Chapter 5: You Coming?
It was a week Avianna disappeared until Saturday. The guys worked hard making sure everything that needed to be off the work sight was. It was over two years to clean up and ship out. Colton was talking to the last of the vehicle renters giving back and signing off papers and a check. Avianna popped up to the group with twelve envelopes in her hands. "Did you miss me?" All of their heads snapped up and jumped up to h ug her tightly. "Where the hell have you been?" Daxton yelled at her like an angry father.
"I had to go to the new head quarters in China set up my office and deal with stupid shit. Now don't give me no grief. I'm sorry I took off and had no contact with any of you but I did come bringing gifts." She said waving it around. "What kind of gifts?" Dallas asked crossed arm like a child being bribed. "I got the account do some digin over the last two years and legal to look at the contract and got you guys all $25,000 bonus." She said waving the envelopes with guys names all taking turns hugging her and kissing her on the head again.
"I also bet none of you knew your bank cards expired right? These are your new ones and they are activated and everything you previously had is already rolled over." She said smiling. "How was she able to do that?" Vince was now confused. "You remember the banking paper you signed when you started and the bank made you pick a person to release and give info to? All of us choose her by our second year. She probably had your dad come sign for you." Damien said with a smile. "Yeah besides maybe one friend or family member we all have her on our bank details so she can make changes. I would never stay on top of my stuff if she didn't help keep me straight at the end of the year." Eli said with all the other guys agreeing around them as she past them all around.
"Thank you. I wish you would have called or even texted back though." Vincent said as he hugged her and took his new card he did forgot it expired already as it is a new month. "I'm sorry. It's just been shitty week but vacation starts tomorrow right?" She smiled happily. "Yes it does." Before he could say anything else. "Alright you Wolves and Lions. I want to thank you for all your hard work and I made a reservation for all twenty six of us left in town to thank you before you head out tomorrow. Make sure you're packed well and don't forget anything and remember three weeks only." Colton said pointing at everyone.
"The SUV's packed as many as they could. Colton, Jordan, Knox and Avianna road in smaller one. As four other SUV's followed them. It was so loud and tables were long set to divide the groups in half. Colton was sitting a few people down from Avianna next to Jordan Vincent was sitting on her right and Damien to her left. After they were finishing up waiting to leave The topics of where everyone was going came up. "I have to go home and help out." Dylan said with a smile he loved seeing his nieces and nephews. "I have some weddings I gotta be apart of." Killian said his cousins were getting married.
"We going to spend a week in Florida going around Universal and Disney." Dallas said excitedly as he was going with Daxton, Jaxon, Eli, Tony and Tobi. "I'm going home to chill with the family I got some birthdays I can make for my nieces and nephews." Andrew said. "Same." Ryder and Knoxx said finishing their drinks. "I'm going home for the spring festival it's our New Year." Damien said happily his village wasn't more than an hourish away from Vincent's. "Are you busy over break?" Vincent asked Avianna looking hopeful. Looking at him she thought about it.
"Well some little things I need to do at the office here and there and I got to find me a place to stay for the next ten years. That about covers it." She said with a shrug. "Well I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come back with me?" Vincent asked her. Colton's head popped up as faintly heard him ask. "I know how seeing the spring festival is on your bucket list and we got all this time. I thought maybe you like to come back home with me and see it for yourself. My home isn't too far from the office." She cut him off.
"IS IT REALLY OK IF I GO?! Wow that was loud wasn't it. Are you sure it would be alright?" She asked in a low voice now. "My family would like to see you in person I mean they've spoken with you on video chat about as much as I have." He started laughing. "Yeah man all of our families love her too they call her when we in trouble or want us to have time off. It's nice but scary sometimes bro." Ryder said as he shivered making everyone around them shiver.
"I would really like it if you would be there." Vincent said to her whole heartedly. "I would have to check if there is any tickets left." "I took the last plane ticket sorry boss." Damien said with a shy smile. "I actually have a train ticket for you just in case you wanted to go. They sold out yesterday so it was be safe or be left out. There are no more tickets left until next week." "Thanks Vincent. I'll send you the money for the ticket just let me know later." He cut her off. "No none of that crap it's fine. Thank of it as a thank you. For everything, really thank you Ana." He told her and all of them knew he meant it from the bottom of his heart as they had all been there.
After a few minutes of everyone looking at each other with a smirk was all it took for her to squeal. "I GET TO THE SPRING FESTIVAL." Rocking back and forth on her chair happily. Before they all got up laughing at her making their way back to the cars. After they all got back and made sure they were packed. They all hung out staying up late with each other. Playing cards.
