Chapter 62

New York City…

Eric's pov;

I am finally home after going to Avery's place. I am glad we could talk things out and that I could apologize for acting like a jerk because she really didn't deserve that.

I know she feels guilty as well because she has been pushing me and just us in general away but i understand why she does it and I told her a million times that I would never pressure her into something she does not feel ready for or that she does not want to do at all.

She values our friendship as much as I do and maybe for this friendship to stay strong we need to keep whatever is starting to form to lay low .

I have known for a while now that I have very strong feelings for this young , nice ,beautiful and intelligent woman. Although I have never verbally said it to her I think my actions speak for themselves.

As for her I do not know where her feelings lie and I think she does not know either so for now I have to keep them a bay and wait for when she will come to me on her own.

I will continue being the best friend she needs me to be and whatever else she decides to upgrade me to I shall take it as an honor.

I open the door to my apartment and I am faced with the so familiar voice of my father "Ah Eric finally you are here! We have been waiting for you . Why didn't you answer my calls?"

What is he doing here? With my mother? What is going on?

I put my bag down and go greet my mother and nod at my father and he does the same.

We sit down to talk calmly even though I see my father seems distressed.

"Is everything okay? You two rarely come visit unless it is really important" I say. My mom just smiles at me and my dad is still stiff.

He sighs and says "When are you planning on settling down? It is almost time for you to take over the family business and you need a strong woman by your side for image and to assist you in the process" oh , this again.

My parents really insist on me getting married as soon as possible, the thing they don't get is that I am still in college and I do not want to think of marriage at just 25 years of age.

I have ambitions and plans to achieve before that and plus I am in my final year can't they wait a bit longer?

"Father , I think we already had this conversation, I do not wish to marry just yet. I want to finish my last semester of college and start working on my own and gain experience. Only then will I take over the business . I do not want to rush into things , I am only 25 years old . Even you got married at 33 so give me that chance as well to meet the one for me when the time is right" I say and my mother nods and holds my hand in support.

My father just shakes his head and sighs.

I know my dad is not saying all this just because of the family business but rather he feels like he is getting old and he wants to see my offsprings before he passes. His legacy , my father is super invested in that. Maybe a little too much at times.

"I understand your standing point my son but also understand me . I wish to ensure all is well before I pass on the family's treasure into your hands. Your mother and I trust you with all our hearts of course but we just worry you will take forever to make a choice." He says. I knew it .

My mother then turns me to her and says,

"Actually there is an event tomorrow for our business and many investors and other shareholders of the company will be there , it will be the perfect occasion for you to get immersed into this, of course I know you might not want that so I want you to invite a lady of your choice to accompany you, maybe try that girl you told me about , Avery? Is it?" I nod and smile at the mention of Avery. Even though I am not too glad to be going , I know with Avery by my side I will do just fine , plus we will probably have a lot of laughter making fun of old men wearing ridiculously uncomfortable suits. I can already picture her making non stop jokes about them. Oh Avery.

"Wait who is this Avery?" My father asks cluelessly and my mom just laughs at him ignoring his question , he looks at me for answers but I just shrug and laugh with mom .

My parents are really something . One minute they can be very strict and imposing and the next they act like newly weds.

I hope to have that some day…

The next day…

I called Avery last night asking her to go with me to my parents's event and she agreed so I am getting ready to go pick her up.

I am at excited but also nervous because this weirdly feels like me introducing my fiancé to my family and friends , of which this is not that but again it strangely feels like it.

I have to do my best to make Avery feel comfortable because she doesn't specifically like these types of events , too fancy and thus pressuring for her. I know she will do good.

Just crack jokes here and there and she will be as loose as one can possibly be.

I am now in the car with Avery , she seems pretty calm and collected which I assume is good.

Did I mention I love the dress she picked out? She is wearing a navy blue kind of velvety dress with a modest look , it is long enough that it reaches her feet and the is no cleavage . She looks very royal?

Weird saying that about Avery but ever since I know her she has never been one for dresses let alone long ones.

Avery is a tease and she would have taken this opportunity to showcase exactly that. Not in an indecent outfit but just an outfit spicy enough to do something to me.

Maybe she just wants to be seen as a responsible and well put together female to help me look good for the people, that is totally Avery.

"You look stunning love" I say to her as we get out of the car.

She smiles at me "Thank you , you don't look bad yourself"

"Shall we?" I ask giving her my arm and she nods hooking hers to mine as we enter the venue.

The event starts smoothly, we start going around mingling with the guests. I introduce Avery to as many people as I can and we just chat.

Weirdly , Avery is talking with a lot of etiquette as if she was trained for such gatherings of political and influential people.

I just look at her in awe the whole time.

When we finally sit down I sigh and she just stares at everything happening in the room seemingly intrigued.

I ask "What is taking your attention so much?"

She looks at me smiling and says "Isn't the decor so beautiful? The chandelier makes the lighting perfect for the dance floor and all these lone standing tables scattered randomly with vases on them, quite artistic"

I look at her confused once more "Since when do you like such things? I thought you would find the men funny because of their all too serious attires and very gloomy vibe" she shakes her head looking back at everything.

"You are wrong, their attires are suiting to the occasion and the ambiance is quite good in my opinion . Are you not enjoying it?" She asks and I just nod but in reality I am in awe.

What is up with Avery today?