So… I may or may not have gotten SO lucky having a slow work day and decided to use my spare time to write the latest chapter. Either way… SO happy and not gonna complain! This chapter picks up on Heather, Alejandro, and Diego the day after chapter 26 going to visit Heather's parents for Thanksgiving in Canada. And to make it sweeter, let's start with Heather's POV. Hope you all enjoy!

(Heather's POV)

Ugh… why?

I'm probably the only person to exist who actually prefers being around my in-laws over my own family.

But at least my in-laws aren't a bunch of annoying, useless posers. Well… not counting José and Kelsey, but honestly that just goes without saying in my opinion.

Just, ugh! Whatever…

All I need to do is grin and bear it through this stupid visit and then we can get on with our lives.

Ugh… but it's just going to be so damn insufferable.

Kelsey and José are already bad and annoying enough since they have the ability to show up no matter where the hell we go. But on my side and I can't believe I'm saying this, at least José and Kelsey have the one redeeming quality of having Natalie not being a useless and entitled little shmuck like Megan and CJ's stupid kids.

CJ's son Craig IV is somehow even more of a useless dipshit than my brother and his daughter Sophia is just about as much of a clueless ditz as my sister-in-law Anna.

And then Megan is still keeping up her sham-marriage to Richie and their daughter Ericka is the epitome of useless. She literally doesn't do anything.

Ericka's 27 and she still lives with her parents and doesn't even have a job or goes to school or anything. Megan says she's just 'waiting for her boyfriend to propose before she moves out'.

Which to me is… idiotic.

HELLO?! She's 27! Find SOMETHING to do!

Ugh, Ericka is just like both Megan and our mother. They don't want to do anything for themselves and expect some rich idiot to take care of them for their entire stupid lives.

And then Damien fortunately doesn't have any kids, but has been divorced and remarried twice to the same woman… and its fucking Jaime Sherman!

Truth, I used to have some shred of respect for Jaime when she'd help me screw over her sister Macie in a pinch… but she lost all of it as soon as she decided to hook up with my stupid little brother.

They've gotten divorced TWICE and still keep getting back together!

What the hell is wrong with her to make her keep coming back to my brother and marrying him all over again?! And why does he keep falling into it?!

Ugh… you know what? Whatever. I don't really even know or want to know anyway.

Ugh, why the hell is my family such a fucking hot mess?!

Alejandro and I approached the door and rang the doorbell with Diego following in behind us.

Even though Diego's been weirdly quiet since he came home the other night, it could just be because we're about to enter the shit show today, so… guess that could maybe explain it.

Eventually my mom answered the door and went all smiles as she said, "Oh hello! Happy Thanksgiving!"

Then my dad came right up behind her and continued in a similar tone, "Yes! Please come in and take off your coats."

You know, I used to question my grandfather and why he moved to Tahiti… now I totally understand. That's only so much fake-ass 'face time' I can stand too. Hence why I'm now a citizen of a completely different country on a completely different continent.

And maybe also why he left me his Tahiti estate when he died… and maybe we should take more advantage of it honestly.

My mom made pleasantries with Alejandro and I and kept going on and on about Alejandro's Prime Minister appointment and how he was always a topic of discussion at their country club groups.

And then my dad got to Diego and his face lit up even more as he shook his hand and clapped him on the shoulder as he said, "There's our family Olympian! That was an amazing match you won. My friends on all our tee times can't stop talking about you!"

Even though I could see Diego's hesitation… this is where he is exactly like Alejandro. Even if he doesn't know how to feel about my parents and thinks they're fake, he'll still play the part when the situation calls for it.

This was immediately proven as Diego smiled and nodded his head before replying, "Gracias grandfather. I really appreciate hearing that."

Yeah, he's still upset at my parents for not ever coming to any of his matches (Olympics or otherwise) despite being retired with no other reason for not going aside from laziness and not wanting to 'disrupt their social lives'.

But, they never attended any of my high school track meets so… yeah and again, I don't blame him for being pissed about it either.

Even Gerardo showed up to most of Diego's matches and he was still technically working at the time since he only retired last month.

Eventually we all got into the living room and it had already started.

Kelsey and José were already drinking in one corner of the room, Megan and CJ kept occupying the center of the room with their families and spouses and talking over each other, Damien and Jaime were sitting on an adjacent loveseat together looking at their phones to ignore everyone with Damien have his free arm around her, and Natalie was sitting on the bench at the piano in the far corner of the room away from everyone looking at her phone.

Yeah… this all looks about normal for the usual fake gatherings.

"Care to get a glass with me?" I heard Alejandro ask as he motioned to the bar cabinet in the corner with one hand and offered me his other arm to complete the gesture.

I took his arm as I replied, "Do you even have to ask?"

He smirked at me as we both walked over to pour ourselves a glass of wine.

Meanwhile Diego started walking over toward Natalie and only confirming the usual routine of these sorts of events.

