Their Time.

Chapter 5 - Coincidence?

I sighed and looked down at my book and answered, "No, well, I guess? Kinda, she doesn't have a job, but she makes money, I think. I'm not sure all I know is she's mean and I don't like being home when she is."

His face turns mad as he listens to what I tell him. He takes a deep breath and finally responds. "You are always welcome to come over to my place if you don't wanna be alone and you don't have to be around your mom. I find your company very calming, as well as your beautiful voice."

At that, I blush a deep red which makes him chuckle, "I can?? Are you sure sir, you don't know me and I don't know you?" I asked.

"I know we don't, but I'd like to get to know you more. Can I know your name, darling?" He smiles while asking.

I smiled back, responding, "Vera. My name is Vera, what's yours?!" I asked excitedly, finally being able to put a name to the memorized brown eyes that keep me awake at night.

"Holden, my name is Holden. May I have your number? So you can contact me if you ever need help, or just wanna talk." He asks, to which I quickly respond, "Yah!"

We exchange numbers and say our goodbyes, realizing we've been talking for hours.

The Next Day

I arrive at the park about 10 minutes later, park, and turn off my car.

I exited, locked the doors and looked around the park, looking for Vera. Spotting her sitting under her tree, I made my way toward her.

Once I'm a foot away, she realizes I'm here and abruptly gets up and dusts off her dress, smiling at me, and I smile back.

Offering her my hand, I ask "Shall we?" She giggles at me but accepts my offer and links our hands, which mold together perfectly.

We make our way towards the trail and begin the walk, making small talk. Silence suddenly fills the air, which makes me look at her in question.

Noticing she's staring at our hands, I grow nervous that she doesn't want to hold hands or is uncomfortable.

Trying to unhook them so she's more comfortable, though, I stop once she tightens her grip on my hand, which makes me grin.

I spoke up wanting to know more about her, "Tell me about yourself, and before you ask what I wanna know, tell me everything, what you enjoy, hobbies, dislikes, favorites, and fewest favorites."

Hearing me speak, she looks up at me. Once I finish, she smiles and laughs at how I knew she was going to ask that.

"Um, okay... my favorite color is green, not just green, but the shades of it as well. I enjoy reading, being outside, watching movies, baking, exploring, coloring, photography, and listening to music. I'm an only child. My dad died in a robbery, and my best friend is Nadia.
I love animals and spending time with people I care about. I'm vegetarian, as I feel strongly against animal cruelty and slaughtering. There's not much I don't like besides the dark, loud noises, horror movies, and the feeling of being alone." Finally finishing, I took a very much-needed deep breath from talking for so long.

Turning to Holden, looking at his face, he had a look of astonishment, happiness, love, and joy. Noticing he was spaced out, I said his name to gain his attention.

Shaking his head while smiling "Sorry sweetheart, just listening. You have a very kind and generous heart darling, I'm sorry about your father," he responded.

I look off at the flowers and trees as we walk and sadly smile and say thank you. Sighing, I looked back at him and asked him for the same info he requested of me.

"Hm, I like the color black, gold and red, working out, hanging with friends, cooking, running, traveling, nature and talking with you."

I winked at her before continuing, "I own many businesses and clubs. I have 3 friends who are more like brothers to me. The two you met the other night. The blonde is Eden, and the black-haired boy is Sayer. Lynx is the third who wasn't there, though. I'm an only child as well. My mother and father died while I was young, which led to my uncle taking me in, who also took in the boys. Fears, hm I'd say making the wrong decisions, and losing people I care for."

I finish telling her what I can without giving away the fact I'm a mob boss, my parents' murder by the Italians, and that I'm terrified of her getting hurt or not wanting to see me anymore.

The whole time I was speaking, I felt her stare at my face. Looking down at her now, I look into her eyes and get lost. We stare into the eyes of each other for a while until she finally looks away, blushing, at which I smirk at her.

"I'm sorry about your parents. You must have a lot of work to do, owning and running clubs and businesses all the time. Also, black is not a color, it's a shade, but I'll let it slide." She finishes with a laugh.

I laughed and looked at my phone, checking the time before turning back to her asking, "It's around lunchtime. Would you like to go eat somewhere, or do you want to end our time here?" I watch as her face grows excited and beams up at me.

"Can we eat together? Well... we don't have to. I just really enjoy your company." She asks slowly, getting quieter as she goes.

"I'd love to, darling. I enjoy your company as well. There's a small diner close by. I can drive us there if you'd like," I asked, making sure she was comfortable with that by smiling and nodding.

I led her to my car, opened the door for her, and made my way to the driver's seat to start it.

Pulling out, I make sure she puts on her seatbelt and begins the short drive to the diner.