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Chapter 16
Calla
Iwas in conversation with Serena when the men at the table started standing up, as if greeting a long, lost friend. Our conversation quickly stopped as we looked up at who was approaching the table.
She had dark hair, but it was short and trendy. Her make-up was so flawless, highlighting her stunning green eyes with thick black eyeliner that was dramatic, but totally suitable for the evening. She had a tattoo sleeve. I have to admit I felt a pang of jealousy, that all these gorgeous men were clamoring over her like she was the toast of the town. Her long, beautiful, yet simple black dress perfectly accentuated her slim figure. It was understated and an elegant backdrop to showcase her amazing jewellery. She had stacks of bracelets and thin, delicate necklaces. They were clearly only the most expensive kind. Little diamonds spaced evening around her neck on skinny gold chains, like stars in the sky. She layered the starry backdrop with some thicker chains, with beautiful pendants. I could see that she was done-up, but not overdone. I had to admit; she was way cooler than I was.
She walked up to Dom and encircled him with her arms from behind, planting a kiss on his cheek. He put his hand on her forearm and looked up with a surprised look on his face. "Vic?", he said.
"Hey." She gave him a tight squeeze as the table kept roaring about her arrival.
"I see you're wearing the necklaces we bought together," Dom said.
What? He bought her jewellery? Now I was feeling some real feels. And they were steamy in all the wrong ways.
"Yep. Thank you again. And I guess we were together, but let's call a spade a spade: you bought them. I love them so much!"
"They look perfect." He looked up at her so adoringly, I was starting to feel sick.
He looked over at me, as if suddenly remembering I existed at all.
"Vic. I want you to meet Calla." Vic turned her attention to me, and her smile brightened.
"Hi Calla." Vic offered her hand, and I managed to lift my arm up to meet it. "So, I guess you're the girl who has stolen my brother's heart."
Brother? This is Victoria? Dom's sister?
A wave of relief washed over me and I felt suddenly so stupid for being jealous. It's just that Dom didn't mention she was coming, and I never expected…
Dom stood up to give her a hug. "Vic, I had no idea you were coming!" Well, I guess that answered that question.
She laughed and hit him playfully on his chest. "I know, I know. Mom said she wasn't coming and so I thought I would take her ticket, talk to the organizing committee at the office to not tell you, and then just show up. I hope you don't mind, but I charged it on your credit card!" There was that laugh again.
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Vic. I'm just so glad you're here. Did you manage to get here before the presentations?"
"Yep. I saw everything, including your boring money presentation." She rolled her eyes and laughed. "But yeah, bro. You and your friends are just killing it."
Hugo came forward. "Vic! It's been so long and you look so… grown up and a little different." There goes Hugo with his Italian charm.
Vic gave Hugo a hug. "I know, you Italian Stallion. I've been Californized. What can I say? I just feel so free being out there that I really found myself. I'm really being me and I love it."
Hugo smiled. "That's all we would ever want for you, Vic." He leaned in and gave her a peck on each cheek. Those Europeans and their kisses.
It was clear that all the men had a deep friendship with Vic. She walked around, meeting Simone and Serena and chatting with everyone in an animated fashion. She even seemed to know Seth well, as she was ribbing him about his sister joining the gang in a very permanent way.
Dom went to get a chair for Vic to sit with us, placing her on his left while putting his arm around me to his right. He leaned into me and god, I could smell his captivating woodsy scent. As the chandeliers sparkled overhead, shining in our eyes, I couldn't help but just feel amazing.
Was this love?
I just felt so close to him at that very moment. The way he treats me in front of others was incredibly comforting. I knew I was important to him, and what's better than that?
"So tell me, Vic," Dom started chatting. "How long are you here? What can we show you in Boston?"
"Well, I think I'm just here for the weekend, honestly. I thought it was extravagant to fly to Boston only for a weekend." She elbowed Dom, most likely in reference to him unknowingly buying her ticket. "Oh, and by the way, I also put this dress, hair and makeup on your tab, too."
Dom shrugged. "My pleasure. I'm glad you can have fun this weekend. Maybe I need to put a limit on that card of yours," he added jokingly.
"It helps that everyone knows you around here. I could pull in so many favors just by saying your name. So great to be related to someone famous!"
