The Contract

Chapter 169-The Luminary

"I know" I assured and she pulled me into a hug, I needed that more than anything. I held unto her, she was like an anchor holding me through a storm, she was always there, she was always still.

She keeps me grounded, she was a reminder.

We pulled out and I let out a sigh. "Can I go now?" I asked and she grinned.

The ride in the car was a quiet one, I stared out of the window to the street as we drove past, lights and Christmas trees, everyone was ready for the festive season.

It didn't even feel like Christmas, it felt like...nothing.

We arrived Vega's place in moments and I stepped out, staring up at the building. I couldn't believe this was real, it was just an idea yesterday and now here we were.

I was standing in front of my sister's masterpiece.

I headed towards it and the door was pulled open, welcoming me into that intimate vibe. People were all around, in pairs and in singles.

"Welcome to Vega's Place" a waitress walked to me with a bright smile on her lips. "Thank you"

"Should I lead you to a—"

"Pearl!" Someone screamed from the other side and my head whipped back to see Bella jumping excitedly as she saw me. She waved me over and I laughed, walking to her and we both embraced.

"You can't be startling your customers like that" I reminded and she laughed before turning to everyone. "I'm so sorry, everyone. Enjoy. Come on!" She grabbed my hand and led me through the double doors.

We walked past the kitchen and I glanced in to see lots of chefs, "Ooh" I cooed and she chuckled.

We entered her office and I stopped at the door, "So so sorry...I was up all night, trying to come up with a menu..." She apologized, picking up all the papers and stuffs all around.

"It's alright. We are all messy like that" I waved it off, settling on the seat and placing my bag on the table, she took her seat opposite.

I let out a breath and sat down, "Business is progressing"

"You have no idea, Mom is literally my advertiser, she recommends this place to everyone, she's amazing" she praised and I smiled. "I'm so happy for you, And Derrick?"

"He's on a business trip right now, but at least I won't feel lonely that much staying all alone at home" she said, letting out a breath. "I'm glad you—"

"Oh, and Travis! I haven't thanked you both for showing up that day, lots of reporters showed up after you both left and oh...I met Darren Watts and he said he knows you..." She rambled excitedly.

"He does, we used to work at LA Times"

"Yes, LA Times. I couldn't believe I was on the front page!" She squealed and I chuckled. "I'm happy for you"

"Silly me. What do you want? Pick anything off the menu and I'll make it for you" she said and I laughed. "Oh come on, this is business "

"And you're my sister"

My smile widened. "How about we start with a drink?" I suggested. Moments later, we both clinked our glasses together and I took a sip of the wine.

She let out a sigh after taken a sip. "I'm so glad you're here. Oh oh, how could I forget? I'm hosting dinner this Thursday. It's like a celebration party and also for Christmas, you should come"

"Oh this Thursday isn't a—"

"It will be fun! Just like old times, remember how Christmas parties used to be. Mom goes overboard and makes us dress like Santa's little helpers and..."

She was really happy, I could tell. There was an everlasting smile on her lips and the way she just rambled excitedly, it filled my heart seeing her this way.

She deserves all this.

"Alright!" I cut her off. "Great, I thought you were gonna miss Jesus's birthday "

That one made me laugh and throw my head back, "I'm planning a ball for Christmas though "

"Ooh, a Christmas ball?"

"Yeah, the Luminary Ball"

"The Luminary Ball?!" She exclaimed and I nodded. "Oh my gosh, you really get big gigs, sis"

"Nothing serious, it's just because I planned the Stellar Awards" I downplayed it. "Nothing serious? You planned the Stellar Awards. You're amazing!" She praised and I nodded, taking another gulp from the glass.

"You're amazing too. Business woman in the making, chef at heart..." I began and she laughed , throwing her head back.

Bella made me forget everything, she made me  believe that...the little things could bring happiness too. She was my Luminary.