at Yale.”
“Yale? Impressive.” I nod, despite being a Harvard man myself. “What’s she studying?”
The truth be told, I haven’t seen her since she was a kid or maybe four years ago when she was in middle school. It would’ve been one of our family dinners, and given our age gap of ten years, we had nothing in common. My memories of her are this annoying little girl who would pester me to do dangerous things in her backyard on my visits, like jumping off the roof and into the pool.