Olive's P.O.V.
Hailey came next, but we all banned her from the kitchen after she somehow burned butter. She was designated to work on decorations and music. Ian showed up next, surprised by the two large men in my kitchen. I forgot that Ian has no idea I fight.
"So happy you could make it. Come meet my important people." I greeted him, pulling him by the wrist towards the kitchen. "Meet Davis and Carter. They run an underground fighting ring that I participate in at times."
"She's phenomenal," Lucas said, wrapping his arm around my lower back, pulling me to his side so he could kiss my temple.
"She had the title of champion for a year before she met some asshole boyfriend, named Julius." Carter made a face as if to say Julius was the nastiest thing. I laughed at his face.
"Well, shit, Red. I left you and you became strong. Was I holding you back?" Ian asked, looking at me differently. Impressed maybe?
"No, you were saving me, and bringing light into my life at the darkest time. You never held me back, Ian." I shook my head.
I grabbed his wrist again, pulling him towards Hailey next.
"Ian this is my best friend, Hailey." I introduced her. She turned with her beauty wavy black hair swinging over her shoulder. She smiled that bright smile of her as she placed her arm over my shoulder.
"Nice to meet you," she said. "Although, I'm the number one best friend now. I'll fight you for it." Hailey joked, making Ian blush lightly.
"I've known her longer." He pointed out, making Hailey laugh.
"I know the current her best. Longer doesn't always mean you know her better." Hailey winked at him, stepping towards him. She linked her arm with his, pulling him towards the table she was setting up. "Come help me, lets talk all things Liv."
She didn't take no for an answer as he whisked him away. I smiled after them, happy to see my best friends getting along. Leo came next with Rachel at his side. I was determined to get these two together today. They would be so perfect for one another.
Lisa was the last to arrive. She stepped in looking magnificent in a beautiful, floor length, red dress that huffed her figure in all the right places. She had a white fur shawl wrapped her around arms with white long silver gloves. Her back hair was pinned into a beautifulky curled bun. She was definitely overdressed for the occasion, but man did she look good.
"Sorry I'm late, had to sneak out of the business Christmas party. Dad's pretty pissed that you missed it," Lisa told Lucas.
"Let him be. I don't give a fuck anymore." He shook his head.
"Just be careful Lucas, you know how he can get."
Her warning scared me a bit. I didn't know that Lucas had a party he was supposed to attend, but it explains Lisa attire. I began to worry about what Lucas' father was capable of as an abusive billionaire.
"I know." He sighed, stopping from his task as he calmed himself.
"Merry Christmas, Lisa."
I introduced everyone to Davis and Carter which earned me both perplexed and impressed looks at the news that I fight. Rachel, Leo and Lisa had no idea, but Hailey went on to say how amazing I was and Lucas chimed in as well.
I'm not going to lie, this is by far the most amazing Christmas of my life. I couldn't believe how warm and amazing my life has gotten since Lucas entered it. I've never felt so loved, having a room full of people to spend this holiday with. A room of people I could call family. It was amazing and I watched everyone like they were my favorite Christmas movie. I smiled and let my heart fill with joy for this wonderful rare moment in front of me.
Everything felt perfect.
We all ate together and exchanged gifts with the exception of Carter and Davis who didn't know we were doing this. Everyone looked at Lucas wiating to see what he got me after I gave him his gift. I had engineered a device for him to help with his car so that he would feel less nervous when he drove.
"Tell me you did not forget to get her a gift!" Lisa scolded Lucas, slapping him on the arm hard.
"He didn't." I quickly defended him, feeling my cheeks tinge pink.
"Oh?" Lisa arched a brow with a mischievous grin. "Was if a sex thing? Kinky." She laughed.
"Oh my gosh, no!" I shook my hands out in front of me shaking my head as well.
Lisa just laughed at my embarrassment. She likes to tease just like Lucas but in a more wicked way it seems.
"So what was it then?" Rachel asked, curious to know as well.
"I asked her to marry me," Lucas answered, staring right at me.
"And I said yes." I smiled looking right back at him as I held my hand up to show the ring.
Everyone was surprised, but it was Hailey who broke the silence. She squeeled excitedly, like she normally does. And that's when the questions began. Rachel asked how he did. Lisa asked if we had a date in mind. The only only person to stay silent was Ian. I could see his wiping his hands on his thighs as he's always done when something is bothering him. After answering everyone's questions, I got up and grabbed Ian.
"Come with me, your gift is upstairs."
I had already told Lucas that I'd be disappearing with Ian for a short while to show him his gift. I'll take this chance to ask him what's wrong. I grabbed his wrist and guided him up the stairs to the rooftop. He looked around admiring the plants and the night sky.
"I got you a star for being a bright light in my life when I needed it the most." I told him, taking him to the telescope I had set up yesterday, keeping it pointed at his star. "Go ahead look at it."
He leaned down eyeing the star through the telescope. When he stood back up I handed him the little certificate.
"I know it's cheesy, but I really wanted to get you something amazing. I just liked the idea of giving you a star. I hope it's okay."
"It's more than okay. Thank you, Red."
"Great, so tell me what's wrong?"
"Nothing." He shook his head, plastering an all too fake smile.
"Ian," I used a stern wanting voice, calling bullshit.
"I had always imagined finding you and reconnecting. I imagined winning your heart over and being the one to ask you to marry me. It seems I found you just a few months too late. I've always loved you Red, more than just as your best friend. I still do."
His confession was more than I was expecting and it tore my heart right down the middle. I had no idea that all the time in high school he loved me too. I felt stupid for having held back then, but I am glad I did. I wouldn't be where I am right now if I hadn't. Lucas is everything to me and I would gladly repeat all the horrible things in my life if it's how I got to Lucas. He's eveything to me and more.
"I'm sorry, Ian. I had no idea you felt this way." I sighed, looking up at the stars with him. "In high school I loved you so very much. More than just as friends. I just never thought that you would feel the same way about me. I held back ever telling you how I felt because you were the only friend I had and I didn't want to lose you. I am sorry my Dad kept is apart. I am sure things would have been different. I understand if you want to distance yourself from me again." It would hurt, but I would understand it.
"No, Red. I never want to lose you again. I'm still your best friend. I just have to get over this heart break and fantasy I had in my head. I am happy for you. I really mean that. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Red. You've been through so much shit."
"Thank you, Ian."
I felt a wave of relief, knowing he didn't want to leave me again. I had missed him greatly and it would have hurt to lose him again. Our friendship has always meant so much to me. I am glad he feels the same way about that.
Goodbye to a future that could have been.