Gavin Knight: From Rags to Richest

Fresh Start

“I would love to get to know more of you beyond the physical intimacy we share. Not because of Gerard or trying to convince him that I really like you, it is because I really like you… and if you would allow me, Aya. I would like to try it out again with you but for real this time.” Gavin’s long speech made Aya’s heart flutter. 

  She did not realize this ex-gangster had it in him to make her feel giddy. How could she deny him with this charming look on his face? She tucked her stray hairs behind her ears. “This time, can we take it slow?” she asked Gavin.

He smiled at Aya, thankful for giving him a chance to express his feelings for her. “Thank you, Aya. Sure, let’s take it slow or whatever pace suits you, I’m fine with that.” He winked at her.

 Aya pushed back his work vest. “I don’t think you need to give this back to me, Gavin.” Aya looked down, ashamed of meeting Gavin’s eyes for telling him to leave earlier. “I’m sorry I was just annoyed earlier.” She explained further.

 “I thought so.” Gavin answered her naughtily, wanting Aya to admit she was jealous of Jen.

 “Don’t push your luck too much, Gavin.” She sneered at him.

Gavin took back the vest and wore it again. “I will work for you today, but honestly, Aya. I would like to move out and find another job.” He was straightforward, did not even look like he thought about it thoroughly.

 “Why? I thought you forgave me already?” his comment confused Aya. She frowned after hearing Gavin.

 “Oh, babe. You did not even have to say sorry. I’m not mad at you or anything.” Gavin chuckled as he explained it to the frowning Aya.

 “Then why are you still leaving me?” Aya tugged on Gavin’s shirt.

 “Because I want to do it right this time, Aya. If we live together now, it would be really hard for me.” Gavin tried to reason with Aya.

 Aya felt disappointed with his answer. “Am I really making things hard for you?” She likes Gavin, but if she is the one making things difficult for him, she is ready to let go of wanting to live together this early in their relationship.

 Gavin let out his charming smile once more; Aya’s weakness.  “I meant it hard literally and figuratively, babe. Sleeping with you in the same room, that is constant seduction. I’m not sure if that is compatible to what you like; I mean by taking it slow.”

 Aya blushed at Gavin’s transparency. “Ahm, o-okay. But we will still see each other, right?” She clarified it with Gavin.

“Of course, babe. Besides, I won’t stand a day not seeing you. And I will still help you with Gerard.” He assured Aya.

 Aya is not new with relationships but this one with Gavin is like something new. How Gavin treats her with respect, with sweetness and thoughtfulness. It is something unheard of compared to her previous boyfriends.

Gavin fixed his hair and wiped his hand on his pants. He extended his hand to Aya. “I’d like a fresh start with you. Hi, my name is Gavin Knight.”

Aya smiled at Gavin’s gesture. “I’d love that. Hi Gavin, my name is Sofia White, you can call me Aya.” She went along with Gavin’s idea.

 “Hi Aya, it is nice meeting you. I hope to get to know you more in the future. Also, you can call me yours if you want.” He showed his big grin.

 Aya tried her best not to burst into laughter. “That was a good one. Hey are you really a gangster?” She confronted Gavin.

 “An ex-gangster. I’d like to put an end to that period of my life. Although, I hope you can forgive my past, I’ll try my best to be a better Knight.” Gavin begged to put his past behind him as he was serious about the new start with Aya.

 Aya helped Gavin fix his vest. She patted it and answered him straight in his eyes. “Sure thing, I’m not a saint Gavin. I could be worse than you for all you know. I just want to warn you ahead. I am not what you think I am.” She hinted about her grim past with Gavin.

 “If that’s the case, then we can be better together.” Gavin answered Aya. He took Aya’s hand from his chest and kissed it. “Also, I’d like to remind you that when we are dealing with Gerard. It will not be acting on my part. I will mean every kiss and touch.” Gavin winked at Aya.

****

 Gavin looked at the clock. His shift is about to end and this creeping feeling of missing Aya is new to him. “I haven’t even left and I am starting to miss her already. I must be really crazy for this woman.” He muttered under his breath as he watched Aya close her cash register.

  “Are you closing early today?” Gavin asked Aya.

