12: The Love Triangle?
1270 Words
Lavender's POV
Belle and I drove home in comfortable silence around 5:50 in the afternoon. After the long day, I'd had, from sealing business deals to encountering my ever-gracious half-sister, it was nice to have someone like Belle around.
Someone who reminded me that there were still genuine people in my life.
As we pulled into the driveway, Belle stretched her arms with a dramatic sigh. "Alright, Chef Belle is in the house! Let's get cooking."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Are you sure you don't want to just order something? You've had a long day, too."
Belle sneered, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she stepped out of the car. "Excuse me, did you forget that I took culinary classes last summer? What's the point of all that training if I don't show off once in a while?"
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Fine, fine. Impress me then."
When we stepped inside before I could even take off my shoes, a small figure came sprinting toward us.
"Mommy! Auntie Belle!"
Angel's delighted voice rang through the house as she tossed herself into Belle's open arms. Belle laughed, spinning her around before pressing a kiss on her forehead. "Angel, my little sunshine! Did you miss me?"
"Of course! You haven't visited in so long!" Angel pouted before turning her big, curious eyes on me. "Mommy, is Auntie Belle staying for dinner?"
I ruffled her hair. "Not only that, baby. She's cooking for us."
Angel's eyes widened. "Really?! Auntie Belle is the best cook ever!"
Belle winked. "I like her already."
I just laughed and we headed to the kitchen, and soon enough, Belle was in full chef mode. She moved around with practiced ease, chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, and humming a little tune under her breath.
Angel stayed close, watching with admiration while occasionally sneaking a bite of whatever Belle was preparing.
The house smelled heavenly by the time we sat down to eat. Belle had outdone herself. Grilled salmon with lemon butter, creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter shrimp, and a fresh salad on the side.
"Bon appetit, ladies," Belle announced proudly as she set the last dish on the table.
"Auntie Belle, you're the best!" Angel grinned, already reaching for a piece of shrimp.
We ate together, laughing and talking about little things, Angel's latest drawings, Belle's work, and how I apparently needed to hire her as my personal chef. For the first time today, I felt at peace.
After our good dinner, I helped Angel brush her teeth and tucked her into bed. She yawned, snuggling under the covers as I kissed her forehead.
"Good night, baby."
"Good night, Mommy." She smiled sleepily. **"I love you."**
"I love you more."
After a few moments, she drifted off and I stepped out of her room, closing the door quietly behind me.
Belle was waiting for me in the living room, sipping on a glass of water.
"Thanks again for the dinner, Belle," I told her sincerely. "You really didn't have to."
Belle waved me off. "Oh, please. It was fun. Besides, I owed you after what happened at the golf club earlier." She sighed. "Seriously, girl, I had no idea Lily would be there. If I had known—"
I cut her off with a small smile. "It's really nothing, Belle. Lily is... well, Lily. Nothing she says can get to me anymore."
Belle studied me for a moment before nodding in approval. "Good. Because you've come too far to let people like her shake you."
I was about to agree when a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
"Oh, by the way, Lucas is in New York now."
Belle's eyes widened in excitement. "What? Really? When did you see him?"
"At the gala, I attended the other night."
She gasped dramatically. "Lavender, this could be destiny!"
I sighed, already knowing where this was going. "Belle—"
"No, listen to me!" She grabbed my hands. "You've been through so much, but Lucas. Lav, he's been waiting for you for three years. Three. Years."
I sighed, pulling my hands away. "My priority right now is Angel and my work. I'm not looking for anything else."
Belle groaned. "Lav, come on. You know Lucas. He's gentle, caring, kind... and he loves you. Do you know how rare men like that are? You can't just keep pushing him away."
I gave her a small, tired smile. "I'll think about it."
Belle narrowed her eyes at me but sighed in defeat. "Fine. Just don't take too long."
I laughed lightly. "Alright, enough about my love life. It's late, you should get going. We have work tomorrow."
Belle rolled her eyes but grabbed her bag. "Fine, fine. But this conversation isn't over."
I walked her to the door, and before she stepped out, she gave me a quick hug. "Good night, Lav. And seriously, just think about it, okay?"
"Sure, I will. Good night, girl."
I watched her leave before closing the door behind her. I just heaved a deep sigh and leaned against the wall while my mind drifted to Lucas.
Am I really taking him for granted?
***
The next morning, the sun had barely risen when I left the house. My schedule for the day was packed, and I knew I wouldn't have time to sit down for breakfast, so I grabbed the first thing I could reach, a single apple, and headed straight to Greene Creations.
When I arrived there, the office was still quiet. I welcomed the silence as I settled behind my desk, pulling up the contracts that needed reviewing.
I had barely made it halfway through when the door suddenly swung open. I was started and looked up, and to my surprise, Lucas stood there, holding several paper bags in his hands.
“Lucas?" My brows lifted. “What are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you."
He gave me that easygoing smile of his as he stepped inside. “I know. Sorry for not giving you a heads-up. I just thought I'd bring you some breakfast."
I blinked at him. “You didn't have to do that."
Lucas placed the bags on my desk with a knowing look. “I insisted. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you know."
I huffed a small laugh, shaking my head. “Lucas—"
Before I could say anything else, he tilted his head slightly, eyeing me with amusement. “Let me guess. You skipped breakfast again."
I bit my lip.
He smirked. “You ate an apple."
I stared at him, momentarily stunned, before bursting into laughter. “You really do know me too well."
Lucas grinned triumphantly. “Of course I do. Now, sit. You're eating properly today."
He started unpacking the food. Freshly baked croissants, a fruit parfait, eggs, and even a cup of my favorite coffee. The thoughtful gesture made warmth bloom in my chest, but before I could say anything, the door opened again.
I turned toward it, expecting to see Dee or one of my assistants, only to find myself staring at August Stanford.
My jerk ex-husband.
My smile faltered, but I quickly composed myself. “Mr. Stanford.”
He stepped inside, his sharp gaze flickering between me and Lucas before settling on me. “I see you're busy, Miss Greene.”
Lucas, ever the gentleman, straightened and gave him a polite nod. August didn't return it.
I met August's gaze steadily. “You're a little early for our meeting."
A smirk ghosted over his lips. “I tend to be ahead of schedule, Miss Greene.”
- Writer
