Olivia
“So, is becoming a model your biggest dream?” I asked him as he drank his coffee.
He chuckled nervously before he replied, “No, it’s not actually. It was my sister’s. She couldn’t achieve her dream because she was sick. The Doctor said she can’t do modeling with her condition.”
“I see. Was it…bad?”
“Terribly bad. Since I couldn’t stand watching my sister was depressed, I did it for her. At least it could make her happy.” I could see that Stewart loved his sister very much. He was willing to do anything to make her happy.
“You really care about your sister.”
“I am. I will do anything for her. Besides, the family is important,” he stated which made me smiled.
“My family is important to me as well. Although I only have my father, I’m happy.”
“Do you mind telling me a little bit about your dad? Because I only know him through the news and everything. I was wondering how his behavior will be towards his daughter.”
“Well, he has a sharp tongue. Very smart, intelligent, cold, but he’s kind. Overprotective, if I might say.”
Stewart chuckled. “That’s what fathers do.”
“Yeah. Well, I don’t know what a normal father would do but that’s how Blake does at home.”
“You’re calling him with his name?”
“Oh, yeah. He’s my stepfather actually.”
“Really? Oh, jeez. I’m sorry if I asked something inappropriate.”
“No, that’s okay. I’m used to it.”
Stewart was silent for a moment. I could see he wanted to ask again but it was hard to let it slip from his tongue. “What happened to your real parents?”
“I never know my dad and I lost my mother five years ago. Blake adopted me and that’s how I continue my life. Although it’s sad because I couldn’t be with my mother anymore, I’m glad that I had Blake and since he was already kind enough to adopt me, I have to make him proud and don’t cause any trouble.”
“You’re such a good daughter, aren’t you? Not every child would do that to their stepparents,” he commented.
“That’s the least thing I can do to him.”
“Indeed, you are.” Stewart was looking at me. I was drowning in his brown eyes. Although he looked kind and gentle, sometimes his stares looked rather…cold. I had to admit that Stewart was attractive. Obviously, because he was a model and he had to take good care of his facial and body as well. Although he was wearing a t-shirt, I knew that he has a well-built body.
On top of that, he was a family-oriented kind of guy. There was something about him…that made me wanted to know him more.
“You’re staring, little one,” he spoke as I blinked.
I looked away where I felt my cheeks just got warm. “I, uh, I’m sorry.”
“That’s quite alright. I don’t mind since I like how you’re staring at me.” I smiled nervously and tucked some of my hair behind my ear. “Maybe we should get to know each other more.”
I looked up at him. Is he serious?
“Um, maybe?”
“Cool. Can I get your number?” he asked while pulling out his phone from his pocket. I told him my number. “Wait for my call then,” he said and looked to the side. I followed his stare and Karen was on her way to us. “I’ll see you again, Olivia. It’s nice meeting and talking to you.”
“Me too.” And Stewart walked away in my opposite direction.
Karen arrived on time. “Did he bite you?” she joked.
“No, Karen. Are you finished?”
“Yep. Do you want to go somewhere else first or you want to call it a day?”
“I think it’s best if I go home. I begin to worry about what happened to the house.” Karen laughed at me.
“You just want to see your hot daddy, girl. No problem, I’m used to listening to your excuse.”
“That’s not it.”
“Whatever. Come on.” Karen walked away first and I followed her from behind.
“Blake texted me this morning.”
“Really? What did he say?”
“He only said that I should come home soon,” I let her know and Karen stopped her steps. Looking at me like she was looking for some answers.
“That’s it?” I gave her a nod. “Well, maybe he had prepared something for you.”
“Stop teasing me, Karen. You know he’s not that type.”
“Well, who knows, girl? And I just can’t stop teasing you. You’re too adorable and whenever we’re talking about your step-father, my mind instantly ordered me to tease you.” I couldn’t counter her words and just walked past her. Heading to her Mazda six.
We hopped in her car and Karen drove to my house. “What were you talking about with Stewart?”
“Well, some stuff. And he asked me for my number.”
