Pancakes and Promises

Alex.

I followed Ava and Emilia into the house, my hands tucked into my pockets. I'd done what I came here to do - brought Ava home safe and sound. But for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to leave.

Maybe it was the way Emilia had looked at me, with those big, curious eyes. Or maybe it was the memory of Ava's face in the garden, so raw and vulnerable. Whatever it was, I felt like I needed to stay, just a little longer.

Of course, I knew Vivian would be waiting for me when I got back to my place. She'd probably been there all night, pacing and worrying. I'd promised her this thing with Ava was just a charade, a means to an end. But after last night, after the things I'd said and done... I couldn't shake the feeling that I was betraying her, somehow.

We entered the kitchen, and I took a moment to appreciate the space. It was impressive, even by my standards - all top-of-the-line appliances and custom finishes. The kind of kitchen you'd expect to find in a multimillion-dollar home like this one.

Ava moved around the space with a practiced ease, helping Emilia gather the ingredients for their chocolate chip pancakes. But even as she smiled and laughed with her daughter, I could see the strain in her movements, the barely-concealed exhaustion and distress. Before I could stop myself, I was stepping forward, laying a hand on her arm.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay to be doing this? Maybe you should sit down for a bit."

Ava shot me a sharp look, her eyes narrowing. "Of course I'm okay. What, you don't think I can make breakfast for my own daughter?"

I held up my hands, taken aback by the sudden venom in her tone. Emilia was watching us, her eyes wide and uncertain. I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure.

"That's not what I meant, and you know it. I'm just saying, you had a rough night. You should be resting, letting that smoothie work its magic."

Ava scoffed, turning back to the stove. "I don't need you to tell me what to do, Alex."

But I wasn't ready to let it go. I took another step closer, my eyes locked on hers. "Ava."

She stared at me, her gaze icy. But there was something else there too, a flicker of vulnerability that made my heart clench. She looked so young like this, swamped in that oversized hoodie, her face bare of makeup. It was almost... cute.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Anyway, isn't Emilia supposed to be in school? It's a weekday, right?"

Emilia perked up at the mention of her name, turning to Ava with hopeful eyes. "Yeah, Mommy, are you gonna take me today?"

Ava opened her mouth to respond, but I cut her off, crouching down to Emilia's level. "Actually, I was thinking I could drive you, if that's okay with your mom. She's had a long night, and she needs some rest. What do you say, kiddo? You and me, road trip to school?"

Emilia frowned, looking back and forth between me and Ava. "Where were you all night, Mommy? Were you with Mr. Alex?"

I saw Ava's cheeks flush, saw the way her eyes darted away from mine. Images of last night flashed through my mind - Ava stumbling in the elevator, leaning heavily against me as I helped her to the room. The feel of her in my arms, all soft curves and warm skin.

I bit back a smile, trying to keep my face neutral. Ava cleared her throat, her voice strained. "Mommy had to work late, baby. You know how it is, being a CEO and all."

Emilia tilted her head, her brow furrowed. "What do CEOs do at night with men?"

I choked on a laugh, turning away to hide my grin. Ava shot me a murderous glare, her face flaming.

"Uh, work, Emilia. Just... just work."

I could see how much it cost her to say those words, to lie to her daughter's face. But what else could she do? It wasn't like she could explain the truth, not to a kid.

I grabbed Emilia's backpack from the counter, slinging it over my shoulder. "Come on, munchkin. Let's get out of your mom's hair for a bit, huh?"

Emilia hesitated, looking up at me with a sly grin. "Do you even know where my school is?"

I faltered, realizing I had no idea. "Um. Well. We'll figure it out, right?"

Ava sighed, picking up her phone and tapping at the screen. A moment later, my own phone buzzed in my pocket.

"There. I just sent you the address. Try not to get lost, okay?"

I saluted her, already backing out of the kitchen. "Yes, ma'am. One safe and sound delivery of your progeny, coming right up."

Ava rolled her eyes, but I could see the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You know I have a driver for this, right? And a nanny?"

I grinned, ushering Emilia towards the door. "Hey, it won't kill you to be grateful, Silver. I'm doing you a favor here."

She shook her head, but there was no real heat behind it. "Whatever you say, Russo. Whatever you say."

And then we were gone, Emilia skipping ahead of me as we made our way back to the car. I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of lightness, of warmth, as I watched her. Like maybe, just maybe, I was doing something good for once in my miserable life.

But the feeling was short-lived, chased away by the memory of Vivian's face, the betrayal and hurt I knew I'd find there when I finally made it home.

I pushed the thought away, focusing on the task at hand. One thing at a time, Russo. One thing at a time.

***