Better Man // A. Greizmann

8.

// I wonder what we would've become if you were a better man //

"Okay, Sof are you ready?" Aveline asked as she rushed around backstage making sure the last few details were all good to go.

"I am. Uhm, I did get a text from Nando I think you should see."

"Okay?"

From: Fernando

Hey I know you'll do great! Me and Isabelle are here cheering you on! Oh and just so you know, Antoine is here. I thought you should known and tell Aveline.

"He's here? How what?!"

"We are in Madrid," Sofía shrugged, "I just wanted to let you know."

"Thank you," she nodded and hugged her.

Aveline took a deep breath and smiled before she walked out onto the cat walk. She smiled and waved as cameras flashed. She hadn't put out a line in over two years. This was a big deal. She waved and waited for the applause to end. She immediately saw Fernando sitting in the front row on the right side holding Isabelle. Right next to him was Antoine. She ignored him and kept walking until she got to the middle of the runway.

"Thank you all so much for coming to my show! It has been a while since I've done one, and I'm thrilled to be back in Madrid. I took some time off for myself, and during that time, I came up with this line. I am so excited to share it with you. It's inspired by what I saw every day in the South of France. I hope you enjoy. Thank you!"

* * * * * * * * * * *

Aveline walked backstage and smiled at all the models, "Thank you all so much for making my show a huge success! I have enjoyed having every single one of you! Let's get changed and have a great time at the after party!"

Her models cheered loudly and began changing. She smiled and walked over to Sofía. The two friends embraced tightly rocking side to side. Sof gently rubbed Aveline's back. This show was the fifth the two had done together. It was a milestone. The two friends pull apart and smile at each other.

"Another wonderful show, Ave!" Sof smiled and kissed her best friend's cheek.

"Thank you. You, amour, were fantastic. I can't believe you gave birth to Isabelle only four months ago!"

"I wouldn't have missed this show for the world, amiga!"

The two friends took each other's hands and walked towards where the party was being held. Fernando was waiting for the two of them at their reserved table with bouquets of roses and a carrier that held his daughter. He walked over, grinning at the two.

"There are my girls!"

"Nando!" Sofía smiled happily.

"Mi amour," he kissed her cheek, "these are for you!"

"Gracias!"

"De nada; and these are for the amazing designer!" Fernando turned to Aveline

"Oh, Fernando! Thank you so much! They're beautiful," Aveline took them kissing his cheek.

"You're welcome. You did an amazing job as always!"

"You're too kind!"

The three of them stood there talking happily. Fernando had his arm around Sofía waist while she held Isabelle. Their little girl had fallen asleep in her mother's arms. She was blissfully unaware of all the excitement around her. Nando went over to talk to a couple of friends he recognised, while Sofí­a took Isabelle to a private room so she could pump.

"Aveline, fantastic job," an incredibly familiar voice said from behind her.

"Oh thank you, Antoine," she said softly turning around. Her breath caught her throat when she saw him standing there with a large bouquet of red roses.

"These are for you, cher-" he broke off awkwardly.

"Thank you, Antoine," Aveline bit her lip while taking the flowers.

"Can we talk?" He asked.

Aveline took a deep breath and nodded. She gestured for him to follow. She wanted to go to a place where they wouldn't be bothered or spotted. She was slightly unnerved at the idea of being alone with Antoine after everything that had happened between them but knew that they needed to talk. They went out back to the small garden. He lead her over to the small bench and sat down.

"I, uhm. I owe you a huge apology. I was a huge jerk. You were right to leave."

"Antoine-"

"No. I mean it. I'd have broken up with me too. You deserve so much better. I'm so sorry that I wasn't a better boyfriend when you were the perfect girlfriend."

"Thank you," she said softly.

"Your show was amazing. I hope you have a good rest of your night," he smiled before walking away.

Aveline watched him leave while biting her lip. She was glad that she had gotten some closure with him. She knew she had to leave him. The way he had acted towards the end was inexcusable, but she couldn't help but think back to when he had been a good boyfriend. The brunette remembered thinking about them getting married and having a life together. She couldn't help but wonder what their life together would've been like if he had been different.