HURT FOR ME

Chapter Fifty-Three - I Love You

"I love hearing you say: "I love you""

Aaron Adair

As Olivia returned to the table, Victoria initiated her walk in her direction, prompting me to quicken my pace in an attempt to reach Olivia before her.

Before I could reach Olivia, Victoria successfully reached her and engaged in a conversation. "So, you're the new wife, huh?" Victoria briefly glanced at me before redirecting her gaze to Olivia's ring.

"Sorry, who are you?" Olivia politely asked.

"I'm Victoria," She offered her hand. "Victoria Perez."

Olivia graciously accepted the handshake, saying, "Nice to meet you. Olivia Adair." Internally, I couldn't help but smile at the sound of Olivia's name paired with mine.

Just as Victoria was about to carry on with the conversation, I intervened, saying, "There's someone who wants to meet you." I gave her a dismissive look, and after a brief moment of hesitation, she bid farewell and walked away.

"Who was that?" Olivia asked as I walked with her.

"It's just a family friend," I responded, choosing not to delve into the specifics since they weren't important.

I could feel Olivia's gaze upon me, as if she were contemplating my response, yet she chose to remain silent.

We made our way towards the smoke room, where my grandmother had spent the entire party, seeking solace away from the rest of the family.

"I'll be back in a minute," I instructed Olivia to wait outside while I spoke to my grandmother, mindful of the fact that she shouldn't be exposed to smoke due to the baby.

"Ron!" My grandmother exclaimed, pulling herself out of her seat. Her health had gotten worse over the years, and when my parents died, she hit an all time low.

"Hello, Gramma," I enveloped her in a tender embrace, cautious not to exert too much pressure and cause any discomfort.

Addressing the others in the room, she exclaimed, "Look, it's my Ronnie boy!" With a playful gesture, she gently squeezed my cheek, drawing me closer to join them.

"Gramma," I delicately withdrew myself from her grasp and gently guided her towards the door.

"Where are we headed?" she inquired, glancing up at me while gripping onto my arm.

I smiled warmly at her and replied, "There's someone special I'd like you to meet." Her face instantly brightened upon hearing the mention of a woman.

As we opened the door, the melodies from the music flowed into the smoke-filled room, blending with the atmosphere. Olivia stood outside, patiently waiting for us, and we joined her there.

"Olivia," I gestured towards my grandmother. "This is my abuela, Ada."

Gramma's voice softened as she cupped Olivia's face tenderly in her hands, expressing her affectionate admiration, "Oh, you sweet girl!"

Olivia's voice carried a unique kind of kindness as she responded, "It's truly a pleasure to meet you." There was a distinct warmth in her tone that I hadn't heard before.

Gramma glanced over her shoulder at me and remarked, "My Ronnie has never introduced a woman before, especially not a lady like you." Olivia graciously accepted the compliment with a smile, expressing her gratitude.

"Let's take a trip to the bar," Gramma held onto Olivia's arm, waiting for me to join them.

After a brief glance at me, Olivia redirected her attention back to my grandmother, who was already leading her towards the bar.