Drown Me in Love - 23

Chapter 23

*Alexander's POV*

A relieved sigh makes its way past my lips as I see Adriana standing in Mom's balcony. I make my way to her and stepping out into the cold evening, slide my arms around her waist. She immediately snuggles back into my chest.

"What's on your mind?" I ask.
"Nothing."
"Really?"

She turns around, a smile playing on her lips, "Yes, really. I'm just wondering about how I got so lucky and have you."
I shake my head, "It's me that's lucky to have you."
As she opens her mouth to protest, Austin's voice cuts through the air.
"Dad said we're leaving in half an hour. Better get ready."
"Get ready for what?" Adi looks up at me.

"Dad takes the family for dinner every New Year's eve."
"Oh." She glances down at the small amount of space between us.
"Yup. And you're coming too, because you're a part of the family, right?"
She glances up, smiling. "Of course.'

I follow her upstairs to our room and close and lock the door behind me.
"What will I wear?"
"Open my wardrobe. You might find something inside."
She opens it and pulls out an off-the-shoulder rose-pink gown. Turning around, she got a huge smile on her face.

"So that's what you were doing, going through my suitcase this morning."
"Yup. When did you get that?"
"When we went to Brampton for the Winter show."

"Ahh... I see." I pull out my light pink dress shirt and after pulling off the shirt I've got on, put it on. I grab my black dress pants from the hanger, before heading to the washroom. "Don't take too long, yeah?"

"Sure." Glancing back, I see Adriana rummaging through her part of my wardrobe.
15 minutes later, I come out of the washroom, refreshed and dressed, to see Adi leaning over the dressing table and putting on eyeliner. The pink dress isn't tight but it hugs her body perfectly and she looks so tall in the dress. She's left her hair down, just slightly curled at the bottom into soft ringlets. As usual, the only makeup she's got on is eyeliner and some eye shadow. Oh, and mascara.

"Do I really look that bad?" She asks, glancing at me through the mirror.
I roll my eyes as I walk up to her and making sure she hasn't got the mascara wand anywhere near her eyes, pull her close.
"You mean, do I look that beautiful, right?"

She glances up at me, her lips curving into a smile, "Yup."
"Well, then, no. You look beyond beautiful. I don't think I'll be able to keep my eyes... or hands for that matter, off of you."
A shiver runs down her spine as I whisper in her ear.
"I could say the same for you. We match by the way."

Chuckling, I glance down at my shirt and notice that it's the same shade of pink as hers. "Do you want me to change?"
"No." She frowns. "I like it."
Grinning, I turn her around so that she's facing me and softly press my lips to hers. "So do I. Although, I never did it on purpose."
She laughs, "Sure. You sure it's not too fancy?"

I shake my head, "Nope. See what Brianna's wearing."
She nods and then sits down on the bed and slips on her heels. I quickly brush my hair and after spraying on some perfume, pull on my dinner jacket.
"All set?"
"Yup." She stands up carefully and then smiles at me.

Taking her hand, I lead her downstairs. Everyone's already standing by the door, except for Dad, which is normal. He's always the last one to finish getting dressed. I hold Adi's coat and help her put it on, just as Dad comes downstairs.
"Wow. Look at you. Looking beautiful Adriana." He drops a kiss on her forehead. "You too." He kisses Brittany as well before hurrying to put on his coat.

"Dad!"
"Ahh, my treasure," He winks at Adi as he turns towards Bree. "Looking gorgeous."
Bree smiles, "Really?"
"Of course. Now come on, let's go."

We all pile into the car that Dad's rented for while he's here. Austin gets in the front with Dad, while Mom sits in the back with Adi and Bree. Brittany and I are in the last row.
At the restaurant, I hold my hand out as Adi gets off and she takes it, before tucking her arm into mine. As we start walking towards the entrance I catch sight of Mom and Dad, each walking alone.

"You mind going with Dad? Imma catch up with Mom."
She glances at them before nodding, "Sure."
I watch as she walks up to Dad and slips her arm around his. He says something and she laughs. I walk up to Mom and take her arm just as Austin appears in front of me.

"Hey! I was coming here!"
"Too bad I got here first."
"Mom!" He whines.

She laughs, "Gosh, I feel so flattered. All this attention from two handsome young men."
"Hey, you're a beautiful young lady. It's only right for me to give you some of my attention." Austin replies and mom laughs.

Inside, we sit down at the table for 8 that Dad had reserved for us. Adi sits opposite me, Bree on my right and Austin on my left. Dad sits at the head with Brittany on his left and Mom on his right. The chair opposite to Dad is empty.

We get through the starters and main course, the table full of chatter and laughter. The restaurant is great and there is wonderful music playing. There are a few couples dancing. As we wait for the dessert to arrive, Austin gets up from his place and goes over to Adriana.

"Dance with me?"

She glances up at me and I smile, letting her know I'm fine with it, and then she turns to Austin and takes his outstretched hand. He leads her to the dance floor and then pulls her close and into the dance.

