Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 115838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
eighteen
Victoria
Jaxon:
We are eating at noon, even if you aren’t here.
I pick up the phone in my lap and turn it over, seeing the text as I have coffee on my deck. The sun is coming in and out of the clouds as I lift the cup and put it to my lips.
I went to the game last night but opted out of going to the bar with my brother and our friends afterward. The last thing I wanted was to see Zane. I was still pissed at him about the showdown we had at his house over a week ago, when he stood there not giving me anything as I put it all on the table. I couldn’t help but be mad at him even though I had no reason to be pissed at him; I only had myself to blame.
I finish my coffee and then head to the bedroom to get ready for lunch. I know my parents are still in town, as is my uncle Nico, who is one of my father’s best friends and the owner of the Dallas Oilers hockey team. I slip on a pair of loose-fitting white pants with a brown belt and a tight, gray high-neck sleeveless top that hits right above my waist. I slip on my brown Hermes shoes before heading to the bathroom to do my hair and then apply some mascara and some blush on my cheeks. Might as well look good even if I don’t feel it inside.
I spray my perfume on both sides of my neck, and then on my wrists before slipping on a couple of gold bracelets and then my silver-and-gold Rolex watch I got for my graduation. I head to the door and get into the SUV, putting on my sunglasses as I make my way over to Jaxon’s.
The driveway is full of cars, and I know I’m going to be told I’m late, even though I look over and see I’m technically one minute early. I get out of my SUV, grabbing my purse in one hand and the phone in the other. I walk up the steps as my hair blows in the soft wind, not bothering to ring the bell.
I step in and the smell of food immediately makes my stomach growl. Even from the doorway, voices can be heard all the way to the front of the house as I start walking toward the family room. “Ladies and gentlemen, the favorite child has arrived,” I announce, walking into the room with my hand in the air and stopping when I look over and see Zane standing there. I shake it off and turn to my parents. “Please, don’t all rush me at once.”
I put down my purse on the side table, hearing my father laugh as he comes to me. “Hello, favorite child.” He takes me in his arms.
“It doesn’t count after the fact, Dad,” I tell him as I hug him.
“Well, she’s definitely my favorite,” my Uncle Nico says, walking over to me and I give him a side hug. “How are you doing?”
“Well, since I left you yesterday, I hopped on a plane and went to Sunday service with the Pope,” I joke with him, feeling eyes on me. “He sends his love.”
He throws his head back and laughs. “That’s good to know.” He drops his hand from around my arm. “Thank you for making me laugh when all I want to do is throttle Phoenix.” He mentions his son, who I think plays for Nashville now, but I could be wrong.
“Ohh, what did he do?”
“I’m trying to get him to come play for Dallas and he’s rejecting my deal,” he hisses, mentioning the team he has owned since his father gifted it to him as a joke. The Oilers were at the bottom of the standings, and he took over, becoming the youngest owner in the history of the NHL, and he clawed his way to the top.
“Could be worse.” I smirk. “He could have had a one-night stand with your best friend’s daughter and got her pregnant.” I wink at him as he shakes his head.
“I mean, it could be that,” he replies to me as I make it around the room, saying hello to my mother first.
“I guess we know who your favorite is,” I tease her as she stands next to Jaxon.
“I love you all the same,” she assures me, and I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” I mumble, “but you do more for him.” I say hello to my Aunt Becca, who stands beside my uncle now, his hand around her shoulder; her hand folding up to link their fingers together.
“I was with him the longest,” she snaps, making me and Jaxon burst out laughing, and then he kisses her cheek.
“Where is my nephew?” I ask, looking around and not seeing Ariella, but seeing Zane standing there next to my father. “Hi,” I say, holding up my hand, “nice to see you again.”