Chapter 37 An overdue meeting
BRION
I stared at her, into her grey eyes, which I loved more than anything in the entire world. Hearing her call me her best friend hurts more than anything else. It felt like kick to the gut, like a blunt knife being continuously thrust into my chest while I struggled. I wanted to tell her I didn't see her as a friend.
Hell, I wanted more. To me, Nova wasn't just a buddy. It wasn't how I saw her, and I doubt I would ever see her as one.
"It hurts," I confessed, placing my hand over hers. "It stings, Nova."
However, she didn't understand me. She thought I was speaking of the silence, not knowing I was talking about something else entirely. "Same."
I got up from the floor and sat on the bed, enveloping her in a hug. I felt at home in her embrace, a peace I hadn't felt for a long time.
"Don't lie to me ever again," I stated, letting her know how badly I suffered when she lied about Dashiell.
"I won't," she promised, hugging me tight. "I vow never to do anything that will jeopardize our relationship," she vowed, sniffing.
"Same."
We stayed in each other's embrace for a long time, not breaking apart as we held each other. I didn't want to let go, and she seemed as if she didn't want that, either. It wasn't until her stomach growled, did I disengage from the hug to get something for her.
"Uncle Brion!" Willow called out the moment I stepped out of her mum's room. They seemed to be waiting for me to come out, since they were lingering in the corridor, watching the door with intent gazes.
"How is mum?" River asked, rushing over to me with Willow.
"She's good." I squatted in front of them and flicked their noses. "Why did you lie to me, you little naughty cuties?" I asked, keeping my tone and expression stern. "Do you know how when you told me your mum wasn't feeling well?"
/ worried I
was
"We are sorry," they apologized, looking down at their feet. "We were only helping mum!"
Willow took my hand in hers, smiling as she leaned close to place a kiss on my left cheek. "Are you guys okay now?" She blinked cutely.
"Of course."
"Yay!" She high-fived her brother as they did a little merry dance. "It worked!"
"Yes, it did."
Seeing how thrilled they were, you would have thought they won an award.
"Now mummy won't look so sad anymore," River whispered, looking at me with a smile.
"Neither will I." Grinning at them, I went over to the kitchen to make lunch for Nova. After I had served them and worked on the swing, I had my bath, got dressed in my best suit, and drove towards Dashiell's company. I was supposed to meet with him a day ago, but he called to postpone the meeting.
This would be the first official meeting we will have since the clash on the first night with Nova. The meet and greet would have been our first official meeting, but I couldn't make it because of the problem I had in the States.
We were supposed to meet in a restaurant, but he changed the location at the last minute, asking me to meet him at the office.
I walked into the establishment and headed towards the lift, grateful it was a Saturday. Nova didn't know I was meeting with her ex, and I loved it this way. Deep down, I have this impression that she still cared for him. Even though I couldn't tell why I had such a feeling, I knew I had never been wrong, which was why I kept mum about my affairs.
I took the lift to his floor, grateful for the lack of employees. The security man by the door was the only one around, which worked so well for me. He was the one who directed me on how to get to Dashiell's office, not like it was difficult to do so. On his floor, I could tell which was his office even without the direction because of his posh door, which was unlike the one before his.
At his door, I rapped twice on it before I was asked to step in by none other but the guy I detested the most in the entire world. Inhaling, I stepped in, adjusting my tie as my eyes locked his dark gaze. His emerald eyes, which were so much like Willow's, bore into mine with the same ferocity as mine. I could tell the feeling was mutual.
Just like me, he didn't seem happy to see me. It was in his gaze and the way his eyes narrowed as he gave me an appraisal, his gaze slowly running over my body as I did the same to him. Not for the first time, I wished he wasn't handsome. He looked just like Willow, a discovery that irked me to my bones as I strode towards him.
He got up from his desk with a fake smile on his face as he stretched his hand out for a shake. I didn't immediately take it. Instead, I gave him an appraisal once more, wondering if, like me, he had dressed up for the meeting. Though he looked to be busy with work when I stepped in, I believe that was just his way of acting like he wasn't expecting the meeting, just like I was. Not the good kind of anticipating.
His hair looked freshly combed, like he just had a shower, dried and styled it before I stepped in. The scent of his cologne was strong, and he looked like he just shaved. Even his suits screamed new. As if he jumped into them a few minutes ago.
I wouldn't blame him at all. I did the same before I left the house. I made certain to dress to oppress, just like he did.
Smirking, I reached over to take his palm, pressing it hard, just as he did the same to me.