"You know man that was hella cool you inviting boss out like that. She's going to love it." Daxton told Vincent with a nice smile. "Yeah dude you made her whole year. She's always wanted to go. She never was able to though. It's nice to see her finally get a chance." Dylan told them cleaning up the cards. "I tried so many times we was close last year until the Solomon company called in a crisis call and she had to bail. She cried all the way to refund her ticket to another plane. Than she cried all the way getting on the plane. Made me feel like a pile of crap." Damien said shaking his head. "Felt this big the whole time I was there." He added.
"That's heart breaking man. Why didn't Jordan or Colton go? I thought they was all close." Vincent asked them. "They did. They were there too. It was a big mess." Jax said shaking his head in shame. Killian looked at him and realized the truth. "You don't know do you?" Killian sked looking lost to Vincent. "Know what?" Vincent asked back. "The whole Stone, Jamison and Solomon tango?" Killian sat up for a minute as everyone else looked at him with their mouths opened. "Sit down man it's not a good story." Killian told him as he made him sit on his bunk as the rest of the guys took off to their own even next door. Killian brought up a chair turning it backwards and took a breath.
"See Stone, Solomon and Jamison are all family owned, built and made companies. They do mostly the same thing with a few differences. Now sometimes those differences need to be combined with each other to produce a good product. The main leader of Solomon never had son so he made the daughter the head CEO and she knows her shit everyone loves all these kids running the companies since they all went to school together. They have great relationships with each other." Killian said than ran his hand down his face.
"The parents of them however are a whole other issue its all about the power game with them who gets the upper hand. Jordans moms brother is actually high up in the Solomon company and they had a little plan to get them all married off to the other ones. See Sienna Solomon his uncle was pushing to marry Colton only they can't see each other like that. Maddison died early on so the only two left were Jordan and Avianna. The Stone company however has two heirs the eldest being Landen Stone and the baby Princes being Cillian Stone known to all as the adorable Cici. Honestly they are all good people when you start talking to them." Killian said with his hands up.
"They get along great they had no problem just working together in harmony on many projects like they are currently doing however the parents and good ol' uncle are still pushing to marry for business route. See uncle wants to marry Colton off to Sienna and gain control over Solomon as Colton is much stronger in the business sense. Than you got the Stone company. Jordan and Cillian actually like each other and Uncle is trying to marry Cici off to Jordan. Since Maddi is no longer here he is trying to use Ana for Landen. Now keep in mind they are all great friends. Landen and Colton respect each other and do get competitive sometimes. Landen though actually likes Avianna and has for years." Shaking his head and putting the chair back.
"The problem is Sienna is in love like OBSESSED with Landen so her parents are torn her dad wants her with Colton because he is the smarter one with good head on his shoulders. Her mother wants her to follow her heart because either is a good family or a good choice but why not be happy about it. Landen's parents want their kids happy and will do anything by any means to get them what they want. In their case Jordan and Avianna. Good news for Cici and Jordan however bad news for Sienna and Avianna. They are all close so its such a mess since Avianna will never do anything to hurt Sienna that way. She doesn't feel anything romantic for Landen. Hopefully they can get it all settled this season for sure. It takes a toll on all of them. Shame to because they are good friends and good people. Night bro see you in three weeks." Killian said as he walked out.
Damn didn't think I would be walking in to a devils tango like that. That has to be so life draining from every which source you have in your body. Mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Classic rich power hungry parent move. Make the kids suffer as long as you get your way. Colton and Avianna though don't have much of a power play for parents though. Not anymore at least. Even Jordans parents are now gone from what he knows just his uncle. How did that mess even start. My poor Ana won't have to worry about that soon enough. Vincent smiling to himself as he drifted off to sleep.
Getting up and making sure everything was cleared out of the bunk houses. Vincent looked at Ana. "You know I know it's only warm up here because of where we are and the equipment we had to use everyday but maybe you should get a thicker coat. It's Still end of Winter and it's cold everywhere else." Vince said scratching the back of his head. It was true some parts of India still can go up to over 94-100 degrees while others could go a little to or below zero. However going home was going to be more on the colder side. There would be no snow now. But his village was in a mountain type place. Missing it deeply the view of the sunrise the fresh smell of forest like area. Knowing a lake wasn't too far if you hiked up a trail. He was excited to be working close to home. It was literally about an hour away. While the office was about an hour in East direction.
"No I'm good I got thicker coat in my bag." "Is that all you got to take with you. She had a small to medium black wolf purse that wrapped around her. It's design was unique and beautiful. Also one tall dark charcoal grey luggage that went up to her hip. "This is all I had brought with me." She smiled as she looked to see he had the same size luggage as she did plus a duffel bag and back pack. "I didn't figure you to be so high maintenance." She teased as she looked over to the rest of the guys who had about the same. Shaking her head with a giggle. "Never mind you had a bad influence apparently." The guys head snapped to her in shock.
