Across Town
I sit at the kitchen island, my hands wrapped around a warm mug as I stare into its dark depths, contrasted with the golden morning light that gently bathes the loft. The coffee does little to ease the tightness in my chest.
Across the room, Dimitri and Josef are locked in hushed conversation. Their brows are furrowed, and their jaws tense. I wonder if they're rehashing the fight—my shouted words echoing in their minds as they do in mine.
Everything was going fine yesterday, but at some point the stress of opening the restaurant combined with my fears of going up against Tane again, and I just snapped. The guys bore the brunt of it, and I'm not proud of some of the things I said.
In the moment, I questioned our relationship completely. Questioned their loyalty. I can only hope they can see my lashing out for what it was—someone under too much pressure taking it out on the people closest to them.
Florian bustles around the kitchen, apron around his waist, spatula in hand. The sizzle of eggs and bacon pops and crackles. He glances over his shoulder, offering me a small smile.
"Morning, Florian. Smells amazing," I say, trying to inject brightness into my voice.
"Morning, love. How did you sleep?" I just shake my head slightly, eyes downcast. Sleep has been impossible, my thoughts consumed by the rawness of our argument.
Florian seems to understand, nodding gently as he turns back to the stove.
The distance between us all feels like a chasm. I sip my coffee, the bitter liquid searing my tongue. Unspoken words hang in the air, yet I don't know how to voice them. All I can do is wait for the guys to join me, our breakfast a cold comfort.
I close my eyes as the scene shifts, transporting me back to the previous night. The living room fills my mind, the air thick with tension.
"You can't keep pushing us away, Aria!" Dimitri's voice booms, his usual composure fractured. "We need to know what you want from us."
My chest heaves, hands balled into fists. "I don't know what I want!" I yell, anger and confusion swirling within me. "I'm trying to figure it out, but I have a restaurant to open. I don't have time for walking on eggshells, or worrying about hurting anyone's feelings."
Dimitri steps towards me, his tall frame imposing. "This relationship requires compromise. You have to meet us halfway."
I stand my ground, glaring up at him. "And you need to give me space. I didn't ask for any of this!"
The memory fades as I open my eyes. My heart is pounding, residual adrenaline flooding my veins.
In the present, Florian calls that breakfast is ready. I smooth my hair, take a deep breath, and join the guys at the table.
The atmosphere is strained, the clinking of cutlery on plates too loud in the uncomfortable silence. I push my food around, avoiding eye contact.
After a few tense minutes, Josef clears his throat. "Aria, we need to discuss last night." His usually playful eyes are solemn, his mouth turned down.
I nod, poking at a piece of bacon. "I know. It's just...complicated." I finally meet their gazes. "But we do need to talk."
After breakfast, Dimitri suggests we go out to the balcony, away from the confines of the apartment. I follow him outside, the brisk morning air raising goosebumps on my bare arms.
Below us, the city is awake and bustling, a stark contrast to the heavy quiet between us. Dimitri turns to me, his expression serious.
"We can't keep having these fights, Aria," he says,a hard edge to his voice. "We need to understand where you stand with us."
I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling small. "I'm trying, Dimitri," I say softly. "It's hard to balance my feelings between the three of you along with everything else that's going on. Everything is changing so fast."
He steps closer, tilting my chin up to meet his intense gaze. "Then talk to us. We can't read your mind."
I take a shaky breath, emotions swelling within me. "I care deeply for each of you, but sometimes it feels overwhelming. One minute I want space, the next I'm craving your touch." I pause, biting my lip. "I've never done this before. It's new and scary and...exciting."
"We don't mean to pressure you. We just need to know how to support you." His hand finds mine, squeezing gently.
I cling to him like a lifeline, my heart racing as I try to put my inner chaos into words. All I know is we have to find a way forward together.
Florian and Josef make their way outside to join us. I take a moment to collect myself, looking between the three men who have come to mean so much to me. The sun climbs higher in the sky, the open air helping to clear my cluttered thoughts.
"Maybe we should sit," I suggest, motioning to the balcony floor.