Yours, Eternally

Ten

Today is the final day to get Mr. Montague to collaborate with Estelle, and if I don't seal this deal, I can just kiss goodbye to my pay raise and well...my job. Taking a deep breath and letting out a long exhale, I proceed to knock on the door.

"Good morning, Ava! It's good to see you again." Martha exclaimed, greeting me with such love and warmth. "I see that you've brought someone?"

"Brought someone?" I questioned, feeling my brows furrow at her baffling question. "I didn't bring any-"

Puzzled, I followed her gaze and looked over my shoulder, surprised at who it was. His figure towered over mine while his cologne and morning freshness infiltrated my nose, sending jitters through my body.

"What are you doing here?" I must admit, the suave and confidence was truly a sight to behold in the early morning. It felt like my eyes just got their very own rejuvenation.

"It's been ages, Nathan! How are you?" Martha burst out, giving him a big hug.

Wait a minute. They know each other?

"It's been a while, Martha." Nathan smiled, showing the two rows of sparkly teeth.

"Please, come in!" She said, gesturing us into the house. Meanwhile, Nathan nudged my arm, displaying that sickening smirk of his.

Right. Sickening.

"Am I too much a sight for sore eyes?"

"Yeah, With the amount of dirt you brought with you, it's definitely going to cause me a sore eye." I scoffed, only to hear a chuckle travel from his lips. "So, what are you doing here? And how did you know her?" I asked, pressed for answers.

"Whoa, slow down there, honey. We're not even official and you're all over me?" I felt as if fumes were exiting from my very nostrils.

"Don't you 'honey' me, you fart-"

"He's in his room," Martha interjected, with worry and distress coating her expression, something that always happens whenever she talks about Hugo. "You know where to find him. I'll be in the kitchen."

"Come on, honey." Nathan teased as he began his ascend, with me following suit.

"Come on, honey." I mimicked while rolling my eyes, copying his expression and gesture, making sure that he heard it loud and clear.

"As much as I love your sassiness and smart mouth," Nathan said as the both of us reached the door. "It's time for you to get to work."

Opening the door, Nathan allowed me to step into the room, a room that seemed to have contained all, if not more gloominess than the first day I got here. As soon as the entrance was shut, Nathan and I stood by each other; side by side. I hate to admit it, but the heat emanating from him did make my stomach jump in excitement.

Having the same pose as before, Mr. Montague was now holding a beer can at the ends of his fingertips, swaying it front and back while his hair covered his face.

"Nate." Mr. Montague said slowly as he gave us a side glance. "And I see you're here again, Miss Ava."

"Hugo." This was in fact the first time I have heard Nathan sound this serious. Yet, it was laced with a noticeable affection. "You look good, just like how Blaire would have wanted you to be."

Does he know?

"If you are here to mock and ridicule me, you are very much welcome to see yourself out. I do not need for this right now." Hugo sneered, crushing the can in his hand before throwing it on the ground.