Chapter 19: The birthday dinner

NOVA'S POV

"That was amazing! We could use talent like yours internationally," a man in a suit says stretching his hand out for a handshake and i just rub mine against my sweaty jersy before shaking it.

My father's glare is so obvious you'd think i said something offensive.

I thank each one of the scouts for their time as the captain as they approach different players on the team.

"Nova!"

His voice firm as he calls out to me.

i jog over to where he's standing next to Mr Vicci, Delia's father. She switches sides, standing next to me.

Way too close for my liking.

Like she's hinting at somthing to her father.

"Your father tell me you are the next big player and i have no doubts. You're exceptional!"

he praises resting his hand on my shoulder. It lingers, and dad notices. But he lets it happen. i excuse myself before anything else is said. Its already insulting, to be pawned to the highest bidder.

Now he can stand the thought of men his age touching me that way.

Maybe Sofia was right, I'd fight for what i want if nothing else mattered.

I wonder how she's doing.

Did my words get to her?

i really wanted to tell her about the dare, but the way she looked at me. i wanted to be selfish. I wanted her to onl lookat me that way. Like I mattered to her and she wasn't ashamed to show it.

She never cares about what people thought or said about her.

Maybe that's what draws me to her.

I check the time knowing her surprise party is in a few hours.

A notification pops up from her instagram and i shamelessy press on the preview.

a huge bouquet of flowers in her hands with Mila's voice in the background teasing her.

Her face is bright but the smiles fall towards the end.

Who sent her those flowers?

Was she seeing other people? We hadn't agreed on exclusivity but i never thought she'd have options. Who wouldn't want an emotionally secure person like her?

A wave of jealousy hits me.

That's a first.

She wasn't mine but the thought of her with someone else felt like a stab to my chest.

"From the look on her face, i can tell the dare isn't done yet, Nova,"

I put my phone in my locker, grabbing a towel for the showers.

"I'll get it done,"

"The game is coming up. It'd be a shame for the captain to disappoint an entire team,"

i scoff.

"So you're okay with whatever I do to make it happen,"

"Just break her. That's the goal,"

She walks away like she had just delivered a worthy threat.

I get to spend time with her, thats all I heard.

My driver is waiting outside when I'm done.

My father long gone.

He's never been to an actual game, just scouting opportunities. I call her but she doesn't pick up. I try a few more times but it goes straight to voicemail. I call Mila expecting her to hang up on me but she doesn't.

"On her birthday? You had to be an asshole on her fucking birthday,"

"My father was watching, Mila. You know how he is,"

She lets out a sigh. the pauses.

"Its a hard day for her. She lost her family a year ago today,"

My mind travels back to the instagram post with the caption.

Fuck.

She doesn't deserve this.

"The flowers....is she seeing someone?"

"Even if she was I wouldn't tell you. You're bad for her,"

I pause.

Taking that in.

I wish i had a Mila in my life.

"I want to suprise her at her birthday dinner, please,"

she chuckles.

"She really does have an effect on you. I'll text you the restaurant,"

The call ends abruptly but i feel the excitement at the thought of her reaction.

He drops me off at the entrance to the house before he dries off to park the car.

The house is silent.

But the piano keys echo through the hallway as i head to the piano room.

Mom is seated, stroking the keys gently, humming to herself.

I take the empty sit next to her watching and listening.

She smiles gently in my direction and I joinin on the familiar tune. I had forgotten what it felt like being like this.

"Why did you get married to him?" i ask finally.

"He saved me from a hopeless life. He stood up to my parents and boldly told them he'd marry me because i was the best thing to happen to him. He was happy, funny, romantic and idealistic.I just fell i love with him."

Her voice grows small as she reminisces.

"So why is it different for me?"

"Nova, I was willing to risk everything for love. That's the difference,"

"Then I'll risk it,"

"How much hurt can that girl endure? Because your father won't make it easy,"

Her hand rests on my cheek caressing it gently.

His footsteps grow louder in the hallway before he shows himself.

"What are you to upto?"

He traces his fingers on the surfaces.

"Just bonding with our daughter. She's really grown up,"she says

Her eyes moving to his side as if telling me to leave the room. She didn't tell him what we were taking about. Maybe she really does care about me.

Night came by fast when my focus had been on what song to sing. I'd only ever sang in school plays when I was little.

I pick out one of my custom made suits because dresses don't flatter my tall height sometimes.

My phone vibrates on my bed and I reach for it.

Tinks {private}; You're going to have to make it up to me for earlier.

Me {private}: That was the plan

Tinks {private}: photo You have until midnight

My cheeks burn at the picture of her cleavage with the satin fabric draping over her brown skin.

The door opens with my phone flying over the bed to the floor.

He arches his brow suspiciously.

"Going somewhere?"

"Rafael is throwing a party for the basketball team,"

It came out so naturally, I almost felt guilty.

He nods walking out of the room like he had interrupted something inapropriate.

The mirror flattered my flushed face on my way out.

I make a stop at a flourist, for a quick custom made bouquet i had called in for on my way there.

The restaurant is closer to the aparment but high end. The kind that you had to reserve a month prior or simply be rich.

The wrapper on the flowers slips a little from my sweaty palms as I walk in, mentioning Mila's full name. The table isn't long and filled with extras. No, just people closest to her.

I found that admirable.

Her hair is held in a loose but classy bun, secured in a clip, some strands falling on the sides of her face.

She leans forward laughing at something said.

Her lips painted a darker shade of red.

There's nothing sexier than my view of her right now.

Mila notices me first, shooting u from her seat lik she just saw a ghost.

She knew i was coming.

Sofia looks up, her eyes growing wider at the declaration.

"Are you crazy? People can see you,"

"I want them to,"

The table chimes in.

Paolo and his boyfriend, and my cousin and Mila.

I don't think I've ever been this cheesy.

She gets up, strightening her cream satin mini dress.

I walk over to her, handing her the flowers before planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

She leans over when we're seated. Her hot breath fanning my ear, voice low and seductive,"I'm mildly impressed."

I tilt my head hen she pulls away. Fighting an internal battle on which beteen her mascarad eyes and her thick stained lips.

She's so beautiful.

"The night is young, Tinkerbell,"

She chuckles.

How is she so...captivating? She smells so fucking delicious.

It's hard to not wonder what she must taste like.