AUTHOR'S P.O.V
"Reed will be coming over." Abuelita announced as they had breakfast in the kitchen.
Valerie's eyes widened in surprise. She thought of last night and blushed. He hadn't informed her he'd be coming over.
"That's nice. I get to talk to the guy. Set him straight you know, about some stuff. You gotta let a man know his place. Especially when he's marrying my sister." Skye said as she tossed a piece of croissant into her mouth.
Acio scoffed. "He'd be the one putting you in your place."
Skye smirked. "Wanna bet?"
"Sure." Acio grinned.
Valerie smiled, glad they were on talking terms again.
"If I win you stop calling me a glutton." Skye said, glaring at him.
Acio hesitated then pretended to be in deep thought before giving in. "Sure. Then if I win you join Tatiana when she requests for teaching aid."
Skye paused. "Fine. Then it's a deal." They shook hands over the table.
"I can't wait to see your beautiful expression of failure when you lose, chica."
"Oh really? You just wait and watch Skye Kingsley perform, señor."
She raised her chin, daring him to argue with her. Valerie smiled at her childishness. Her thoughts strayed to Reed Lanchester. He was coming and she'd see him after so long. Strangely, she found she missed him. She blushed.
They all noticed Valerie's far away look and exchanged smiles knowingly, guessing who occupied her thoughts.
Skye turned to look at Acio. She imagined how he felt watching the girl he loved think of another man.
The girl he loved - Valerie. Something akin to pain shot through her, leaving her stunned. Why did it hurt so badly? It hadn't hurt before. She smiled sadly, finally admitting what she refused to acknowledge. She had feelings for Acio.
Acio caught Skye's pained expression as she stared at him. Did she still think he was hurting? That he was hurting knowing Valerie was another man's? The thought bothered him. He hoped not.
Strangely, he was okay with it. His feelings for Valerie seemed to have evaporated. He found himself wanting to assure Skye. It startled him that her opinions mattered greatly to him. What was wrong with him?
After breakfast, Valerie and Skye retired to the former's room.
"You need to look gorgeous for him. From your face I can see you're looking forward to meeting him." Skye teased.
"You two look good together. A match made in heaven. I can already see some promise in your marriage. Your love is blossoming," she added.
Valerie blushed, rolling her eyes. Trust Skye to say the silliest things.
Skye smirked. "Oh you don't believe me? It's good he cares for you. A good start in a marriage. As your relationship develops, he'll start seeing you as a desirable woman. Not that he doesn't already. You should see the way he looks at you."
