051 | part of the family

Gianna hummed softly to herself as she stood in the kitchen, slicing vegetables for the salad. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted in the air, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of calm as she worked. Sundays at her parents' house were always a welcome break from the chaos of her professional life, and today, it was even more special. Her brother Marc was home, and Hector was coming over too-something about the idea of the two of them together just felt... right.

She wiped her hands on the dish towel and glanced at the clock on the wall. Hector should be here any minute now. She felt a little flutter in her stomach just thinking about it, but she tried to shake it off. Today was about family, and no amount of that feeling could mess up her family time.

She heard footsteps coming from the hallway and assumed it was Marc, so she didn't think much of it. She placed the finished salad on the counter and took a deep breath before making her way to the living room to join the others.

But when she stepped out of the kitchen and into the dining room, she froze.

There, sitting at the lunch table with an easy grin, was Hector. He was casually leaning back in his chair, looking completely at ease as he talked with Marc and their parents. Gianna's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him-he seemed right at home here. Too at home, if she was being honest.

She blinked, trying to process what she was seeing. When did he get here? And more importantly, When did he become part of the family?

"Since when was Hector part of the family?" Gianna asked, her voice a mix of surprise and amusement as she walked toward the table, trying to hide the little rush of warmth spreading across her cheeks.

Hector looked up at her, his eyes glinting with playful mischief. "Since always, hermosa," he replied smoothly, the smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table as he gave her a teasing look. "Didn't you know?"

Gianna could only stare at him, her eyes narrowing slightly in confusion. "I-no," she replied, shaking her head with a laugh. "I didn't know you were suddenly a regular at the Guiu family gatherings."

Marc, sitting across from Hector, grinned from ear to ear at the exchange. "Oh, believe me, he's been a regular long before today," Marc teased, throwing a wink in Hector's direction. "They've known each other forever, you know. It was only a matter of time before Hector was officially part of the family."

Gianna shot her brother a mock glare, crossing her arms. "Are you telling me this now? After all these years?"

"Would it really surprise you?" Marc chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction.

Gianna turned back to Hector, raising an eyebrow as she leaned against the table. "I didn't realize you were so close with everyone," she said, her voice soft but playful. "I mean, you've always been around, but... this is a whole new level."

Hector shrugged nonchalantly, giving her that confident, easy smile she was starting to get used to. "What can I say? I'm a man of many talents," he teased, then added, with a wink, "Including charming the Guiu family."

Gianna couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "You really have no shame, do you?"

"Nope," Hector replied with a grin. "And that's what makes me such a great guest."

Marc and their parents exchanged amused glances as they listened in on the conversation. It was clear that everyone was comfortable with Hector's presence, and Gianna had to admit, she wasn't all that surprised. He had been around so much over the years that it felt almost... natural.

But something about this new dynamic was hitting her differently. As Hector joked with Marc and their parents, it suddenly felt like there was this... unspoken understanding between them. He wasn't just Hector anymore. He was part of the family-just like he had always been.

As she stood there, watching Hector interact with her family, Gianna's heart did this funny little flutter again. She had always known how close they were, but seeing it like this, in her home, made everything seem so... real.

She cleared her throat and took a seat next to Hector, making sure not to get too lost in her thoughts. "Alright, you're officially part of the family now," she said with a smile, though a soft blush crept up her neck. "But only for today. Don't get too comfortable."

Hector smirked and leaned over to her, his voice dropping low and teasing. "I'm always comfortable with you, Gianna."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked the warmth spreading across her face with a playful roll of her eyes. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Marc glanced between the two of them, his eyes narrowing slightly as a knowing grin spread across his face. "Yeah, I think you two are perfect for each other," he muttered under his breath, but loud enough for them both to hear.

Gianna froze for a second, feeling her face flush. "Marc, seriously?"

But before Marc could respond, Hector jumped in, his grin widening. "I agree," he said, looking at her with that same teasing look. "Perfect match."

Gianna groaned, burying her face in her hands. "You two are unbearable," she muttered, but she couldn't stop the small laugh that escaped her lips.

As they all sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. There was laughter, teasing, and plenty of delicious food-just the way family lunches should be. Gianna felt her worries from earlier in the week melt away. In this moment, surrounded by her family and Hector, everything felt... right.

And for once, she didn't feel the need to question it. It felt like home.