that is Ana for you

Chapter 18 (Aron's POV)

After I and Becky had breakfast, this time it was food, we made our way together to the office.

I couldn't help but wonder what kind of assholes she dated in the past.

I was sitting in my office, just staring through the window when I realized I might be out of depth here with Becky.

I needed a woman's insight.

Calling my aunt about this kind of thing was out of the options.

Vicky as well. If I asked that woman about Becky so early in our relationship or whatever we had going on, I wouldn't hear the end of it and she would scare Becky away for sure.

So I only had one other choice, and it was overdue I gave her a call anyway.

She picked up the phone on the second ring, like always.

"Hello, there brother. How can I help you? I thought you forgot about me since you last called or texted me months ago."

I couldn't help but chuckle.

Ana was one of a kind.

Even though we were cousins, we grew up together and she always called me brother and I called her sister.

We were also as close as siblings and in our book we were just that. Siblings. Giving each other hell but had each other back at every turn.

"Hey, Ana. You know I could never forget about you. It's just been a really busy few months for me. You know how things are around here."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't get all grumpy on me right at the start of our conversation. What's up? Did mom tell you to call me and help me realize I don't need to become a lesbian?"

I burst out laughing.

Damn, I almost forgot about that.

Each time I tried to picture my aunt's face when Ana told her that I couldn't hold in the laugh that escaped me.

After a moment she started laughing as well and we both needed almost a full minute before we managed to get our breath back.

"Actually no, but we will get back to that. I know it's funny for us but one of these days your mother will have a heart attack because of you young woman. First I wanted to ask you when you are coming home."

Suddenly there was a heavy kind of silence in the air between us and a sigh escaped her before she answered.

"I'm coming home next week, but I don't think I'll be going back to the university."

She was always so cheerful but right now she sounded as serious as ever and I could even hear a trace of defeat in her voice.

Which was so unlike her.

We were both raised to never give up on our dreams, and she was pursuing her dream of becoming an artist.

"Ana, talk to me. What happened?"

She chuckled at my words, but her chuckle was sad and empty.

"Nothing really. Don't worry about me, please. This is my decision and my life. And for once I will fix it on my own. Please. You've put your life on standby so many times because of me and I won't let you do it again. I promise it's nothing major."

It was hard for me to agree with her, but I could finally hear the determination in her voice. And I had a feeling she needed to do this on her own. For herself.

So I reluctantly agreed.

"Ok. But if you need anything you know where to find me."

The chuckle that escaped her this time was already more like her.

"You know I do, but that's not the reason why you called me. Now spill it brother dearest. What bugs you?"

It was my turn to be on the hot chair it seems. I took a deep breath before I started speaking.

"Ok. So here's the short version. I met someone. She is perfect in any way possible and no I am not in love since I have known her for only a few days now, but you could say I like her a lot. But I have a problem. Seems to me that she was dating the worst assholes possible. Anything I do for her she thinks she owes me. And I can't help but feel like she thinks it's all just an act. Now if you could help me from a woman's point of view, what should I do to make her realize it's just who I am and not an act?"

"Hold on. You met someone and she is not all over you and your money? How is that even possible?"

The sarcasm in her words was really thick.

"hardy-ha-ha. Not funny. Becky has her own money and doesn't need mine."

"Can I know her last name as well?"

"Collins. Why is that important now?"

Ana gasped so loudly at my words I had to move my phone a safe distance away from my ear, and good thing I did because the next thing I knew she was yelling at me.

"Rebecca 'Becky' Collins? The Becky? The super hot model Becky? Are you for real right now? You are banging probably the hottest person in London! Oh my God, how did you even meet her?"

"She is my assistant's best friend. And if you remember Mason? Well, she is his sister."

"Damn it. How did I not put those two together? Off course. And to answer your question. She probably was dating assholes all her life. That's the world of fashion you know. And men in those circles don't give a fuck about anyone else but themselves. So the only thing you can do is be patient and show her how a real man treats his woman."

"But you know I am NOT a patient man Ana."

"Oh, believe me, Aron, I know. But if you want her as badly as I think you do, you will have to learn."

Fuck!