OLIVIA'S POVI had gotten used to Landon coming over almost every other day to The Barnes and ordering his beer while we chatted during our breaks (I couldn't call him dad yet).He had taken a job as a night janitor at a firm an ex-convict friend of his hooked him up with, since it was hard for him to get a regular job with his name in the system.Although he had been absent all my life, I realized that he was actually really nice underneath the whole thing. I loved that he was now trying to make an effort to be present in my life now.I began to tell him bits about what was going on in my life as he did his, and we bonded.At first the awkwardness was there, knowing that this p
DANTE'S POVIt was another day of back breaking work and as much as I loved my dad, I still resented him a little for sending me to the factory.My uniform was thoroughly soaked with sweat, so I had to remove and unzip my overall and tied the sleeves on my waist so my white vest was in full view. I wiped sweat from my forehead as I tightened some screws I had found loose on the line to be sent out for production.It was quite hard at first, learning the intricacies of food manufacturing, but I think I was finally getting a hang of it. I was certainly feeling better about not doing the boring office work, but being out here with this crew, doing the manual labor which the work was really about. The sound of machines doing it's work knowing I had done that, was satisfying and I would sm
DANTE'S POVIt was Thanksgiving, and one of my most special times of the year. Not just because of the family bonding and food—but because I get to appreciate life and all I had been blessed with.When dad told me Aunt Beatrice was coming I couldn't hide my excitement. I felt like a teenager again, bursting forth with happiness, ready to throw their arms over their most favorite person.As soon as the doorbell rang, I went to it quickly like I used to do as a child and threw the door open. Aunt Bea's warm smile greeted me. She was my dad's elder sister but she seemed not to have aged much since the last time I saw her. As she stretched her arms open for a hug, I didn't hesitate as I stepped into the hug.
OLIVIA'S POVIn this moment, without thinking about our standing in the real world, I felt like we could be more. I could be his girl. I loved that he liked me and paid attention to me this way. The tension between us was filled with anticipation and lust. I was about to throw caution in the wind. Tell him to kiss me or something. I just wanted him to do something. I had said I didn't want to acknowledge his interest but I knew I was lying to myself. I knew he was only stopping himself because I told him I didn't want us to do this.But one thing I didn't tell him was that:I wanted him badly.This moment felt more real than any relationship I had ever been in, even if it was merely as a wine infused moment. I didn't
AUNT BEA'S POVI was all packed to leave.It had been two wonderful days with the only family I had left and I had enjoyed every bit of it. I was glad for all the drama because it had been a while since I experienced such. My life was pretty much predictable.Opening my flower shop on weekdays, Walking the dogs on weekends, book club after a walk in the park with the dogs, sleeping and repeat. All the boy drama or husband drama was no longer there and I enjoyed the peace that was my life.My mind was now occupied with new drama from my brother's home, that his clueless ass could not even sense if it shot him in the eye. The boy always worked. Never had time for anybody— I wondered how he was able to snag
OLIVIA'S POVI was wiping down the bar counter ready to set things up for closing when Landon walked in. We hadn't seen each other after last week's Thanksgiving dinner at the house where he had been invited, but I wasn't expecting him to visit me at The Barnes today."Hey, what brings you here?" I asked, making my way over to him."Hey, kiddo!” He had begun calling me that recently. I didn't know how I felt about it, but I was becoming used to it. I believe he was trying to form a paternal bond with me, and honestly, it wasn't that bad.“I was in the neighborhood and thought I should drop by," he said, his deep voice carried across the room as he stepped towards me
DANTE'S POVAfter that day when Aunt Bea had interrogated Linda, I noticed how she made herself scarce around the house but I knew it had to be because of a guilty conscience.This morning, Rhonda had called dad from the office when she was about going to work. She is usually the last to leave the house.My dad was an early riser, and left way too early for work, which meant I had to follow behind soon after, if not, hell would pay.“My car refused to start.” Rhonda had called to tell my dad.I was at my work station when Mr Maxwell came to pass the message to me that dad had sent for me.
OLIVIA'S POV“So, I need a Mojo, extra lime.”I watched from the corner as Dave mixed the drinks. I wanted to be sure he was getting all the cocktails right and I had done my testing with names and their recipes.“If I was a customer and I had to wait that long for a drink, I would not drop a tip. I told him smiling when he finally served my order.He clasped his hands in his chest in a prayer as he waited for me to taste it.“Hmm… not bad.”He let out a huge sigh and smiled.“I thought I messed it up. Whew!&rd
OLIVIA'S POVI woke up early, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. Today was the day Dante and I had been planning for what felt like forever – our summer getaway. We had decided to take a road trip to the beach, just the two of us, before he had to report to the New York Nighthawks for his rookie season.I jumped out of bed and started getting ready, my excitement building with every passing minute. I had packed my bags the night before, so all I had to do was to wait for Dante to arrive as we would be going on a road trip before we arrived at our cabin we had booked for a week.Dante was right on time, as he knocked on my door, sipping coffee he had gotten on the way and handing me mine and looking handsome as ever. "Hey, beautiful," he said, smiling at me.
