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

Ch. 17

I haven't seen Xavier, in four days, not that I'm counting. He's texted me but hasn't called, I'm pretty sure he's sulking. I think he expected me to tell him that I love him too, I'm sure he's off licking his wounds. I wasn't prepared for his statement, I don't know where we stand exactly, but saying, I love you? Its just a little too soon. Surly, even he can see that? Its not that I don't love him, I just want to be certain I still love him and not the man he was. I hoped that we'd be a positive point in our relationship before we use the word, love.

    I see Liz at her desk on the phone while nursing baby Aaron. I wave and she smiles waving back. I head to my car ready for a soak in my tub and a glass of wine. With Liz and Aaron back its been easier running the office, but I try to take as much work off of them as I can. They're still doing too much in my eyes, but Liz has always been unstoppable it doesn't surprise me she's back to work days after giving birth.

Letting myself into my house I drop my computer and purse by the front door. My home phone rings and I walk into the kitchen to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hey, its me. I was wondering if you'd like to come for dinner tonight?" Eva, asks politely.

"Is a certain someone going to be there?" I ask.

"Of course. Ruxin the traitor, is always near." She seethes.

"You know I am aware you're involved with keeping secrets from me too. I know it wasn't just, Xavier. Right now, Ruxin is one of my better friends." I tell her only half joking.

"I'm sorry! I just didn't want his stupidity to ruin things. He knows what he did wasn't right, but desperate men do desperate things. Like Ruxin, that idiot just couldn't stay out of my business."

"I can hear you!" Ruxin yells, from somewhere in the background.

"Well, good. I know how much you hate when I keep things from you!" She shouts back.

I laugh at her response. "Your husband it so stinking cute. I swear all he does is think of you." I comment, wistfully. I want someone to think of me half as much as he does his wife.

"Oh, honey. He's only thinking on behalf of his man parts, trust me."

I chuckle. "Yeah, but that's all men." I point out.

"True. So, are we on for tonight? I want to apologize in person and start over. I really like you and feel awful about what happened."

"Yes, I'll be there. What time?"

"I was hoping we could have a late dinner. Serena goes to bed at 7 so, 7:30?"

"Sounds good. I'll see you then." I reply, smiling. I don't know what is so likable about her, but she's just someone you want to be around. She's very sincere and honest.

"Bye." She replies, enthusiastically.

I hang up and pour myself a glass of red wine, taking it with me to the bathroom. Its only 5:30, I have time to soak in a hot bath. After running the water I slide in careful to keep my hair dry. I lean my head back relaxing when I hear a short knock at the door. Trying to remember if I ordered anything, I hear the door open. Shit, I forgot to lock the door! I don't live in a bad area by any means, but there are always the random home invasion. My heart is pounding as I think of what to do.

"Pip?" I hear Xavier ask and instantly let out the breath I was holding.

"Xavier, what are you doing here! You scared me half to death!" I yell, still shaken.

He comes into the bedroom and leans against the open door of the bathroom. I yank the shower curtain to cover me. He smirks at my embarrassment. "I've seen you naked. A lot."