by Olivia Snow
“Its none of my business? While you are under my roof it is my business and you will refrain from acting like a whore while in my home. Do you understand me?” My dad spoke like he was clenching his teeth. I gasped at the way he was talking to her I’ve never heard him speak to anyone like that let alone his only niece.
“Wow! So now you’re interested in what I’m doing when it could have an effect on your reputation. That’s what it takes for Uncle Bill to give a shit about his only niece, God forbid he cared five years ago.” Ava’s voice was lathered with disgust. I couldn’t take this anymore what was going on? I never knew what the hell was happening in my own family. I barged into Daddy’s office.
“What’s going on? I could hear you guys yelling at the top of the staircase.” My father gave me a tight smile then looked over at Ava. The sadness and regret in his eyes were evident.
“That’s not fair, Ava.” He spoke softly.
“Spare me, UNCLE Bill.” She meant that as an insult, her and my dad’s relationship was more of a friendship than a traditional uncle and niece one. The word uncle made my dad flinch. Ava turned towards the door walking away head held high.
“Daddy, what’s going on? Why did you speak to her like that?” I watched him with my jaw basically on the floor. Dad sighed hanging his head low toppling onto his office chair, placing his elbows on his knees he spoke looking at the floor instead of my eyes.
“Ava has been struggling with your uncles death since the day he died, naturally. It’s something anyone of us would struggle with, but Ava has been out of control since then. Your Aunt Rose has contacted a well-known psychologist in the area who specializes in behavior like Ava’s. That’s one of the reasons why they moved here.”
“Oh.” Was all I was able to say.
“She’s done some really stupid things. Things that you will never do or so help me God Vanessa—”
I cut him off, as I was able to find my voice. “Daddy, you don’t have to worry about me.” I really wanted to call him a jerk and throw a tantrum, but I figured that would be unwise. Since Ava’s arrival, I’d learn things about my family I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. Maybe being kept in the dark was the best thing for me after all.
Chapter Fifteen
Ava
Before storming out of the house, I tighten my running shoes. I was on my way out for a run when Uncle Bill stopped me for a talk. I needed to get the fuck out of here. Billy’s words cut deep to the bone I never thought he would ever call me a whore. Although, the truth you never want to hear that coming from a man who was basically your surrogate father. I admit sleeping with Reggie in Aunt Cynthia's car was wrong. I don't blame him for being angry with me for it. I just couldn’t see why it was necessary to embarrass me and hurt me in the process of teaching me a lesson. I was eighteen and technically an adult I didn’t have to put up with their shit, but where would I go? I had no money or a high school diploma. My only option was graduating and going off to college and getting a degree. Education was my way out of this dysfunctional family. Feeling a staggering urge to call Gabriel was squashed seconds later as I realized I didn't have his number, but I did know where he lived. It was just an hour run, no big deal…pfft yeah right. By the time, I reached his condo I was exhausted, no exhausted was an understatement. My black workout clothes were drenched in sweat and I was a tad dehydrated. Painfully, I walked inside of the building lobby gladly inviting the cool breeze of the air conditioner. While the room began to spin I sat on one of the blue leather chairs directly across from the elevator doors. My breaths were shallow and for the life of me I couldn't get enough air into my lungs. Sinking further into the chair resting the back of my head on the top rail I heard my name being called, but it sounded muffled. The room picked up its speed while my face felt hot then freezing.
“Are you okay? Ava, can you hear me?” I felt his hands on my things as he crouched in front of me.
“How did you know I was—whoa.” I tried to stand but my legs were too weak to hold me up. I plopped back down on the chair.
“Shit. Hold on to me the best you can, all right?” He said sliding one arm under my legs and the other behind me lifting me up in one easy swoop. I gripped him as tight as I could. Bright red and green dots flashed in front of me causing me to close my eyes.
“How did you know that I was here?” I whispered against his chest hearing the elevator dings before he spoke.