(Diego's POV)

Dammit… why am I nervous?

Either way I decided to push past it as I walked right up to Natalie. I hardly needed to say anything as she looked up from her phone and saw me.

Despite us both knowing we were going to see each other today… I could tell what happened last night was still fresh on our minds.

But, despite everything, I could sense the remorse from her as she looked away and slid over on the bench, giving me the option to sit next to her.

After a mutual and appreciate nod I sat down as she started, "Sorry for taking a low shot at you last night. I felt cornered and took it too far… and that was shitty."

I knew it.

I shrugged, wanting to show her we were fine, as I replied, "Don't. I shouldn't have acted like that either. Besides, it's true, about Claire. Anyway, and that's besides the point, I liked him."

I didn't want to say anything else since I didn't want to call any attention to Felix here, especially if Natalie cares about him more than I've seen her care about anything other than me, abuela, or boxing.

Eventually she asked, clearly giving me the hint she wanted to talk privately (mainly away from her parents), "Patio?"

I nodded at her as we both casually walked out of the room, grabbing our jackets and heading outside.

It was sunny but a bit brisk in my opinion. Then again, I always forget how cold it gets here. Canada was the first place I ever saw much snow since it isn't exactly a common occurrence where I live.

But, I always have to remember to pack for the weather here in fall and winter so I'm not freezing, despite being a person who runs warmer like my father.

We both got out onto the patio out back of our grandparent's house.

The patio furniture had been put away except for one solitary stone bench. But, I think Natalie felt like standing at this point as did I.

We stayed silent until she said, " Again, I'm sorry I got defensive with you. It's just… It's just Felix has been one of the greatest things to ever happen to me. He's one of the few people I can count on to possibly be there for me here, have my back, and just… care. He comes to my matches, his family practically treats me like family, and he just listens and doesn't judge me. So when you found out about us I just… I panicked. I know I can trust you, but I just was freaked out about having things with Felix getting ruined and had to bring up Claire. Which was so shitty of me to do when I'm kind of doing the same thing, keeping 'secrets'. I'm keeping Felix a secret because I don't want to ruin anything."

I was trying very hard to come up with words, mainly with what Felix and I talked about. Mainly what he talked to me about and I was trying to come up with a way to convey my thoughts without giving anything away.

But, that still doesn't mean I can't be honest. I rubbed the back of my neck before replying, "Well, I meant what I said, on both. I talked with him a little after you left and… I like him quite a bit actually. He's good for you. And… you were right about Claire. I should just tell her."

It was quiet again until she crossed her arms at me and started, quirking up an eyebrow, "So, then… what the hell? What's stopping you from telling her other than you just 'cutting out' every time? Or are you just going to keep getting a pseudo-girlfriend every time she dates someone to try and 'make her jealous' even though that's fucking stupid?!"

As much as that also pissed me off at her bringing it up… it was true.

I straightened up as I defended, swallowing my pride, "I only did that once."

Last year Claire told me she had a boyfriend. They only dated 2 months so it wasn't even anything really, but I reacted a bit when I found out and asked a girl out from my school for… I don't even know?

I guess to see if my mentioning that I was dating someone made her jealous? But… it didn't.

I really had no interest in the girl I was dating anyway so we stopped things after about barely a month.

It didn't stop Natalie from still giving me a look as she directed, "And how many more times are you going to keep doing that when you should just grow a pair and tell her? Diego… seriously, what's stopping you? Because otherwise… what the hell is the point?!"

We stood in silence again as I took all that in only to grimace.

She was right… and I knew it.

Dammit...

We were going to a fundraiser white tie event tomorrow at the country club for grandma and grandpa Wilson. Claire and her whole family will be there, so while we're dancing together… I'll do it.

I even solidified my point as I gave Natalie a determined look before giving in, "Fine. I'll talk to her tomorrow. But… speaking of 'speaking out', are you going to tell anyone about Felix?"

Her eyes immediately went wide before looking defensive and scornful.

Well until she crossed her arms and rolled her eyes before scoffing out, "Yeah, tell who? My fucking parents? Ha! That's the best fucking joke you told yet. Hey mom and dad, guess what? I know you want me to find some rich dipshit or go to university, but I've been dating a 19 year old broke as a joke mechanic with a prosthetic leg for the past year. Yeah, like THAT will ever fucking happen?! If anything, I hope Felix never meets them. I don't care if I have to throw away everything. Nothing will keep me from Felix or boxing."

I gave her a wide eyed look as I started, trying to make sure I heard her correctly, "But, what about abuelo and abuela? What about me? What makes you think you need to give up everything?"

