Fine as Wine

Glowing

Having some alone time with Ambrose was the best thing that ever happened to us. It's like we're at the peak of our relationship. I feel loved and treasured and I don't know what to do with the energy.

Gaby: Hi V, you busy?

Me: No what's up?

Gaby: I need to meet with you.

Gaby: At the café next to the supermarket.

Me: Sure.

It was weird getting a text from Gaby. I was closer to Simone than her but we did talk to each other. I finished reviewing the last contracts and then went to the café. To my surprise, she was there with Allen. "Gaby, I can't do this", i said then started walking away. She followed and pulled me back by the wrist. "Look, I just need you to hear him out OK? I want us to be a family again... Please", she pleaded making me release a breath. "Does your father know?", I asked and she shook her head. This was bad. "Dad won't agree to make amends unless he knows you're onboard too. Please Victoria, I've never asked you for anything", she said with tearly eyes making me accept. We walked back into the café and Allen was still sitting in the same spot.

"Hi, Victoria. Thank you for being here", he said but I remained silent. "Ok, I just... I'm sorry for everything", he looked like he was struggling to find the right words. I looked at Gaby and she got my meaning and stood up, "I'm gonna go meet Lisa for a bit", she said then left. Allen relaxed a little and I knew having his sister there was making the conversation hard for him. "Before I met you I was all over the place. I was making a lot of money but no one took me seriously until I met you. You made me a better man and at some point, I got carried away and thought it was the other way around and I lost my way. I guess what I'm trying to say is. I know that you love my Dad", he said and held onto the cup of coffee harder than necessary. He looked vulnerable. He looked like the Allen I fell in love with. The honest version of him that made me weak on my knees every single time.

"I saw the clip from the corporate women's event, I saw how you looked at him and I knew that what you have for him is real because there was a time when you looked at me that way. There was a time when you kissed me that way and I just had a wake-up call, if you could call it that", he chuckled then I saw his eyes water but he looked away quickly as if he was ashamed.

"I'm sorry Victoria. For everything and I'm ready to support you guys if you will allow me", he said with a weak smile. "I forgive you, Allen. Thank you for this. Your Dad misses you too. I have to get back to work ok?", I said and he nodded. "Congratulations by the way. I remember how you used to dream about having multiple branches and here we are", he said making me smile. "Thank you Allen", i said then pulled him in a hug.

"Did you... Are we OK? I know it was a bad move but I had to do something", Gaby said making me smile. "It was a good one I promise you. I hope it helps rebuild their relationship. I know they miss each other", I said as she hugged me then Lisa and left.

"How was it?", Lisa asked when we were inspecting the shelves. "It was weird at first but then he let his walls down and I saw my Allen. The honest one appears. It felt good talking to him without having to worry that he would say something hurtful. I really hope it all works out", I said making her smile.

"Ok I know it's weird but I got to ask... are you pregnant?", she asked out of nowhere making me choke on my saliva. I coughed furiously and when I settled, I looked at her with furrowed brows. "What the hell are you talking about?", "Oh come on your glowing I had to ask", she said with her hands up in surrender. "I am not. I would know. Remember the throwing up? I feel normal", I said entering my office. "If you say so", she said then went into her office too.

"Honey am home!", I shouted from the door as I arrived home. Ambrose's car was in the driveway so I was sure he was home, the question was where. I found him having whiskey in his home office. "Hey bab-", "Where the fuck were you today?", he shouted. "Ambrose calm down. What's going on?", I asked clearly noticing that I was missing something. "Oh, you don't know! Maybe this will jog your memory", he said then threw an envelope at me. I opened it and it had pictures of me and Allen from earlier today. "Ambrose this is clearly a misunderstanding I met h-", "So they're real?", he asked cutting me off and it was starting to make me angry. "Yes but can you just listen to me for fuck sake!", I shouted, and this time around I got his attention considering I have never raised my voice at him.

"Gaby arranged for us to meet because she thinks that you won't forgive Allen unless I do. She brought him to me so that he could apologise and he has. I need you to forgive him too because he's lost without you and I know you miss him too Ambrose", By the time I was done he had guilt written all over his face. He ran his fingers across his hair then released a breath. "I'm sorry Victoria I just... fuck!", he said slamming his fist on his wooden desk. I know I was supposed to be angry because i felt i he didn't trust me but I felt pity for him instead. It was not easy for him. I walked towards him, took the glass away from his hand pulled him to my level kissed his forehead, and then hugged him. He buried his face in the crock of my neck.

"You're so soft", he said making me giggle. "I'm usually rough?", "No but softer I guess", he said hugging me tighter and at that moment Lisa's words came back to me. There was only one way to find out.