Our Secret- Braddison

Chapter 7

Bryce POV:

We pulled up outside of Addison's parent's house, and I was nervous, to say the least.  I had been here a thousand times, but something felt different. Well, the difference was I was now a boyfriend and not an assistant. Addison's eyes were on me. I could tell she was trying to read my emotions, but it was hard to. I was excited, but I was scared. I didn't want to mess anything up. I had already been doubting myself.

A: You will be fine. They already love you. Let's go inside. 

I thought about what Addison said and opened up my car door. I then walked to her side and opened up her door as well. I grabbed her hand, interlocking our fingers together. I knocked on the door, and Monty opened it. I put my arm out to shake Monty's hand.

M: Bryce, you are family. To not start acting formally

Monty then pulled me into a hug. Maybe I was the only one taking this whole night to a whole new level of seriousness. I walked in to see Sheri cooking dinner, I set the flowers down, and Addison grabbed a vase to put them in. Before I knew it, Lucas was running into my arms. I scooped him up and began to run around the room with him. I heard his laughter feeling the air. Before long, I set him down, and Enzo was in front of me. 

I then did my handshake with Enzo, and we sat down on the couch to play video games. I wanted to give Addison some time with her parents before I talk to them. Although they were aware of Addison and my relationship, I wanted the family to feel like nothing had changed because nothing will change.

Addison POV:

After Bryce left the room with Lucas, I put the flowers in the vase, making sure they looked aesthetically pleasing. My mom loved flowers, which is why every time one set died, my dad would immediately replace them. I want a marriage like theirs. They paid attention to the small details even when it got hard.  Looking at them in the kitchen, I could imagine my life looking similar, with just more kids running around. 

I sat at the bar while my mom handed me a glass of wine. Bryce would be driving tonight, and if we didn't want to drive, we could stay in my old room. My mom was making macaroons for dessert, which was rare. 

S: So, Addi, how was your day?

A: Stressful. Thankfully Bryce was there to calm me down. 

M: So you and Bryce, seriously?

A: Yes, dad, is that a problem

M: No, Addison, it's not, but listen, if you aren't ready to be with him, don't. He's an amazing guy Addison definitely someone I would have always choose to be in your future, but you gotta make sure it Is really what you want. 

A: Dad, I know he's nothing like those other guys who threw themselves at me. Bryce knows me better than I know myself. Cares for me like a parent cares for their child. But, he's in his head. He thinks he not enough because he doesn't have what the guys I am surrounded by having.

S: He has something better. A real heart, he's sincere. So what if he isn't as rich or in the media as everyone else. He is family material, and we love him here. Please listen to your dad Addison and know that if you aren't ready, don't lead him on. 

A: I promise I'm ready for this. I want him in my future, which includes bringing him into the spotlight and letting the world know he is mine.

I thought about what my parents had said, and generally, I would expect them to have this conversation with Bryce, but never with me. I then sat and thought about how they considered Bryce family. He had been my assistant for the past 3 years, and my family adored him. But they didn't want me to break his heart. He was a good guy, but he never talked about his family.  And he rarely ever took trips.

I grabbed my wine glass and poured a glass for Bryce. I walked into the living room to see him playing with my brothers. They loved Bryce as much as my parents. I was starting to believe that my family loved him more than me. As I stood behind him, he looked up and smiled at me. I gave him the signal to come with me as I handed him the wine glass. We walked outside into my parent's backyard and sat on the swing. He put his arm around me, and I cuddled up into Bryce's side as it was a little cold.

B: So, as much as I love your parent's backyard and wine. Why are we out here?

A: Bryce, why do you never talk about your family?

I watched as Bryce put his head down. I grabbed his hand and could tell this was a sensitive subject for him. 

B: My mom and little brother Caleb are back in Maryland. My dad left us and has a whole new family. He didn't even warn my mom or let us know until we saw him with his new family. My mom works, but it's not enough. Caleb is in a soccer league, and the best equipment is expensive. So I send them money every month, so Caleb doesn't have to get made fun of like me for not having everything the other kids have.

I looked at Bryce and seen he had tears in his eyes. I squeezed his hand to let him know I was here. And cuddled up into him a little bit more. 

A: Bryce, why have you never told me this?

B: Because Addison, I didn't want you to treat me differently. I didn't want you to feel like you need to give me a raise or a break. 

A: Bryce, if we are together. I want to know about every little aspect of you. I would never judge you. I want to be there for you. I want you to let me in. 

Bryce POV:

As I sat and listened to what Addison had said, she was completely right. To make this relationship work, I would need to be vulnerable and open. I was happy that Addison finally knew my family background. I cupped Addison's face with one of my hands since the glass of wine was in the other, and I pulled her into a kiss. 

B: Thank You, Addison. I appreciate you more than you ever know.