The three of them walk around to say hello to everyone until Millie stands in front of me. She hasn’t changed much. Her hair is shorter or lighter. Aside from that, nothing else has changed except this weird feeling when I’m around her.
Almost like she’s a stranger.
Millie keeps her distance, and to respect her wishes, I don’t go in for a friendly hug, almost feeling the heat coming off her husband.
“It’s nice to see you, Austin,” she greets in a formal tone. “I didn’t realize you would be here tonight.”
“I called Ava last night and spoke to Austin as well,” Luna jumps in, eyeing the both of us. “I had no idea you and Will were coming into the city.”
Millie keeps her smile fixed. “Andy called us, so Mom and Dad stayed with Ashton.”
Ava doesn’t go to hug her sister. Instead, they speak with their eyes—something they’ve always done which used to annoy me.
“Why don’t we all sit down,” Luna suggests, then purposely directs people to sit in certain spots.
Of course, Romano is across from me, enough that he can’t seem to stop glaring. I don’t know what the fuck his problem is, but I turn away, trying to keep my anger at bay.
Once we’re all seated, Luna orders wine to celebrate. Andy, who is humble as ever, briefly talks about the award. His parents watch on proudly, with Julian being his number one supporter. I’ve always admired their bond, and it’s easy to see where Andy gets his drive and ambition from.
“So proud of you, Andy,” Millie cheers, raising her glass.
“All those photos I took of you and Ava during your teen years have paid off. I remember Ava wanted me to convince the school to swap her yearbook photo.”
“The photo they took of me looked hideous.” Ava scowls with an exaggerated sigh.
“Of course, they didn’t allow me to swap it.”
Everyone but Romano laughs. He toys with the edge of his glass, then drinks it in one sitting. A tightness forms in his eyes until he tilts his chin, keeping his gaze downward.
“Didn’t get what you want for once?” Romano utters from across the table, placing his arm around Millie like he’s trying to fucking prove a point. “That’s surprising.”
Ava crosses her arms beside me. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you’re always one to get what you want, right? Even if it means you have to ruin people around you.”
“Will, don’t,” Millie mumbles beside him.
Turning to look at Ava, I grab her hand beneath the table and squeeze it tight. The last thing she needs right now is a raised blood pressure from stress. Then, leaning in, I whisper, “Don’t let him get to you. You know what he is like.”
The moment I pull away, Will shakes his head with a smug expression. “Does your boyfriend make it all better? It’s all very convenient, right? The two of you making love, having a baby, playing happy families.”
“Will,” Nikki snaps, crossing her arms just like Ava. “Get a grip on yourself.”
Ava stands up, throwing her napkin on the table.
“You are a god damn jerk, Will Romano. The world doesn’t revolve around you.” Ava’s face turns bright red, and I stand up with her, no longer wanting to be subjected to his childish behavior. “I’m sorry, Andy. Congratulations on your award. We can celebrate another time.”
She storms off as I drop my head, keeping my hands on the back of the chair. With anger slowly seeping into every crevice, my gaze shifts until I’m staring into the eyes of the man I once loathed more than anything.
The same man who disregarded my intentions to marry Millie, then went in for what he selfishly wanted.
“It takes a man to admit his mistakes,” I begin in a controlled voice, trying to suppress my anger. “I
’m not perfect, and neither is Ava. And from memory, you once ruined my life to get what you wanted. So, before you judge Ava or me, perhaps you should stop throwing stones in your glass house.”
I quickly nod goodbye to everyone, then exit the restaurant to an empty sidewalk.
With my fists clenched tight, I scan the area around me. Ava is nowhere to be found.