13 Victoria

13 Victoria
13

Victoria

Ryan didn’t have the energy for Victoria's games.

He just nodded and made his way to the house.

The dining table was a mini-feast, steak, seafood, pastries, fruit, and every one of his favorite snacks. Margaret had clearly been busy. The spread was almost ridiculous. He hadn’t even been gone that long.

Ryan ate quietly, letting the sounds of clinking silverware and distant music settle him. Still, his mind wandered. To the summer. To Tessy. To the weird ache he hadn’t shaken off since she hugged him goodbye.

He missed her already.

After the meal and small talk he didn’t care for, Ryan pushed back his chair. He was exhausted to the bones and not meeting his Father dampened his mood.

“Going to rest. It’s been a long drive.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Victoria cooed. “I will come up to meet you.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow confused on why she wanted to see him. “Why?”

“Nothing. I just want to have a conversation with you.”

Ryan climbed the stairs slowly, every step sinking in the fact that he was back. Back in the mansion. Back to Victoria's theatrics. Back to Margaret warmth. Back to silence where his father used to be.

He opened the door to his room, it looked exactly as he left it. Clean. Organized. Still smelling faintly of his cologne. He sat on the edge of the bed, running his hand across the smooth sheets, eyes drifting to the wide windows.

He was home.

But something about it didn’t feel right.

Because Tessy wasn't here.

He pulled out his phone and stared at her number.

Then, he dropped a quick message.

Hey, I'm back home.

He sighed, dropping his phone on the nightstand and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

When he came out, a knock sounded at the door. Ryan sighed, ready to shoo Victoria off until tomorrow.

“Victoria…” He stopped mid-word. It wasn't Victoria at the entrance. “Dad?”

He scoffed, turned and walked back in, leaving the door open for him to enter.

Alex stepped inside, his face lined with exhaustion. “Ryan,” he greeted, sinking into the couch like a man who’d been running all day.

“You said you’d be here to welcome me.” Ryan leaned against the table beside his bed, arms crossed.

“I was here,” Alex said, rubbing a hand through his hair. “But I got an urgent call from the office at the last minute. I’m sorry, Ryan.”

Ryan studied him. His dad didn’t usually come to his room for conversations like this. He’d missed his eighteenth birthday without more than a text, and now here he was, apologizing.

Maybe they were getting somewhere.
His eyes flicked to the package in his hands wondering what it was.

Alex lifted a bag from the floor. “I got you this.” He pulled out a crisp pair of white sneakers, then a sleek, expensive wristwatch.

Ryan chuckled. “Really?” He sat beside him, checking them out. “You never buy things for me. Was this Margaret’s idea?”

“No,” Alex said quickly. “I thought of it myself.” He boasted.

Ryan’s look said I don’t believe you, but he played along. They both laughed, and for a moment, the air between them felt lighter.

It might not be what he needs right now but the thought counts.

“How is Grams?” Alex asked, knowing it's been a long time he has seen his mother.

“She is fine. Better than ever. And I did enjoy my summer vacation. I already miss everyone.”

Alex nodded standing up. “I had a hunch her place would be good for you. And it was.”

Ryan stood up alongside him, went over and set the gift on the table.

“I’m heading out,” Alex said. “I still have things to finish tonight. But, Buddy, you’re old enough to start learning the ropes at the company. You will take over one day.”

Ryan nodded. “Good night.”

“Good night, son.”

When the door closed, Ryan stood in place for a moment. He felt… different. Whole, even. It was a feeling he usually only got with Tessy. This was the first real one-on-one they’d had in months, aside from the occasional summer phone call.

He tucked the gifts into the closet, still grinning, when another knock came.

Maybe his dad forgot something.

But when he opened the door, the grin slipped. “Oh. Victoria. It's you!”

She swept inside without invitation, her perfume instantly filling the space.

“You don’t sound happy to see me,” she teased, sitting on the edge of his bed and crossing her legs.

“I’m tired. Can we do this tomorrow?”

“No. This will be quick.” She patted the spot beside her.

Ryan sat reluctantly. “What is it?”

“How was that place?” she asked.

“What place?” He knew exactly what she meant.

“Your grandmother’s. How was it?”

“I loved it. Better than I expected.”

“Well, you’re not going back there.”

Ryan blinked. “What?”

“I don’t like that place, and I don’t want you associating with her or them.” Her tone dripped venom.

“She’s your mother. And they’re my friends. You can’t decide that for me.” Ryan defended.

“Who’s Tessy? That lowlife girl you’ve been following around?”

Ryan’s mind snapped to Ronda. Of course. That loud mouth has been feeding Veronica with information.

“Ronda told you that?”

“She cares about you. She’s looking out for you.”

“Did I ask to be looked out for?” Ryan’s voice sharpened.

“Ryan, I don’t want you around them. It never ends well.”

“How is that any of your business?”

Victoria clutched her chest dramatically like he’d slapped her. “How could you say that to your aunt?”

“I know you’re my aunt, but you’re crossing a line. Who I spend time with isn’t your decision and none of your business. And you can’t tell me I can’t go back.” He stood abruptly. “I need to sleep. Please leave.”

Her eyes narrowed, but she backed toward the door. “Good night, Ryan.”

The door closed behind her.

But in her mind, she’d already decided, if she couldn’t stop him directly, she’d find another way. Mixing with people of that status never ends well. They shouldn't be seen with them.
She’d get him back on track, away from those “people,” no matter what it took. And as for the attachment he’d formed there? She’d see to it that it disappeared, completely. She will get rid of it.