All's Fair in Love and Business: Xavier's Story

Ch. 8

Authors note: Sorry! I know we ALL love authors notes but I just wanted to clear something up and this is easier. A lot of readers have been messaging me about Piper's "race". So, I thought I'd address it. Piper is of the human race (I can practically hear the shock and awe). I was deliberately vague on her description because I like letting you decide for yourself what she  looks like. It doesn't matter to me where she falls on the pinwheel of skin color and it has no bearing on the story. Love you bunches! XOXO, Kylee.  

Xavier Sterling

I stiffen as Ruxin comments about our past. That fucking asshole. I clamp my jaw shut tightly not wanting to show him that I care what he says about me.

When he finishes I ask Eva, calmly. "You just had to bring him?"

She shrugs,"He follows me everywhere, you know that. Although, if he can't behave he will pay for it later." She replies, looking at Ruxin ominously and grabbing his arm tightly. Ruxin doesn't look at all affected by her threat, but rather amused by it, as he always is.

After showing the house to the people I call friends and family, who apparently have nothing better to do than call me names and of course hit me, Eva! We start to walk to the front of the house to leave. Thank God, its over.

"I'm hungry. We should do lunch there's a little French restaurant nearby, it has great food." Eva suggests, looking at all of us for agreement.

"Sounds lovely." Mom, accepts.

I was almost home free. I feel my hands tighten into fists. The only thing I want to do is get rid of my mom and talk to Pip. Of course talking to her I'll have to reveal what I thought she did with Pasquale, and I know that won't go over well...maybe, I'll keep that to myself. 

"I have a lot of work to do. Why don't you guys go ahead and I'll call Elizabeth to pick me up." Pip says, easily.

"Nonsense. You have to eat lunch somewhere and it wont take long. Besides, Ruxin's buying!" She announces, ignoring Pips request to skip lunch. "There! That will tech you to insult my friends." Eva says, sticking her tongue out at Ruxin.

He scoffs. "You make fun of him more than I do." Ruxin points out.

"Duh. Thats what friends are for." She replies, smugly. Only Eva could pester me for the last hour, then use friendship as a way to completely justifying herself. I roll my eyes, "Actually, I think it was a group effort today to annoy me. Now, lets get this over with." I say, holding open the car door for Mom and Pip. Mom gets in first then a more reluctant Pip follows.

When we leave the driveway I ask, "How'd you like Eva and the ogre she calls her husband?"

"She's feisty and bossy. And definitely has him by the short ones. Not that he seems to mind a bit." She answers, completely honest. Mom and I laugh at her assessment of them.

"Oh, yes. I believe that is exactly right." Mom, agrees wholeheartedly. "Very sweet couple those two."

"Very interesting couple. He doesn't seem to like you very much." Pip, says to me.

I grunt. "We're actually almost friends."

Her eyebrows shoot to her hairline in shock and disbelief. "I see that you both have a mutual respect for each other but friends?" She asks, shaking her head.

I laugh. "Well, they asked me to be Godfather of their son just yesterday. So, we must be friends. Plus, I can't help that they think they're funny. I've tried to tell them their not, but they just don't listen." I explain, sadly.

"Oh, I thought they were really funny. Especially, the part about you-"

"Didn't we JUST talk about who your working for?" I interrupt, faking offense.  "Really, must we go through this again?
You agree with me. Now, lets say it together." I start to chant. "I Pipsqueak, agree with-" I wait for her to catch up. When she does it's said through continues giggles and laughter. I feel better about today the instant she smiles up at me, amusement coloring her beautiful eyes and lighting her face. I remember the first time she smiled at me, all the feelings of excitement and affection, its staggering. I blink looking into her eyes, it is no different today than it was the first time. How did I lose this? How did I let this go?