“Wow, really? And did you give him?”
“I did. I thought he’s a good guy and we’re just friends. I don’t see any reasons for not giving my number to him.”
“I’m not going to deny that. Stewart is really cool and I never heard anything bad about him. Maybe you need another guy friend so I won’t stop you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Olivia, I have to say that I do support your relationship with Blake. If there’s any chance that you are going to end up with him. I really do ever since I came to know you guys.”
“Come on, Karen. That’s impossible.”
“Everything is possible. Blake is only your stepfather. Once you are not a minor anymore and an official member of the society, you can do the adoption reversal.”
“A-what?”
“Adoption Reversal. You are free to do it once you’re eighteen. You will be no longer Blake’s daughter and you two can be together.”
Was that even possible?
I never thought of it before. I didn’t mind if I was a Morgan forever. I thought only the parents capable to do that. So, I could do it as well?
No.
I couldn’t think about that now.
I didn’t want to leave Blake alone. He has nobody in the house. He only has…me.
“Well, I’m not going to force you to do that. That was just a suggestion.”
“Why, Karen? Why you want us to be together so badly?”
By the time we stopped because of the light. She turned to me and smiled widely. “Because you two clearly have a thing with each other. I’m just helping you guys.” What?
“How could you say that?”
“Girl’s instinct. But, anyway,” she started to drive again. “It’s better if you realize your own feeling on your own. I’ll be here to help you and support every single of your decision. Just like you support my dream of becoming a model.”
I smiled. “Thank you, Karen.” It was not like Karen’s idea was crazy. Blake was my step-father. He helped me. He saved me. He did everything to make me happy. Although he was acting like a jerk for the past couple of years. And he still was until now.
But, if I came to love him, what people would do to him? To say to him? His career would be ruin and I didn’t want that.
While I was busy thinking of Blake, we just arrived at my house. Blake’s Aston Martin was there. It was already five o’clock and it was rare for him to be here at this hour. Usually around six. Oh, well.
“Thank you, Karen. For taking me home.”
“No worries, babe. I’ll call you later to talk about our holiday. God, I can’t wait!”
“Me too!” And we hugged each other. I walked out of the car and after we waved with each other, Karen drove away from the house.
I walked to the house and what was waiting for me after I opened the door…was Blake standing at the entrance. “Jesus!” I exclaimed. I never thought that he would be standing there with both of his arms folded. “You scared me.”
“Sorry about that,” he said but he continued looking at me. There was something from his stares at me and it made me nervous.
“Blake?”
He blinked a few times. “Sorry. Um,” he coughed a bit and smiled. “Welcome home.” Oh, my.
I couldn’t contain my smile. “I’m home.” Blake rarely did that. I was the one who usually at home waiting for him. It was Blake’s turn waiting for me. I was so happy when he said that to me.
Welcome home.
“Here,” he grabbed my backpack and we walked inside together. “Did you have fun with Karen?”
“Yeah, absolutely.”
We reached the family room and he put my backpack on the sofa. “When are you going to Malibu?”
“Next week. After Karen finished all her works. Are you going to have a holiday too?”
“I don’t know yet. You know me. My works are never-ending.” I chuckled at his statement. He was right. As the CEO also the owner of his company, Blake held a big responsibility. But to me, he needed a holiday as well and I wanted to give that to him.
A little refreshing won’t hurt.
“Blake? I’m going for five days, so do you think we can go on holiday together? Just the two of us.” Blake was looking at me when I said that. I was nervous to listen to his answer. It was normal, right? For a family to be having their holiday. It was summer, after all.
“I’ll think about it. I would love to but you better focus on your holiday with Karen first. I’ll let you know later.”
“Okay.” I looked at him for a couple of seconds and I grabbed my bag, excusing myself, and headed to my room.
I hoped that we could go together. I never did that with Blake before. If we could go, I wondered where should I take him. Probably not the beach because that was not his style.
While I was busy planning on where I should take my dad, my phone rang and there was a message. I took it out of my bag and it was from…
Stewart.