“I was looking out the window when I saw you running in the building. Is everything okay?” I wasn't ready to tell him what happened I was on the verge of passing out and the goddamn elevator ride wasn't helping. Tightening my hold around his neck, I nuzzled into his lovely nook as I did he chuckled making my stomach tighten in a good way. The elevator gave a final ding as its doors opened. Gabriel’s hold tightened as he walked out of the elevator and onto the hallway. My eyes flickered open once we reached the front door of his condo he gently pushed the door open walking directly to his room softly laying me on his bed so that I was propped up on the headboard. The smell of his room took me back to yesterday when I was laying on his bed but in a much different situation and a lot fewer clothes. Closing my eyes as I relieved the memory, the room span faster I could feel vomit rising from the bottom of my throat.
“Here, sip this.” Gabriel handed me an open water bottle just in time. Slowly, I sipped on the cold water. Gabriel left the room only to return with a wet rag he placed it on my forehead as he gently pushed my head back to rest on the headboard. The cold cloth cooled my head making the room stand still. He tapped on my hand reminding me to keep sipping on the bottle that was in my hands. Taking a sip I opened my eyes colliding with his beautiful blue ones. What the hell was I doing here? How did I go from taking care of myself and dealing with life on my own, to running to Gabriel when shit hit the fan? It was now time to leave. This was a colossal mistake. Before I could storm out of his room Gabriel laid next to me. Lowering onto his side, he rested his head on my chest wrapping an arm around my waist. Placing the water bottle on the nightstand next to me I started caressing his hair. Suddenly the bullshit of the morning had disappeared this was the reason why I came here. He made me forget.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” He said nuzzling closer to me. It wasn’t anything sexual it felt like he was just looking for comfort.
“Is everything all right. Ava?” I loved the way my name sounded coming out of his gorgeous mouth.
“I pissed my uncle off.” I hoped that would be enough for him and, he wouldn't ask why. I wasn't sure if I could lie to him. Gabriel quickly sat up taking the rag off my face that was now warm.
“What do you mean?”
My eyes wandered to the corner of his shoulder I didn't want to see his expression when I finally told him the entire story. It bugged me that I wasn't able to lie to him. Honestly, I don't think anyone was able to lie to that angelic face of his.
“He found a used condom in the back seat of my aunts car…the car that I was driving.”
“Oh.” He replied softly lowering his head.
“Blue, I didn't want to lie to you.” I confessed scooting closer to him then lifting his chin with my finger. He lets out a heavy sigh before placing his forehead on mine.
“I have no right to be angry especially since I’m talking to your cousin. I’m an asshole for liking you both but Ava, just thinking about another guy and you…it…it pisses me off.”
I snorted. “Believe me I know the feeling.”
“Then why can’t we be together? I know you're going through some stuff and knowing that hasn’t stopped me from wanting to be with you.” He said as he reached for my hand without breaking the contact between our foreheads.
I wasn't expecting this sudden declaration of his feelings it caught me completely off guard.
“Blue.” I exhaled as I pulled myself away from the bed to stand. “Vanessa likes you a lot I’ve told you this.”
“I know and I like her as well.” He stood facing me.
> “So, with this being her first crush I won’t be the reason she gets her heart broken. I don't want to be your girlfriend, you might as well be with Vanessa.”
“You’re basically forcing me to be with your cousin. That’s not a great start to a relationship.”
“Please, I’ve seen the way you look at her. You like her as much as she likes you.” In unison we let out a breath, both exhausted by this conversation.
“Blue, let’s just be friends, yeah?”
“All right." He said in defeat pushing his hands through his hair. His compliance did a little number on my chest. I wasn't expecting him to fight me on it because I told him it was I wanted but maybe deep down my women logic was hoping he did.
“I should probably go, thanks for the water.” I smiled at him turning for the door.
