𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇 | ᴊᴀᴠɪᴇʀ ᴘᴇɴᴀ |

~ 28 ~

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

Javier and I sat in the terminal, waiting for the announcement to board our flight. The airport buzzed with the quiet hum of early morning travelers. It was three in the morning, and our flight was scheduled to depart in half an hour. We would arrive in New York by nine. I had already informed Olivia that I would join her and our brother for lunch.

I was lying on the airport chairs, resting my head on Javier's legs. Exhaustion tugged at my eyelids, but anxiety kept me awake. I hadn't slept well in days. Javier gently massaged my head, his fingers working through the tension in my scalp.

"Try to relax, baby," he whispered. "You'll feel better once we're in the air."

I looked up at him, his face a picture of calm determination. "I'm trying, Javi. It's just... a lot."

He smiled softly. "I know. But you're not alone. I'm right here."

His words provided a small measure of comfort, and I closed my eyes, letting the gentle rhythm of his touch lull me into a light doze.

A crackling announcement over the speakers roused me. "Attention, passengers. We are now boarding Flight 542 to New York. Please proceed to Gate 15."

Javier nudged me gently. "That's us, Maddie. Time to go."

I stretched and slowly sat up, groggy but slightly more relaxed. Javier helped me gather our belongings, and we made our way to the gate.

I felt a gentle shake. "Hermosa (beautiful), wake up. We've landed."

I blinked, trying to shake off the sleep. "Already?"

Javier smiled. "Yeah. We're here."

We disembarked, and despite my protests, Javier insisted on carrying my luggage. "I can manage my luggage, really," I said, but he shook his head.

"Let me take care of you. You're going through enough already," he replied firmly.

We found a cab and headed to my grandmother's apartment, a place I had only visited once. The inheritance had remained untouched, a silent memory of my past that I had tried to leave behind when I moved to Los Angeles.

"This place," I began, my voice catching in my throat. "It's my grandma's apartment. I inherited it, but it was so hard to be here without her. It's what pushed me to move to Los Angeles."

Javier squeezed my hand. "You're stronger than you think, Maddie."

We arrived at the building in Soho, one of the most upscale neighborhoods in New York. My family had always been well-off, but it was something we never really talked about.

The building's elegant facade loomed above us as we stepped inside and took the elevator to the twelfth floor. The ride was silent, the weight of my memories pressing down on me.

I unlocked the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open. Stepping inside, I was immediately hit by a wave of nostalgia and sorrow. Javier followed, bringing our luggage in and placing a comforting hand on my back.

The apartment was luxurious, a true representation of Soho's opulence. Large windows offered stunning views of the city skyline. The living room was tastefully decorated with modern furniture, plush rugs, and artwork that added a touch of sophistication. The kitchen was sleek, with high-end appliances and marble countertops. Each room exuded an air of elegance and comfort, a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt inside.

I walked through the apartment, memories flooding back with every step. The scent of lavender, my grandmother's favorite, still lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of old books from the study. The spacious bedroom, where her presence felt strongest. The study, filled with her books and mementos. The balcony, where she would sit and watch the city.

Javier watched me quietly, his presence a steadying force. "It's beautiful," he said softly.

I nodded, tears threatening to spill over. "It is. She loved this place."

He pulled me into a gentle embrace, offering the comfort I so desperately needed. "Hey, why don't you sit there," he pointed at the couch in the living room." And take some time for yourself while I get something to eat."

I smiled and turned so that I could face him. "I'm a bit hungry actually," I surrounded his neck with my arms.

"I won't be able to bring you a good breakfast if you keep looking at me like that."

I bit my lower lip as I felt his hands playing in my back under my t-shirt. "Well, I owe you something as a thank you for coming here with me."

One of his hands went to my face, his fingers stroking my skin gently. "I'm the one who has you to thank for giving me a chance, honestly I had already given up in the world of women."

"Javi, you are the most attractive man in every way I have ever met," I said causing a shy smile to appear on his face. "You may be a prick at times, but a handsome, elegant, gentlemanly prick," I leaned close to his ear. "And nothing to say about the way you fuck me," I whispered and nudged him, "If you get me some bagels I'll give you the best night of your life."

He shook his head. "You're mean to me," he pointed at me heading for the door. "I hope at least your brothers will be nicer than you."

"I haven't talk to them about you," I confessed and he stopped short. "I mean they don't know about you, but I must tell you that they are really protective."

He opened the door and looked at me. "They're going to kill me if they see me then," he joked exaggerating a complaint, and with my laughter, he closed the door finally leaving me alone.

I stood there in silence, looking at my surroundings, remembering every single story that had took place here. It makes me both sad and happy.

I'm really proud of myself for finally being able to come back to this house, and I must say that I probably wouldn't have done it without Javier.

We haven't named what we have, and I'm confused, but I feel great with him, I feel like he is changing, or maybe he is being who he actually is, he is letting me see his soft side.

[To be continued...]