Chapter Five
1160 Words
One Month Later
“This is so exciting!” Aria gushed as she and Caden stepped into the jewelry store.
It had been several weeks since their return to Paris after the winter holidays and very soon Caden would be headed back to New York on his own. His announcement had shocked their parents, but they were also excited for him. This was the first time he was really stepping out and doing something for himself. But even they didn’t know the full extent of his plans.
“Puis-je vous aider, monsieur?” the clerk asked as they reached the counter.[1]
“Je suis ici pour récupérer ma commande. DaLair.”[2]
“Bien sûr. Un instant, s’il vous plaît.”[3]
He waited, tapping his fingers on the counter. Beside him, Aria couldn’t help but laugh, saying, “I think you are more nervous now than when you auditioned for the Phil.”
Caden frowned, growing even more pensive. What if he was wrong? What if this was a mistake?
“Caden, stop it,” Aria swatted his shoulder. “Remember what you promised me?”
He took a deep breath, “To live each day and give love a real chance.”
“Right,” Aria sagely nodded. “If you want a real chance to be with Lex, you must take this step. She’ll never know how you feel if you don’t tell her.”
“So…when should I give her the ring?”
“Well, not right away. That’s for sure!” Aria laughed.
She still couldn’t believe her stoic brother had gone ahead and ordered a set of rings. It wasn’t even six months ago that she made him realize the feelings he harbored for Alexis. He had come to terms with it surprisingly quickly and over the holidays realized she had broken up with her last boyfriend, giving him a real chance.
Aria watched with a smile as Caden brought Alexis to the dance floor and spent the rest of the night in her company. Her brother really was effortlessly romantic when he wasn’t thinking about it. She was certain Alexis would see it too once they stopped fighting their natural attraction.
“Voilà, monsieur.”[4]
They turned as the clerk returned and opened the box for his inspection. Aria’s eyes lit up at the beautifully made rings with pear-shaped diamonds and topaz and garnet chips. She smiled at her brother’s nervousness.
“Caden, they are beautiful. Lex will love them.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely,” Aria assured him.
Her brother really did have good taste and Alexis was not someone who would be impressed with large gems. The simple pieces that Caden chose were perfect. No woman would say no to his proposal.
“So, when should I give it to her?” Caden asked as he handed over his debit card to pay.
“Well, you have to ask her out first,” Aria laughed.
“You mean like a date?”
“Yeah. Every woman likes a little romance: dinner, dancing and a movie.”
“I guess I could cook for her.”
“That’s even better!” Aria exclaimed. “A man who can cook is very sexy.”
Caden frowned, but his face warmed as he gathered his purchase. Her brother really was too cute sometimes. They left the shop and headed down the street, each lost in their own thoughts until Aria’s phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID before answering.
“Brie! Of course, I’m coming out tonight. Yep, see you there,” Aria hung up with a smile.
“You’re going out again?” Caden asked with a frown.
When they returned to Paris, Aria began to act more like herself, much to the relief of their parents. Yet, a few weeks ago, she started going out to nightclubs with one of her friends. And a week ago, she started seeing someone new.
Caden only met him once, and he wasn’t particularly impressed with the young man who was about his own age. At first, he assumed it was just his usual aversion to strangers, but something just felt off about the guy. A fact his brother and father confirmed. Yet, Aria wouldn’t listen to their complaints and what she called unfounded suspicion.
“Of course,” Aria said, flashing him a smile, but Caden wasn’t comforted.
“Is Jake going to be there?”
“I imagine,” she shrugged. “You’re not going to try to warn me away again, are you?”
“No, because you won’t listen if I did.”
Aria paused, studying her brother. His usual neutral expression was replaced with a worried gaze. At first, she wanted to argue with him, but seeing his expression changed her mind.
“Caden, I know you don’t like him, but don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you?” Caden asked. “Because I don’t know. You’ve been going out every night and then start seeing this random guy. Don’t you think it’s about time to reconsider your strategy?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I know you are trying to make Theo jealous, but you don’t even know if he’s seeing any of those pictures of you going out.”
“This has nothing to do with him,” Aria snorted, but she felt herself blush.
“Really?” Caden asked, not believing her.
“Yep.”
“Maybe I should cancel my flight,” Caden said.
Aria whirled around to face him, “No. You are not. Look, Caden, you are always playing the responsible brother, but it’s time for you to be selfish and do what is best for you. You’ve been in love with Lexi forever, but you two will never be a couple if you stay here. Besides, I’m older than you. I don’t need your protection.”
Caden sighed.
“Really,” Aria stepped closer, giving him a hug she knew he wouldn’t deny. “I’m fine, Caden. You go to New York, and you tell Lexi how you feel and give yourselves a real chance.”
“Fine.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
“Good,” Aria stepped back. “So, stop worrying about me. Okay?”
“I can’t promise that,” Caden sighed, “and I can’t promise I won’t punch Theo if I see him.”
“Well, you are bound to see him since he’s Lexi’s brother. But don’t hit him. I don’t need you to do that. I can handle it myself.”
“Fine, but Aria be careful with that guy. All right? If he tries anything, call dad immediately.”
“Okay. Okay. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine,” Aria rolled her eyes and brushed off his concern. No matter what he thought, she could handle it herself.
- Writer