"No! Ava, don’t leave.” He said taking two giant steps meeting me at the door. Gabriel placed his palm on the door blocking me from leaving. I felt his chest rising and falling against my back. With our bodies barely touching, he stepped closer pressing me against him. My breath hitched feeling him so close to me, his cock slowly getting harder against my ass. The tightness in between my legs clenched as Gabriel softly swept my hair to one side lowering his lips to the sensitive skin behind my ear. Gabriel let out a deep groan before placing his free hand on my lower stomach pressing me closer as a small whimper escaped my lips. What was he doing? Not two minutes ago we agreed to keep our relationship platonic. All thoughts were forgotten as his soft lips and wet tongue made contact with my skin.
“You don’t know what you do to me.” He whispered continuing to kiss my neck. The warmth of his breath hummed on my ear as he spoke in a husky voice.
“Can I kiss you one last time?” Gabriel’s hand slowly traveled to the bottom of my sports bra my nipples harden as the thought of his tongue flicking them flashed in my mind. Fuck, I was so ready for him the wetness was now uncomfortable, there needed to be some sort of release, soon. My body turned on its own accord both our chest rose in excitement.
“Where would you be placing this last kiss?” I asked looking at him seductively then looking down hoping he was reading in between the lines.
“Oh, fuck.” Gabriel groaned biting his lower lip as he fell to his knees. Smart boy. His fingertips dug inside the waistband of my yoga pants slowing pulling them down. The material was halfway down my ass when suddenly there was a knock on the door.
“Gabe, baby, are you awake?” The muffled female voice said on the opposite side of the door. Gabriel chuckled in frustration while he placed his forehead on my stomach before answering.
“Yeah, mom, I'll be right out.” He replied pulling my pants back up as he stood. “Come on. I want you to meet my mom.” Talk about blue balls.
“Um.” Was all I could get out before he was pulling me into the kitchen. Standing right in front of the white marble kitchen island was a strikingly beautiful blonde woman. Her hair was cut in a chic long bob that curved under her defined chin. She was tall and thin with a sun kissed tan it was obvious she was rocking a kick ass body underneath her expensive silky pink robe. Her eyes widened as she noticed that Gabriel was not alone.
“I didn’t know we had company.” She said swallowing her coffee before setting down the mug.
“Hello, I'm Angela, Gabe's mother. And you are gorgeous. Atta boy, son!" She smiled wide as she extended her hand to shake mine.
“Mom, this is Ava, she's a friend of mine from school.” He sounded annoyed.
“A friend, huh?” She responded suspiciously arching her perfectly manicured eyebrow.
“Not for my lack of trying.” He said. I rolled my eyes elbowing him on his side.
“Hello, Mrs. Mason, nice to meet you. I'm new in town and Gabriel has take pity on me and helped me out with a few things.” I was babbling, as gorgeous as she was she was also that much more intimidating. I’m not the type to be intimidated by anyone, but she was so beautiful it was hard not to be.
“I’m pleased to know I’ve raised a gentleman.” She replied turning to look at Gabriel. “And it's Ms. Bianchi.” She corrected me, sipping once again on her coffee.
“Oh, I apologize, Ms. Bianchi.” I rectify myself making sure I accented the name properly.
“Sei Italiana?” She asked startled by my pronunciation. The fact that she knew Italian completely through me off, it’s not common to come across someone else who spoke it in Colorado.
“No, half, ah…my father was Sicilian.” I replied in English. I knew enough Italian to have a conversation, but it felt very intimate to speak my father’s native tongue with someone I just met.
“What’s your last name?” Ms. Bianchi asked.
“Veneziano.”
"Veneziano? From Sicily, doesn't that surname originate from Venice?” I shrugged because I had no idea where my last name originated.
“Sorry, my mom has a thing for names and their origins. She’s not normally as nosey as she’s coming across.” Gabriel slanted his head glaring at his mother.
“Oh, it’s all right. My grandfather was from Venice he migrated to Sicily and married my grandmother. My father was born there.” I elaborated.
“Parli Italiano?” She asked.