 “I’m not missing my boyfriend’s first day of show for anything.” She said to Gavin.

   Gavin stood behind Aya and embraced her. He lowered his head to whisper into her ears. “Thank you so much for being such a supportive girlfriend.”

 His warm breath over her shoulders sent shivers through her. Aya touched Gavin’s face lovingly. “The guys are surely waiting for you now. You have to hurry up, babe. Or else I will not let you out anymore and throw away that ‘take it slow’ thing I said earlier.”

 Gavin laughed and kissed Aya on the cheeks. “Okay, I’ll go then. I’ll see you later, babe.”

Aya nodded her head as her eyes followed Gavin go out the store. “I wasn’t even joking. I am regretting that slow pace right now. How can he be too slow on such things?” Aya chuckled.

Gavin went to Don’s place for their rehearsal for her first show. They gave him a special part for their opening number. “Is there anything else you are good at?” Dobbie asked Gavin.

 “What do you mean?” Gavin wanted clarification.

 “I mean are you good with your mouth? Or with your fingers, perhaps? Do you know how to play your organ?” Dobbie asked him again. It made Gavin blush. “Gotcha! What lewd thing are you thinking about? I meant if you know how to play musical instruments like organ, guitar or sax. You need a special segment for you.” He teased the flushed Gavin.

 Gavin felt relieved with his clarification. “I play guitar and piano, by ear only. I am not educated, I learned from the streets so… That’s just how good it gets.” He did not shy away from saying his limitations.

“That would be fine; I can help you with it.” Steven Volunteered. The two practiced a song Gavin chose. After their quick practice, the group headed to the bar.

****

“Ladies’ and gentlemen; we are proud to present you this special segment for our new member Gavina.” Dobbie introduced Gavin. But to their surprise, he went out not as Gavina, but as Gavin.

 He walked in with his dark denim jacket and white shirt and black pants. His hair messy made him look sexier. He carried a guitar with him as he sat on the chair provided for him.

The women in the audience were in awe. “Is this the drag queen earlier? I did not know he was this hot.” One woman said. “He is hot as fu*k, I know him.” Jen replied to her friend.

 Aya was alone on her table, near the stage. She can’t miss Gavin’s performance, although he was surprised to see him as Gavin now sitting at the center of the stage. “This guy is really something.” She smiled when their eyes met. He winked at Aya, and like a teen-age girl, her face flushed and her heart went for a somersault.

 “Good evening everyone. I would like to dedicate this song to the special woman in my life.” His deep voice resonated in Aya’s heart. It’s not every day that a handsome man like Gavin serenades her.                      

“Do you know how I fell for you?

My heart just felt it. You are the only one

That can make me feel this way,

My love, tell me what’s on your mind,

If you’re falling for me too…

Then dance with me in the rain,

Let go of all the pain,

The only one for me is you.”

Gavin’s husky voice made the song more sentimental. Aya did not expect Gavin to have such talent. There is too much to know about her man and she is excited to find out more. “Am I too obsessive with this guy? I can’t get enough of him.” She muttered.

 The crowd cheered as Gavin finished his song. “Debbie, don’t you think that song was too personal?” Steven asked Dobbie when they joined Gavin on stage.

 “I completely agree. I think there is more to it, we have to ask the handsome Gavin.” Steven answered; he faced Gavin and raised his eyebrows.

“Gavin, do you want to share it with the world? I mean most of us here know who the lucky girl is, she ends up capturing all the handsome guys in this town.” Steven joked.

Aya felt like eyes are dawned on her, the spotlight turned to her and the crowd cheered Gavin on. He stepped off the stage and walked towards Aya. Gavin handed Aya bunch of sunflowers.

 Aya’s heart could win a race at the pace it is beating right now. Gavin did not say a word, but the look in his eyes was all Aya needed to do and she saw Gavin’s heart right through.

****

Gavin went backstage to get his things, but the other guys hinted to him that he was in trouble. It confused him as to what he did wrong, but when he reached his desk, the stern look on Don’s face struck him.

“Gavin, we need to talk.” Don said in a serious tone.

 “O sh*t. I’m in trouble.” Gavin swallowed hard when he realized his predicament.