Against Everything Else

19. Yours to love

Avery's POV

"Order whatever you like, this is one of my go-to restaurants here." 

I nodded my head and fiddled with the hem of my dress as Alex handed me the English menu. We were seated at a table on looking at the Eiffel Tower, a perfect view of the landmark while the sunset painted the sky orange in the far back.

Alex and I have a long and tiring history together, a history that I would rather leave in the past.

Alex used to be my neighbour, back when I was still living in my small town home. We would walk to school together each day, we would hang out at each other's houses and we eventually began to develop feelings for each other.

We were each other's best friends, he got along well with my family and I got along perfectly with his. It was a perfect match until my stepfather decided to arrange their marriage.

It was my first heartbreak and we hadn't even dated.

"Good evening, I'd be your waiter for this evening" A man approached our table with a notepad in hand, his French accent so thick I barely caught onto what he was saying, "Are we ready to order?"

"I'd have the steak and fries, medium rare," Alex closed the menu and handed it back to the waiter. "And black Cvoelsa with an extra shot of Vodka."

"Um.. I'll have the grilled salmon please." I handed the waiter back the menu, "Thank you."

"And a drink for you Madame?"

"Um... a French martini please."

"Excellent choice, I'll be back shortly with your drinks." He wrote down our orders and walked away.

I grabbed my glass of water and sipped on it awkwardly, doing my best to avoid Alex's gaze. I came here out of courtesy, but I'd rather be back in the apartment in my pyjamas.

"I've missed you, Avery." I looked up at him, placing down my cup as my palms began to sweat nervously. This was why I had cut off all communication with him.

"You're engaged to my sister Alex. That is inappropriate." He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I didn't have a choice in that Avery, it was decided by my father and yours-"

"Stepfather." I cut him off, making him sigh again.

"It was decided by my father and your stepfather. This marriage is out of my control. But I don't have feelings for Lilliana, I want you to know that."

"Alex," I started, as the waiter returned to place our drinks and food in front of us.  I thanked him shortly, watching him leave before I continued. "Alex, we were just kids, we were never in a relationship. You're with Lily now, you are engaged. This dinner was just to catch up as friends."

I made sure to emphasise on the "friends". We had always been friends. We may have developed feelings for each other at one point, but it was quickly sealed with the announcement of their engagement.

"You know I don't see you like that." He pulled at his hair, "If I could do anything to break this engagement, I would do anything to spend more time with you, Avery."

"Stop, Alex." My head was starting to hurt, and I could feel the ache of pins and needles erupting slowly in my hands. A sign that a panic attack was about to come.

"I don't care about Lilliana, I don't care about what your step-father wants. But you know my father, he-"

"Alex, stop!" I stood up, my hands shaking. "I can't do this right now. I can't be here. Thank you for dinner, but I have to go." My voice felt tight like the words were struggling to escape. I could feel my rapid, uneven breathing and the unsteady trembling in my hands.