“Molto poco.”
“Well, your accent is impeccable. Even in the few words you’ve spoken you pronounce it like it's your first tongue.” She walked closer taking my hand she pulled me to the table.
“Are you hungry? It looks like you had quite the workout you must be.”
“I, uh—”
“Great idea mom I’ll make you guys breakfast.”
Gabriel made spinach and cheese omelets. They were delicious. After we finished I stayed and talked to his mom while Gabriel cleaned up the mess he made. I tried to help, but Ms. Bianchi refused. She said and I quote “pretty girls like us don't need to get our hands dirty. That’s what men are for.” I laughed despite the fact that I thought she was completely wrong. I wonder what my life would have become if I let men get their hands dirty for me, if I had let anyone get their hands dirty for me. Ms. Bianchi was funny and witty we got along very well. She told me she was an international model when she was younger. That was how she picked up speaking Italian, French, and Mandarin. After Gabriel joined the conversation Ms. Bianchi made it a point to reveal every embarrassing childhood story about Gabriel she could think of. I found myself in tears from laughing so hard after listening to her tell the story of him eating hand soap because he thought it smelled good. Gabriel’s face lit up like a red Christmas light making me laugh even harder. My joy was interrupted by a vibration coming from the small front pocket of my pants I looked at the screen to see it was a text from Rose.
Rose: I spoke to your uncle. I’m cutting my stay short I’ll be back tomorrow. We need to talk.
That was a fucking mood killer if there ever was one.
“Is everything all right?” Gabriel asked.
“Yeah, I think I should get back though.” I replied getting up from the table.
“I’ll drive you.”
“No, Gabriel it’s—”
“Ava shut up and let me take you.”
I threw my hands up in defeat. “Fine.”
“Let me go get my keys.” He said leaving the kitchen in a hurry.
“It was a pleasure meeting you. Ava.” Gabriel’s mother stood pushing in the chair under the table.
“The pleasure was all mine.” I replied sincerely.
“May I be candid?” She asked.
“Yes, of course.” I had a feeling I was about to regret this.
“I can tell you've had a tough life so far.”
“What—”
“It’s in your eyes, you work hard to mask it but I see it.” I had no words my only response was to look down.
“I wouldn't be a good mother if I didn't ask you to be careful with my boys heart. He’s had a rough time, maybe not as tough as yours, but he doesn't need any more disappointments from people close to him.” How
could I be mad at a mom who was looking after her child? I understood exactly where she was coming from. I respected that. I admired that. I envied that.
“Capito?” She asked.
“Si.”
The drive back home was way too fast I wanted to be with him longer but I knew I had to get back to reality and face my uncle. I asked Gabriel to park a block away from the gates so no one saw us in the same car.
“Thanks for the ride, Blue.” I said looking out the window just trying to prolong the inevitable.
“Any time, you can always count on your trusting friend.” He replied sharply.
“What’s wrong?” I asked moving to face him.
“Nothing, Ava, I’m freaking dandy.” He tapped the steering wheel with his thumb harder than he should. This again? Last night was a big ass mistake I’d let my old ways creep back in but being around Gabriel seemed to erase all of my thoughts about anything but him. Not to mention while around him alcohol was the last thing on my mind. He was my saving grace and I wasn't sure if I was ready to let him go just yet.
“Blue, don’t do this, we already talked about the situation we’re in. If being my friend is too difficult for you I understand but I don’t know if I can let you go. That’s selfish of me, I know but it’s the way I feel.” I unclenched his hand from the steering wheel pulling it to my lips I planted a soft kiss on his knuckles.
“Please, just be my friend, Blue.” I whispered looking into his eyes his unoccupied hand rubbed his face before letting out an exasperated sigh.
“Fine, Ava, friends is what we’ll be.” He finally agreed, for now.
I opened the car door before letting go of his hand. “I’ll see you Monday. Have fun on your date tonight.”
He smiled weakly nodding. “See you Monday.”