THE SWEETEST SIN(BxB)

19: Feelings.

CARL.

"Nice place. Can't believe I have never been here before." Gavin stated, minutes after we had arrived at café Marino, the same café I work at after school. His gaze was surveying the place, taking in the décor.

"How have you never been to this coffee heaven?" I gasped, dramatically placing my hand on my chest. A smile made its way to his lips, at my actions. Looks like my mission to make him smile, was successful. Earlier when I had gone to the locker room to change, I found him sad and in tears. I have never seen that side of him before. Seeing him like that, instilled worry in me. I couldn't begin to imagine what caused him such grief. Perhaps it was the news he had received on the call he was on, when I arrived. 

"One espresso, one cappuccino for you, my dears." Miss Marino, my boss, stated while placing our orders on the table.

"Thank you, Miss Marino." A smile graced my lips as I addressed her.

A frown settled on her face. "Do you want to get fired young man?"

"No." I blurted. My face turned pale for a second.

"Good, then stop with the formalities." She proposed, her usual warm smile making an appearance.

"Got it, Nora." A smile crawled back to my face, melting the tension that had frozen in my being.

"Hmm...and who is your friend?" She was referring to Gavin who had been quietly observing our exchange the entire time.

"Gavin. His name is Gavin Mileford." I introduced Gavin who released a small smile.

"Mileford. Are you by any chance related to Octavia Mileford?" She directed the question at Gavin.

"Yeah. She is unfortunately my mother." Was Gavin's retort.

"I see." Her voice came out shakily. Something was up. I could tell from the way her face turned pale as nervousness swallowed her composure.

"Is everything okay, Nora?" I asked. Curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yes. Everything is alright." She replied, forcing a smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Gavin." Fondness took over her voice as she addressed Gavin.

"Pleasure to meet you too, Nora." Gavin retorted, taking a sip of the steaming espresso.

"I'll be at the counter in case you boys need anything." She finalized then clambered away. I didn't miss the way she turned to look back at Gavin, on her way to the counter.

"Wonder what that was about." Gavin commented taking another sip of his cappuccino.

"Me too." I muttered contemplatively.

"I won't be surprised if my devil of a mom did something to hurt her. Hurting people is her thing." A sad expression settled on his face at the statement. Silence settled between us, like a leaf on the surface of still water. His beautiful emerald eyes shifted to the steaming mug of coffee on the table, staring at the floating steam. I could tell that something was bothering him. Consuming his peace of mind.

"Gav, do you want to talk about it?" I approached the matter careful as to not offend him.

"Yeah. I--umm think so." A sigh gushed from his lips. "I am just tired you know. Of her controlling my life. All she cares about is what she wants. She has never cared about my dreams or ambitions. No matter what I do, it will never be enough for her. I will never be enough. Sometimes I wonder if she really is my mother." He opened up as I listened in silence.

"She claims to know what's good for my future. She wants me to have a perfect future no matter the cost. Carlito, I am tired of living like this. I feel suffocated." He poured out his heart. Letting me in. Giving me access to his vulnerabilities. For the first time, I was able to see the real Gavin. Unmasked and free of the tough guy façade.