"I resent that." Dallas said in fake horror. "I'm so offended." Eli added. To Ryder fanning himself with fake tears. "I'm just feeling so attacked right now." He added. They all brought her in for a hug and a kiss to the forehead. "Don't get in to trouble. Keep these on." She held her necklace. "Call if you need me. Be. Back. On. Time. The office will send you the address of our new on sight sleeping quarters. Go there. Send me pictures." She said waiving by to all of them. Jordan in front of her looking at her like he was looking straight through.
"You sure you don't want another form of travel?" Looking her dead in the eye. "You could always come home to the spring house if." "I'm good. Thanks anyway." She cut him off. He nodded to her. "Figured. Just wanted to throw it out there." Nodding to him. "See you later Jordi." Walking past him to Knoxx who was waiting to drive her and Vincent to the Train pick up station. Vincent followed with Jordan looking at him oddly. Like he was either trying to size him up or figure him out. Shaking it off he followed and go tin the car.
"This is so exciting. I've been wanting to go for a long time." "Well I'm glad to be able to share this with you. I don't know if there will be much vacancy at the little Inns in town though. It's a very family themed holiday. Lots of peoples family come back and it being a small village there are actually quiet a bit who return home. My family wants you to know that you are more than welcomed to come stay with us. We do have a guest room ready to use if you need it." They were sitting on the train now as they just started their journey East.
"Really that is so sweet. I really appreciate that. I kind feel like I know them all so well already. Bout four months or so talking almost every day with them." She laughed shaking her head happily back and forth. They got interrupted by her phone. Looking down he watched her face drop and get in an eternal battle with herself before answering it. He could only hear a guy voice but not what he was saying.
'Hello.' 'Yeah. We did just wrap up. I'm literally on my way from India now.' Taking a long sigh. 'Well call Colton.' 'Well call Jordi.' 'I don't think it is a good idea.' 'BECAUSE I'M BURNT OUT LANDEN. You do this every time to me. You know that. Whenever you find out one project is done and find out I finally get a little time to myself there you are. Like a damn sixth sense or some thing. Some damn tingle goes off in your ass cheek like you can finally sense a time for me to be able to rest a little. Why do you do this to me every time.'
'Look I'm not saying that. Yes I know I said you can always call me but I've got plans this time and I refused to back out of them. I've come running to your aide for the last decade whenever any of you guys call. I work my damn finger to the bone for all of you. You all get to jet out and go on family vacations. Or spa days. Or some damn time to yourself so why are you giving me a hard time right now after knowing I've worked over two years straight out here. Even God rested one day a week Landen.' 'Yes I know we all made promises to help out. Here's the kicker though it doesn't always have to be me.'
'Well let's get something straight here right now. You are not that much in need right now you and I both know that.' 'Fine I got the perfect solution to that. Call Sienna. She's the best at office work.' 'She's just as good as me. Be nice before I bitch slap you through the phone.' 'Yes I would.' 'You know what Landen all of you have taken big pieces of me and my time in the last decade. You all owe me so many damn favors I honestly lost count.' 'I know I am. You know what though maybe that is my fault for being the reliable one. I am not going to drop everything and come running to fix something that can be easily fixed by Sienna or Colton. It's time for me to be selfish and that's exactly what I'm going to do. The next three weeks I am going to be taken some time for me. It's Avianna's time off. I will see you in about a week.' She hung up hard.
Vincent was looking at her as she held the biggest proud smile on her face leaning back into her seat finally letting a breath out like she hasn't done it in years. Her phone rang again. She pushed the ignore button. "You look like you just dropped some weight off them shoulders." He smirked to her. "Yeah I did. I get to stick up for myself every couple of years or so." "Friend of yours? If you need to work I can take you." "No." She cut him off. "They do not get to take this from again. They can manage just fine." She told him flatly. "Can I ask you something that I've been wondering?" "Sure." Looking at her he was trying to figure out how to ask it.
"You said you use to live in China with your adopted family in the spring. Colton dad and Jordan parents with Chinese Americans right so you guys did things back and forth. Why haven't you gone until now to Lunar New Year?" He was curious. "Well something always came up and I was restricted to go. Life happens I guess. We must live with disappointments along the way." She spoke almost as if she was on auto tone like she was replaying those words from someone in the past before she shook them off. "Doesn't matter because I get to go now." She said feeling happiness flow off her again.
It was so easy to get lost in the conversation they were almost at their stop. "There something else I wanted to talk to you about." "Well coming up on a the end of a nine hour train ride is the perfect time." She laughed at him. "It is. You have no where to run." He teased back. "We never got to finish our conversation from our last night. In our spot." He looked her in the eye to watch her widen a little. "Was there more to say?" Looking him raising an eyebrow. "I heard you out. Do you. Do you still feel the same way you did that night?" "Would it weird you out or complicate things if I answer truthfully?" Tilting her head a little turning to him.
