The last thing he wanted was to be on the phone with an ex-business partner of his, but he couldn't really complain because he'd promised to help Quentin and his Dad out. Sometimes he hated how nice he was. But he knew he wasn't really being taken advantage of, because he secretly loved doing business, apart from his love for cooking. Also, the company was kinda his anyway.
It was interesting getting the perspective of another person on how they saw the company though. Seems his ideas on Vinium were working.
"So are you coming back anytime soon?"
Usually, people didn't care about someone else coming to take the reins. Who wouldn't want to be the CEO of a company like theirs? However, everyone kept questioning him, especially that night, on if he'd be back anytime soon. They knew about his restaurant, but they didn't care. No one dared talk down on it though.
"I'm still thinking about it," he said honestly.
"Hm. I hope you'll come up with a final decision soon."
"I hope so too."
He wasn't sure of anything in his life yet, so that would have to take a backseat. Tina just had to come back before he'd get some things sorted out.
***
They didn't really do anything that day as she was simply forced to eat and relax as much as possible. She didn't go out, but she did talk to Trevor and later Lamont, on video call. Andrew mentioned uncle Paul called and told him excitedly that she was around. She wasn't staying long, but she kind of wanted to, especially after seeing the look on her uncle and aunt's face made her want to do everything in her power to make them happy.
Tina couldn't help but think about the conversations she'd had with her uncle and aunt. They had listened with compassion and understanding, offering words of comfort and reassurance.
Tina and her family spent the morning catching up and reminiscing about old times. They looked at photo albums, shared stories, and laughed together. Tina felt like she was reliving her childhood, but with a newfound appreciation for her family and their love.
As the day wore on, Tina began to realize just how much she had grown and learned. She had been carrying around so much guilt and shame for years, but now she saw that it was unnecessary. Her family loved her, not despite her flaws, but because of who she was as a person.
As they prepared for lunch, Tina's aunt pulled her into a warm hug. "We're proud of you, Tina," she whispered. "You're strong, resilient, and beautiful."
Before she could say anything in response, she felt extra weight on her body.
"Yeah, Tina! We love you!" Lawrence exclaimed.
"And I'm happy to have my only sister back. Tired of having just two brothers," Diane, appearing from nowhere, said, grinning. "Also, the fact that you're a whole business woman now is a big deal, too. Soon you'll be rich-rich. Maybe richer than your parents and-"
"Okay, enough," her aunt interrupted with a smile on her face. "But she's right about the business part. It's a great achievement."
"Thank you guy," she whispered, and their response was to give her a big hug.
Tina felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she hugged them back. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but with her family's love and support, she felt like she could conquer anything.
***
Tina woke up early on her second day with her family, feeling a sense of peace and renewal. She had finally opened up to her uncle and aunt, sharing her deepest fears and insecurities. The weight of her secrets had been lifted, and she felt a sense of liberation. Her cousins really acted like they weren't witnesses to all the crying and hugging going on in the sunroom the day before.
She used the opportunity to walk around the house, her clingy cousin Diane by her side, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her. She looked around at the familiar walls, the old bed, and the memories that lingered in every corner.
"This place has changed a bit," she stated.
"Hm. We repainted it a few times, with my room being the most repainted."
She laughed, not surprised. "I'm guessing you're not moving out anytime soon then."
Diane shook her head. "Never. Until I'm at least sixty." Then she said soberly, "I just wanted to be around them, especially Dad. They're getting...older. It breaks my heart when I remember it, and when Dad almost lost his life in front of me, I just had a change of heart."
Tina sighed in understanding. She felt the same way. She was supposed to leave soon, but seeing how her uncle looked, she didn't know if she'd be able to. If she even should. But then, she had work to do.
"I'm sorry I wasn't around all these years," she said.
Diane shrugged as she leaned into her warmth. "It's okay. You have your own things to deal with. At a point, I was mad at you for never returning, but I'm grown enough to understand everything now. From my research and what mom and dad explained."
Tina gave her a sad smile. Her family really was too understanding of everything.
The rest of the day flew by in a blur of laughter, tears, and memories. Tina and her family went for a walk, had a picnic, and even watched an old family video. As the sun began to set, Tina knew that it was almost time to say goodbye.
"Are you going to be okay?" Tina asked as she sat beside her uncle in the living room.
His hand brushed hers as he responded, "I've been fine all these years and I'll be fine when you leave." He added, "I'll be sad though, but these past days were the best for me. I feel more alive seeing you than before."
"I'm happy... That you're glad to see me," she said, holding his hand. "I'm glad to see you too. To see everyone."
"If I'd known getting a heart attack was going to make you come sooner, I would've gotten something done," he joked, to which she let out a laugh.
"Well, if you follow the doctor's instructions and promise not to have another heart attack, I'll visit often."
He smiled. "Anything for you."
They shared a hug before she went back to her bedroom, her heart heavy.
As she packed her bags and prepared to leave the next morning, Tina reminisced the past. The last time she'd packed to leave. However, this time was different. She was more sure if herself now, and she was leaving with happiness.
Downstairs, her family was waiting for her, their faces etched with sadness and love. Tina hugged each of them tightly, trying to hold back tears.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you for loving me, for accepting me."
Her uncle smiled, his eyes shining with tears. "We'll always love you, Tina. No matter what."
As Tina walked out the door, she felt a sense of closure, of healing. She knew that she would never forget this trip, this chance to reconnect with her family.
The drive to the airport was quiet, with Tina lost in thought. She reflected on the past two days, on the memories they'd made, and the love they'd shared.
As she boarded the plane, Tina felt a sense of sadness wash over her. She was leaving behind the people she loved, the people who had helped her heal. But she also knew that she was taking something precious with her – the love and acceptance of her family.
The plane took off, soaring into the sky. Tina watched as the ground below grew smaller, feeling a sense of peace and renewal. She knew that she would always carry this sense of love and belonging with her, no matter where life took her.
And she'd definitely be back soon. Just like she'd promised.