Chapter 37 (The Guests Arrive)

16 2 0
                                    

Amelia Harrington

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Amelia Harrington

I was practically a whirlwind, darting from one side of the room to the other, fluffing cushions, straightening the vases, and fussing over every tiny detail. Gramps was arriving any moment, and everything had to be perfect. I grabbed the napkins from the kitchen and scurried back to the living room, making sure they were folded exactly right on the dining table.

"Are you sure you've got enough pillows on that couch?" Gareth's voice called teasingly from behind me, and I spun around to see both him and Tyler leaning against the doorway, watching me with amused expressions. They looked like they were thoroughly enjoying my frantic pacing.

I narrowed my eyes at them, pausing for just a second. "Are you two just going to stand there and make fun of me, or are you going to help?" I huffed, crossing my arms in mock annoyance.

Tyler's grin widened, and Gareth chuckled. "I think you've got this covered, boss," Gareth said, raising his hands in surrender.

Tyler walked over, hands in his pockets, clearly trying to suppress a laugh. "She's cute when she's all bossy, isn't she, Gareth?"

"Absolutely adorable," Gareth agreed, smirking.

My glare deepened. "Don't you two start. This is serious! Gramps is going to be here any minute, and everything has to be perfect."

"Amelia," Tyler said, stepping closer. His eyes softened with pride as he looked down at me. "Everything is perfect already. Stop stressing."

I was about to retort when I caught a glimpse of the clock and my heart skipped a beat. "Oh no, the flight! It's about to land! Gareth, Lan—you have to go! Now! Gramps shouldn't have to wait a second!" I waved them off urgently, and Gareth just shook his head, laughing as he grabbed his keys and left with Lan.

As soon as the front door closed behind them, I turned back to the dining table, adjusting the centerpiece for what felt like the tenth time. Lilian was busy in the kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, adding to my anxiety.

"Everything has to be perfect," I whispered to myself, my hands shaking as I straightened the cutlery.

Suddenly, I felt warm hands wrap around my waist from behind, making me stiffen for a moment. "Relax, love," Tyler's deep voice whispered in my ear. His touch sent a soothing shiver down my spine. "You're doing great. Stop panicking."

I let out a long breath, leaning back against him, feeling the tension start to melt. "I'm just so nervous," I mumbled. "What if he doesn't like me? What if I say something wrong? What if—"

Tyler sighed and gently turned me around to face him, his hands resting firmly on my shoulders. "Strawberry," he said, his voice steady, "you're overthinking. Stop worrying."

But my mind was already clouded with worst-case scenarios, and I started rambling. "What if he thinks I'm not good enough? Or what if I trip over my words and embarrass myself in front of everyone? What if—"

My Pure Addiction✨Where stories live. Discover now