SOPHIA'S POVI stood on stage, my voice soaring through the auditorium as I took my solo. The glee club members accompanied me, their harmonies blending perfectly with mine. I felt a rush of excitement, my new leadership role still sinking in.Suddenly someone pushed the doors slightly and occupied one of the empty seats at the back, I wondered who it could be but as I stared hard, I realized he was a familiar figure. Sebastian. My heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here? I hadn't seen him since...everything fell apart.I momentarily paused, my voice faltering. But I recovered quickly, not wanting to give away my emotions. I finished my solo, the music swirling around me.As the song ended, I gave last-mi
OLIVIA'S POVIt was going to be a great day. I could sense it. I walked into the departmental building for my classes, greeting familiar faces as I made my way to the notice board. As I scanned the postings, one particular announcement caught my eye. The annual Research Excellence Award was open for applications. I had heard whispers about this prestigious honor, but never thought I'd be eligible to apply.According to the notice, every year, each department at Wexford Ivy recognizes the most outstanding researcher in their field.From what I had learnt about it, the award was given to the student who demonstrated exceptional research skills and made significant contributions to their field of study. The winner received a generous grant to further their research, as we
OLIVIA'S POVI watched as Mrs. Shelly walked into the glee club room, and without any preamble whatsoever announced with a determined look on her face. "Jenny, I'm afraid I'm relieving you of your duties as president," she said, her voice firm but gentle.Jenny's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. "What? Why?" she demanded, her voice rising in indignation.Mrs. Shelly sighed, her expression sympathetic but firm. "I made a mistake, Jenny. I gave you the title of president because of your connections to your mom, but that was wrong. Leadership isn't about who you know, it's about who can get the job done."Jenny's anger turned to outrage. "You've gotta be kidding me.”
DANTE'S POVWe were still in our feelings from the aftermath of Jesse's betrayal, but the show had to go on. Our team, was facing off against our arch-rivals, the Lincoln Lions. I was starting pitcher, and I was determined to lead my team to victory.Olivia was in the stands, cheering me on with the rest of our friends. She was wearing my jersey, and her face was painted with our team's colors. I couldn't help but smile when I saw her.As I took the mound, I noticed a group of scouts from the New York Nighthawks in the stands. They were here to watch us play, which meant they wanted to recruit a new player to New York. It was a big deal, and I was determined to make a good impression.The game was intense, with both
DANTE'S POVI was getting ready for the big game, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The team was buzzing with energy, everyone was chill with me now and that was good. We began putting on our gear. I was focused on my own preparation, trying to get my head in the game.As I laced up my cleats, I glanced around the locker room. Everyone seemed relaxed, enjoying the pre-game banter. Reynolds was joking with Jesse, while everyone else was quietly getting ready, some others on their phones.Coach Thompson walked in, a serious look on his face. "Alright, team, let's get focused. Today's game is crucial, and I expect everyone to give their best.”We all nodded, our expressions turning serious. The coach's word
DANTE'S POVI was relieved when my dad told me to lay low for a while. The attention from the viral photo was suffocating me. I couldn't go to school without being stared at or whispered about. I couldn't even go to my own baseball practice without being asked questions.Olivia was going through the same thing. We had to avoid each other, even though it was hard. We couldn't visit each other's practices anymore or eat lunch together. It was like we were hiding from the world.But then, something unexpected happened. A fire broke out in the school's auditorium, causing a massive evacuation and a police investigation. The rumors and whispers about Olivia and me died down, replaced by shock and concern about the fire.
OLIVIA'S POVAs I walked through the halls of school, I couldn't help but feel like everyone was staring at me. Whispers followed me everywhere.But one person didn't seem to care about any of that. Sophia, stuck by my side like glue no matter what."Don't let them get to you," Sophia said, falling into step beside me. "They're just jealous."I sighed, feeling a bit defeated. "It's hard not to let it get to me, Soph. Everyone's talking about me and Dante."Sophia rolled her eyes. "Let them talk. They're just bored and need something to gossip about. Something else will come up soon, and they'll forget all about you and Dante."
DANTE'S POVAs I walked into the locker room for practice, I could feel the eyes on my back. My teammates were all staring at me, their faces filled with a mix of confusion and disgust."Hey, Dante, what's going on?" Reynolds, one of the team players, asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We didn't know you were into that sort of thing."He was Jesse's sidekick so I wasn't expecting much from him."It's none of your business," I replied, trying to keep my cool.But the guys just kept pushing. "Dude, she's your sister," another one said, his voice filled with revulsion. "That's just wrong."I fel