She gave me a sharp look before softening and hanging her head and responding, "Because I hate this life, Diego. Money, country clubs, shallow people, giving a shit about what people think of you and what you have? That's not me. It's never been me. I love abuelo and abuela, but… I don't think they'd accept me being with Felix and where he comes from. So if I have to run off on my own to be able to be with Felix and actually be happy doing what I want to do and live how I want to live… then I'll do it. Even if it means getting written off by everyone. I'll wait until I graduate in May, but then… I'm busting out, Diego. I need to live."

I don't know why, but I took a couple steps closer and put my hand on her shoulder as I said, completely serious, "Well I won't write you off. And I don't think abuelo and abuela would either. But, if that's how you feel… I won't say anything. Even if I think you're wrong."

She didn't say anything but she did eventually give me a slight smirk and a nod, which made me feel better.

But… it still begged the question.

"So I couldn't help but catch your meaning, but… you sounded like you have a plan with boxing?" Eventually she smirked before taking her phone out and leading on, "Maybe…" She handed it to me as

I looked at the screen and saw exactly what it was.

It was an event notice on a boxing website for a prize fight of $5000 to the winner:

Natalie "Bare Knuckle" Burromuerto

Vs.

Katia Farina

November 15th 7 PM

My eyes went wide as I thought out loud, "You're doing 'prize fights'?"

She just grinned and crossed her arms with a shrug, "Gotta pay a deposit on an apartment somehow. Besides ever since I won my title, all these organizations kept reaching out to me and offering money if I won a bout at one of their events against their champions. I've done about 3 already. And why not? It's a pretty good gig and I'm 18 so I don't need anyone's permission. Sue me? Even though he won't let me give him any of my money."

I knew immediately she was talking about Felix and she didn't even give me time to respond as she exasperated in frustration before finally expressing, "Seriously, I love him but he drives me fucking crazy with being such a damn martyr all the time. There is literally fucking WATER coming through the ceiling in his family's duplex apartment above the garage and he and his parents refuse to take my money to fix it! They let me have dinner all the time and have been nothing but nice to me and I'm trying to be nice help them fix their roof and they won't take anything! Well, Felix won't take it because he says it's 'my money' and he 'doesn't want to owe me anything'. I just… Qué carajo?! I love him! Why won't that son of a bitch just take my stupid money already?!"

It was quiet again and even though I still felt a tinge of jealousy… I couldn't deny it after what I heard from Natalie just now.

Instead I crossed my arms and teased, "Well, I just think that means he cares enough not to take advantage of you… and also hilarious how you managed to find someone as stubborn as you."

She immediately gave me a look before shoving my shoulder as she smirked and rolled her eyes at me, "Whatever you fucking hypocrite."

I knew completely she was teasing me for being the same way… which is true.

We both laughed until the back door opened and grandma Wilson stuck her head out and said, "Dinner is ready on the table you two!"

With that we eventually made our way inside, feeling better about being 9n good terms again.

But… I still can't help but think she's wrong regardless.

Alright so, a lot of dialogue and exposition in this chapter… but it was necessary. Since Heather's siblings apart from Kelsey aren't really essential to the plot but you all wanted to see how CJ, Megan, and Damien were like at this point in the timeline, I wanted dot include something! :) But, in short and as you all read… they're still a bunch of spoiled, useless good for nothing snobs. Lol. XD And Damien… I had fun with coming up with a story for him and I thought it would have been hilarious if him and his high school flame Jaime were in this on again and off again relationship were they've been married and divorced twice. Since Damien was always taking a shot at Heather for her relationship with Alejandro seeming crazy, I thought it would have been funny if he got the Karmatic come around of also ending up in a turbulent relationship as a consequence to being a shitty brother his whole life. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, right? Lol. And then we get to Diego and Natalie. For Diego, we'll get to meet Claire Watson next chapter so you all will get a chance to see her and what her 'vibe' is like. But, mainly I wanted to give Natalie some last minute focus and expand more on both her relationships with Diego and Felix, which I hope you enjoyed. As well as seeing the 'double life' Natalie is already leading with her high school student by day and kick-ass boxer winning prize fights by night. Even if her sweet yet stubborn boyfriend silently cheering her on in the seats won't take her money. Aww! Lol. XD Also, if you guys noticed Natalie's ring name, it was something she got after she knocked out Hector when he was feeling her up without consent and instantly gained respect from a lot of the guys at her gym and a reputation for knocking out a guy 4 inches taller and 40 lbs heavier than her with a bare knuckle punch. Eventually the nickname grew on her and she made "Bare Knuckle" as part of her 'ring name' during boxing matches. Because she's just that cool. Haha. ;) Although it seems like Diego is fully realizing how much Natalie wants to 'escape' but doesn't quite agree with precisely how she wants to do it without being honest about her relationship with Felix to at least the Burromuerto side of the family. Anyway, thank you all just so much for taking the time to read and hope it brought some nice escapism to your day. Constructive feedback is always very much appreciated as always and I will see you all next time!

Stay classy, healthy, and safe everyone!

Dexter1995