"So, any future brother-in-law I need to meet?" I ask Brianna, settling back into my chair.
She laughs, "No. I'm single at the moment."

I glance at her." I had a feeling since you never mentioned anyone, but how?"
She grins at me, "Your girlfriend talked some sense into when you guys had come to Brampton. I'm just going to wait for Mr. Right to come along. Until then, I"m going to be single and free."

I chuckle,"Wow."
"You've got a great girl Alex. I hope you know that."
"I do."
"Don't ever lose her."
"I won't. I'll do everything I can in the world not too."

As the song comes to an end, I glance at her, "Do you want to dance?"
She shakes her head, "Nope. Austin promised me one. You go to your girl."
I smile before getting up and walking towards the dance floor. Austin steps back and I take Adi into my arms.

"Enjoyed?"
She smiles up at me. "Yes. You didn't mind, right?"
"Of course not Ri. He's like your brother."
She nods and I pull her closer as we move to the music.
"You look unbelievable, you know that?"
She blushes, "Thanks Alex."

I press my lips to her forehead.
"All the girls are looking at you."
"Yeah right."
"Really."
"And all the guys have their eyes on you."
"Mmhm."
"Just look behind me as I turn."

I twirl her around and then turn around, so that my back is to the group of guys sitting at a table at the other side. She glances above my shoulder and then looks at me.
"Believe me?" When she nods, I smile. " Shall we give them a show?"

"What do you mean?"
"Oh I don't know,' I say as the song comes to an end, "Maybe something like this." Leaning in, - press my lips to hers.
She kisses back for just a second before I pull away.

We walk back to the table,"Where are Mom and Dad?" I ask Brittany.
"Look behind you."
I turn around and see them on the dance floor, dancing together.
My mouth falls open and I feel Adi's finger close it, "Not very attractive."
I grin, "At least it'll stop all the girls from looking, eh?"
She laughs before turning back to Brittany.
"How?" I ask, sitting down next to Ri, my fingers entwined through hers.
She shrugs, "Dad suggested it and after protesting, mom gave in."

"I really think Mom still loves him."
"Me too." Brittany nods before her eyes wander back to our parents.
"Where to next?" Brianna asks as Dad pulls away from the restaurant.
"Surprise."

The drive lasts fifteen minutes and just as Bree starts to get restless, Dad parks in front of a brown building.
"Where are we?" She asks.
"You'll find out soon enough."
I smile as we walk into the building. I'm guessing I know where we are. Dad asks us to wait and then goes up to the reception and talks to the lady sitting behind the desk. After a few minutes, he walks up to us, smiling.

"Come on."
"Where?"
He sighs, "Brianna, you really should learn to be patient."
She pouts but then silently follows Dad. We walk through the building, which is mostly quiet until Dad pushes open a door leading out. Stepping out of the warmth of the building, there's a chilly breeze blowing past us, carrying the sound of waves.

"Oh. My. God! That's so cute! Brianna exclaims as a boat all lighted up with fairy lights comes into view. Dad leads us towards it and a man jumps down. He introduces himself and then leads us into the boat, handing us life jackets to put on. Once we're ready, he pulls up the anchor, with the help of a few men on board and steers the boat away from the shore.

"It's so beautiful." Adriana whispers.

"I know." I rest my chin on her shoulder and look out, beyond the water. The city lights are reflecting on the water and the sky looks endless with all the stars sparkling. As the boat moves further away, I catch sight of similar boats in the water. There are about ten of them scattered around.

"Look." I point them out to Adi.
She gasps looking around, not having noticed them before.
"There are so many."
"I know."

As a gust of wind blows past, she curls back into me and I hold her close.
"One minute left!" Brianna announces.
We turn back to see the crew lighting up a lantern and hanging it up. Adi glances back and then nudges me.
"Look."
Glancing back, I see that all the other boats have done the same. A horn blows in the distance and soon we hear the occupants of the other boats start counting down.
Adriana looks at me, excitement clear on her face as we join in.

"7, 6, 5..."
I glance around the boat. Mom standing with Austin, Brittany and Brianna with Dad.
"3, 2, 1."
Firecrackers explode in the sky, lighting it up in a sea of colors. Adi back to face me and leaning in closer, I capture her lips in a kiss. I'm aware of a flash going off at us, but I can't be bothered.
It's just so beautiful, standing on a boat with the cold breeze around us, firecrackers in the sky... And kissing Adi.
"Happy New Year." I mumble against her lips.

"You too." She buried her face in my shirt and I hold her close before glancing at my family.
Mom's watching us, smiling, but everyone else is busy with the fireworks.
"Aleeeeex!! Get up!!" Adi tries to pull me off the couch.
"What for?"
"The delivery guys'll be there any minute."

"So?"
"We need to go."
"Why?"
She groans, "Alex! Please!"
"Who's troubling you Adi?"
"Your son."
"Who is your boyfriend." Mom laughs, watching her pull my arm.
"Alex! Get up."
Mom laughs and heads upstairs.

