72

AUDREY
Tomorrow was the weekend, so Gabriel invited me to his parent’s house in the Hamptons for dinner.
Everyone was delighted to see Gabriel, and I’ve never felt so welcomed in my life in someone else’s home. I was envious because it could never be like this in my family.
After dinner, the dessert was served, and I picked the delicious-looking chocolate truffle. It was soft and sweet, with a taste of rum mixing harmoniously with the coco. I shut my eyes and savored the dark bite with my lips.
“Hmm…” I hummed involuntarily, making everyone look in my direction. But I realized I was too loud as they all stared at me, and I was instantly embarrassed.
Gabriel was watching me, gnawing his knuckles, and he inwardly groaned under his breath. He narrowed his eyes at me and whispered something only the two of us could hear. I felt his lips brush my ear and somewhat ticklish.
“You didn’t just eat that, did you?” he teased.
I grinned like a child. “It was delicious!”
Elazar chuckled at me. “You can have some more, Audrey.”
“Thank you.”
“Guys, I thought of something,” Elazar continued. “Why don’t we all go on a trip together? It’s been years since we all had a family quality time.”
“What’s the occasion?” Coulson said, smiling.
“Nothing, but this is the first time in a long time Gabriel wanted to spend the weekend with us, and with Audrey, of course. What do you think about our villa in Miami?”
“Oh, I’d love to, Dad!” Maya squealed. “This is good for my Instagram,” she said, still eating his food. “I need new pictures, so I’m coming. You will love it there, Audrey,” she said excitedly. I chuckled.
“Alright. Maya’s up. How about you, darling?” Elazar asked his wife.
“Of course, we can. You’re right.” Helen Stark looked at Gabriel. “But are you fine with it, Gabe?”
“Of course, mother.” He smiled at her. He winked at me.
“I’ve never been to Florida,” I said honestly. “That sounds amazing.”
Coulson shrugged. “I need a break, too. And it’s been a year since I’ve last visited the villa.”
“Then we’re set!” Elazar clasped his hands together, satisfied by everyone’s answer. “We’re flying at dawn.”
“What?” Maya screeched. “I’m not a morning person.”
My mouth dropped. I don’t forget who I was talking to, but what a convenience. I’ve never seen a family that harmoniously decides together.
“I’ll give everyone thirty minutes to pack,” Elazar said. “We’re flying by my jet.”
***
“Are you always like this?” I asked incredulously while Gabriel was packing his suitcase in his room. It was when we woke up at five, coming from a good night’s sleep. The entire night, we were just spooning, and it was because Gabriel was keen on keeping me well-rested.
“Dad’s always been like that. He loves to travel.” He secured the zip of the luggage and picked up mine. “Are you ready?”
“To be honest, I’m not,” I said frankly, and he chuckled.
“Of course, but you’ll get used to it. We do this all the time.” He kissed my temple, and we exited his room.
Everyone was ready downstairs when we came down, but Maya couldn’t stop worrying. “I think that I have forgotten something, but I can’t remember what I have forgotten. Does that make sense?”
“Maya, you brought the whole house in your suitcase.” Coulson shook his head.
Maya rolled his eyes. “You’ll never understand.”
As promised, we traveled by private jet, and everything a person’s comfort was basically provided inside. The stunning modern interior of black and white was fully loaded with elegant dining space with sofas, black leather reclining chairs facing each other, and a portable tabletop at the center for people to dine on.
The flight attendant provided me with a smoothie, while Gabriel had asked for a scotch, and shortly, they served us marinated feta with mango and basil, and poached lobster.
“Are you okay?” Gabriel asked.
“I’m fine. Everything just happened really fast, you know?”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss the fun anyway. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Your family likes me,” I smiled.
He laughed. “They do.”
“You’re fortunate. I could never have this kind of relationship with them in my life with my family. Sam and Mom’s gone. The only father I know might want to hurt me as well, and Anton is away…”
“You have me.” He held my hand and brought it to his mouth. “You have this.”
And for the first time in my life, I felt like I already belonged in their family.
The jet landed in Miami, and it was already morning, and we soon went to the villa. The villa’s exterior comprised a spacious and luminous, extensive living area furnished with elegant black sofas and a dining area. The front porch stretched directly onto the patio in front of the infinity pool with direct access to the oceanfront.
Everyone went straight to our bedrooms first, and Gabriel and I went to ours. And the Stark family’s wealth never ceased to amaze me. Our bedroom was too good to be true. The bedroom had a panoramic window. There is a double bed, TV and stereo, and air conditioning. The bathroom also had a clawfoot bathtub, shower area, and complimentary toiletries.
I ran to the window—still awestruck by the fantastic view.
“This is amazing!” I uttered. “I could live here forever with you, you know, and I wouldn’t mind.”
Gabriel glided his arms around me from behind and pressed me against his chest. “Is that an invitation?” he murmured in my ear and kissed my head.
I glanced at him, then looked back at the ocean. “Maybe,” I teased, giggling.
“Don’t say something you won’t mean later,” he reminded me. “Although this is already my previous concern. Have you decided?”
I turned around and flung my arms around his neck. “Is this the right time to talk about this? I thought we were having fun here.”
“We are, and I’ll make sure you’ll say yes. I promise.”
“Hey, you two!” Maya’s voice screeched into the room, and she was standing by the door. “Coulson wants to play volleyball. Two versus two. Up for it? Oh, sorry,” she paused. “You’re having a moment.”
“You knew we were, but you came anyway,” Gabriel complained.
Maya laughed. “Come on! It’s going to be fun! It’s boring to just stay here, you know.”
“We’re after you.” Gabriel sighed, and Maya disappeared.
“Your sister’s right. The whole point of this trip is for me to get to know everyone.”
Gabriel nodded. “Fine, but I want to be alone with you later. For now, let’s get ready.”