Page 96 of Love so Cold

"Sure," she says, meeting my gaze steadily. "It won't be fancy, but there'll be plenty of food, and I can promise at least one decent cup of coffee."

"Sounds perfect," I say quicker than intended, and from the looks passed among the rest of the group, they're thinking the same.

"Let's figure it out closer to the date, but count me in," Sebastian decides, breaking the brief silence that followed my eagerness.

"Same here," Roman chimes in, already pulling up his calendar on his phone. "Gotta check flight schedules, but I wouldn't miss it."

"Looks like it's settled then," Lawrence concludes with a nod, putting his arm around Willow. "Worcester for Christmas."

I can't tear my eyes away from Avery. Her kindness, her ability to set aside our differences, it hits me like a tidal wave. In this moment, watching her smile at my friends, extending an olive branch despite everything, I finally admit to myself what I've been trying to deny for weeks. I'm in love with her. Truly, deeply, irrevocably in love.

Roman clears his throat dramatically. "So, uh, speaking of figuring things out... any chance I can go watch some TV now?" He bats his eyelashes at Avery. "Pretty please?"

Avery laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "Alright, alright. Go on, you big kid."

"Yes!" Roman pumps his fist, jumping up from his chair. "Olivia, wait up! I challenge you to a Mario Kart rematch!"

As Roman's footsteps fade down the hall, Lawrence checks his watch. "Hate to cut this short, but Sebastianand I should get going. We've got flights to catch tonight."

"Already?" I ask, surprised at how quickly the evening has flown by.

Sebastian nods, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Unfortunately. Early meetings tomorrow."

As they start to gather their things, I can't help but wonder how I'm going to navigate these new feelings for Avery. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

I stand up, feeling a mix of sadness and relief as the night comes to an end. "Thanks for coming, guys. It means a lot."

We move towards the door, and I watch as Avery says her goodbyes. She's got this warm, genuine smile that lights up her whole face.

"It was wonderful to meet you all," she says, shaking hands with Lawrence and Sebastian. "And Willow, thank you so much for coming. I hope we can get together again soon."

Willow pulls Avery into a quick hug. "Absolutely. Us girls have to stick together, right?"

Olivia and Roman come bounding over, both looking a little disappointed that the evening's winding down.

"Do you really have to go?" Olivia asks Roman, her lower lip jutting out in an adorable pout.

Roman kneels down to her level, his face serious. "I'm afraid so, kiddo. But hey, I've got a secret mission for you."

Olivia's eyes widen. "What is it?"

"If you can keep your mom and Victor together," Roman stage-whispers, throwing a wink my way, "I bet we'll get to hang out a lot more. Think you can handle that?"

I feel my face heat up, but Avery just laughs, shaking her head at Roman's antics.

"Roman, behave," I mutter, but I can't help smiling.

"Look after her, will ya?" Roman points at me, then at Avery. His eyes gleam with mischief and something like brotherly concern.

"Always," I promise, more solemn than the moment calls for.

"Good man." He claps me on the shoulder and disappears behind the closing door.

The silence stretches awkwardly until Olivia yawns, stretching her arms above her head. "I'm sleepy, Mommy."

"Okay, sweetie." Avery's voice is a gentle lullaby as she kisses her daughter's forehead. "Off to bed."

"Night, night." Olivia turns and, to my surprise, wraps her arms around my waist. It's a quick, fierce hug, but it leaves a lasting warmth.

---