"As long as it's the truth I will be satisfied with your answer." "Yes." Nodding a little to her with a blush and trying to hide his smile. "Ana. I'm not smart when it comes to women you know this. We already talked about my experiences. I always kept Grandma Neilly's words in my head. 'One day you will meet someone who will show you why it never worked with anyone else.' I think that one is you. I really like you Ana. You are so amazing, incredible, smart, gorgeous and talented woman I have ever met. You don't let people walk on you. You a fighter. You are unwaveringly strong." He voice shaking a little being so nervous.
Ana was hiding behind a blank face as her heart melting at the sight and words of the man she cared for in front of her. "I. I was wondering. Can you be my girlfriend?" After a moment of silence. "You went straight to it huh. No date or nothing." She was failing at trying not to smile. "There will be plenty of those but I think at this point between us we pretty much surpassed that phase." "Is this what you really want?" Looking at her grabbing her hand and kissing the back of it. "Yes." His tone was so soft but yet audible.
The train got to their stop as they gathered all of their things and stepped off looking at each other. "Then I guess you got yourself a girlfriend." Smiling to him leaning in to give him a kiss before he stopped her. The word girlfriend echoed in his head before he remembered his family. "I am so glad you said that." He was being weird. "Whyyy?" She had guard up by now. "When I told my family I was bringing you. I told them I was bringing my girlfriend." "When did you tell them you was bringing your girlfriend?" She crossed her arms looking at him confused. "The night you told me you liked me. They are really excited to meet you now. Annd look there they re now. Lets go say hi and get on the road it's still another forty minutes back to the village." He said grabbing both their cases that his duffle bag connect to them and his back pack.
"Dude. Are you serious." Chasing after him getting nervous now. As she seen three men with huge smiles hug Vincent tightly. Unsure for a moment to interrupt it seemed like such an intimate moment. It was over due for the close family. "Ana. Come here why you being shy for?" Vincent was confused. She was never shy talking to his family on the video calls. Maybe it was too soon to introduce her as his girlfriend yet, but they had already met. "There she is Avianna it's so good to see you in good health in person. Thank you so much for taking care of my boy." His dad said hugging her catching her off guard.
"Well it is my pleasure. Mr. Cheng." She teased. They all stopped and stared at her as his father gave her a deadly look. "We talked about this." "It's my pleasure. Theo." She smiled to him as he hugged her tightly again. "Get in here Richard." She smiled widely to him getting squished by him as well. Ethan came up hugging her. "There's my sǎozi (sister in law)." "Huh." "Nothing." Vincent spoke up quickly. Leaning in to whisper to Ethan. "Don't scare her off. I just got her man." Ethan looked back and forth and nodded. "Let's get your things back to the car and get home to grandma she has been cooking a storm for your return. She is having good day." Theo said happily.
"Good I've been worried about her last couple days. She was slow responding to my texts." Ana said as the guys all looked at her weird. "You text my grandma. "Yeah for the last couple months. I really enjoy her company. She was the first person I called actually after I got released from the train platform that night with the incident." She said in a low whisper as they all got tight lipped. "I'm happy I get to be there when she is getting her surgery. I'm giving her a total girl day the day before. The masks, the hair, the nails. All of it." She smiled like an excited little kid.
As traffic was backed up a little in the city. They finally were coming up to the village after a good hour and twenty minutes went by. "You know Vee it's normal tradition for the romantic partner to bring a gift when they come meet the family." Ehtan teased. "I know. Don't worry it should all be there by now." She said nonchalantly as she starred out the window. Theo and Richard looked at each other in shock. "You really didn't have to." "It's alright. I got it all taken care of. On the drive." As they pulled up the drive they noticed four men standing next to the house talking as Neilly came happily rushing out.
"There they are. I have missed you so much." She kissed all over Vincents face as he just happily smiled bending over for her to do so. "There is my girl. Did you have a good ride in?" She said hugging on Ana. "I did. Thanks Nel." "Can we help you?" Theo asked the men standing in front of their home. "We are here for delivery." They all said with a paper for a signature. "Delivery for who?" Ethan asked. "Family Cheng." One said looking down on order form. "Theo and Richard signed the four papers two each.
One handed over three bags. One bag had skin care products. Another one three tablets. As they were only using the one together. The other one was just drinks and snacks everyone enjoyed. "What is it the other three guys brought?" Richard as he was trying to understand the paper. "Oh that would be these." Ana said as she pushed the lock and alarms buttons on the three small SUV cars behind her. Their mouths fell open. "Vincent said there were four of you here and I figured while grandma Nel is down he would need something to drive to help. They rotate restriction days so there's always a vehicle to use. All fees and insurance is paid for, for about tow years." Smiling to all of them as they stood in shock. "Something smells great. She said welcoming herself inside the house. As the little family just watch her as she walked away. "You coming?"