"Alex please."
"Okay. But you have to do something first."
"What's that?" She asks, sighing.
"Kiss me." Rolling her eyes, she bends forward but I pull her down so that she's straddling me. Leaning in, she presses her delicious lips to mine.

"Now come on." She gets off my lap and this time when she pulls my arm, I get up.
After shrugging on our coats and saying bye to whoever is at home, we head out to my car. I glance at Adi as I near the apartment. We'd gone shopping the other day and watching her pick up things for the house was just incredible. She had so much fun and I had fun watching her. She included me in everything. From the choice of bed to the color of the curtains and towels. I don't think I've enjoyed a shopping trip more.
She looks so excited.

I park the car and we get out. She's a few steps ahead of me so making sure that she isn't looking, I bend down and grab a handful of snow.
Her gasp is audible in the cold afternoon as the snowball hits her squarely in the back. She whirls around, a shocked expression on her face.

"Alexander!"
"Yes?"
She takes a step towards me and I take a step back. That ends up starting a chase around the neighborhood. I duck around a tree as she aims her snowball at me. I glance back and I'm hit straight in the face.
"Oh. You're gonna regret that."

Laughing, she runs away from me and I chase her down the street towards the park. She runs through the open gate and the children playing look up at us. Adi glances back and I think she trips over her own feet because the next second she's lying in the snow. Just as I reach her, I also trip on a stone and fall over her. She lets out a shriek as I fall on top of her and we start rolling on the uneven ground. When I'm able to stop the both of us from rolling, I glance at her and we both burst out laughing.

"That... was so funny! You should have seen your face as you fell down!" She exclaims between peals of laughter.
I roll on top of her and silence her with my lips, "Not that you didn't look ridiculous screaming!"

She chuckles as we get up and start walking back to the apartment. Glancing at the children she waves at them smiling.
Back at the apartment, we've just hung up our coats when there's a knock at the door. I open the door to see a guy holding a clipboard.

"Hi. Is Adriana Reynolds in?"
Adi appears at the door. "Yup."
"Delivery for you."
We step back just as two men walk in, holding a huge carton box.
"Four poster bed?"
"Yeah," she glances at me, "This way."

I watch as she leads them to the master bedroom. She steps back to allow them some room to take it into the room. When Adi glances at me I shoot her a grin, feeling excited.
"Table for eight?"
I nod, "Right this way." I lead them to the dining room.

As they start assembling the table, I watch them and then head towards the master bedroom. Just as I"m passing the front door I remember something and slip out of the apartment.

"Please don't tell me I've forgotten it." I look for my professional camera in my car and finally find it. Dad had gotten it for me a few years back, when I'd started getting interested in photography.

"How's it going?" I ask.
Adi turns around, 'Good. They're almost done."
I nod and then hand her the camera, "Take pics as they finish. Maybe a before and after thing? The empty room and then complete with all the furniture?"
She smiles, "Awesome idea!"
She starts taking a photo, "They've started on the dining table."
"Really? I wanna see."
She follows me to the dining room.

It's an hour later and the men are still working to assemble everything. Adi's bedroom is the closest to being complete. Her bed's done, the wardrobe, dressing table, and 2 nightstands are all up. All that's left is her desk. She's in the guest room, watching them place the carpet and I'm in the kitchen. The kitchen was my responsibility. From buying all the utensils to setting it up.

"Alexander!"
"Yeah?... I'm coming!"
I head into the guest room to see the carpet laid out and the bed assembled.

"The bed should face this way, right?"
I nod as she gestures in the direction. "Yeah. It gives more room to move around."
She nods. "Yeah. Okay. Then put it like that."
I peek into the dining room to see that the table and chairs are all done. The sofas are placed in the living room and they're working on the TV stand.
"Alex? Could you please come here?"
I glance up from the box I'm rummaging through, "Yeah. What's wrong?"
She shakes her head, "Nothing. I just need you with me. They're almost done."

Linking my fingers through hers, I follow her to her bedroom. The room's complete. They've just finished putting up the curtains. The four-poster bed is on the right hand side once you enter the room. The wardrobe stands against the wall to its right. The two bed-stands are on either sides of the bed. There's a maroon lamp sitting on one of them. The bed's bare, we still haven't bought the sheets or quilt. Directly opposite the bed is a 32" TV mounted on the wall, a complete sound system beneath it on a stand. Adi's desk is beside it, a study lamp already, waiting to be used. On the adjacent wall, next to the huge balcony, is her dressing table and the mirror mounted above. The curtains are a shade of maroon that give the room a rich look. The floor is bare except for a maroon and gold rug in front of the bed.

"It's perfect." I say, squeezing her hand.
"Isn't it?" She whispers.
I turn her face towards me and see tears in her eyes. "Adi... What is it?"
She shakes her head, "I can't believe..." She throws her arms around me and hugs me tight, her face buried in my shirt, "I love you Alexander."