We're Older Now

Chapter 3

Xavier's P.O.V

I know I shouldn't feel this way about her but I can't help it. Every time I'm around her my stomach tightens, my heart beat increases and the desire to hold her gets stronger. These past four years have been torture. I've subtly been getting information off her little sister Janice.

I sit at home alone, wondering how her family dinner is going. I haven't had dinner yet. I've got a cool beer on the counter as I do my daily work out in my gym room. All I have been able to think about for the past four years is the day she left. The day I was too chicken to just man up and kiss her when I had the chance. Then again, maybe it wouldn't have worked. Maybe we were too young.

But we're older now, so maybe now I'll be able to woo her. I shouldn't though, she might feel awkward, hell I'm eight years older than her. She probably wants someone younger than me. Someone like my little brother Michael. He's twenty-six. I shouldn't deprive her of her glory years.

"Give it up Xavier. It's time for dinner" I go to whine but my maid shushes me.

"But Sally-"

"No butts mister. I promised your parents I would look after you so hurry your arse" I huff and walk to her.

Sally has been like a mother to me. My mother and father are politicians, they never had time for me or Michael so we got butlers, nannies, maids. I got Sally and I love her like a mum. My parents figured as much and asked Sally if she could move out with me when I moved out.

"I love you too Sally" I call out with a laugh.

"If you love me you won't act like a child every time dinner is ready" I sigh.

"I don't like eating. It's a waste of time" Sally comes behind me and whacks me upside the head.

"I swear sometimes you say stupid shit like that just to see how I'll react" I laugh and nod my head.

"You know me too well" She smiles and kisses my cheek.

"Eat" I nod my head and walk to the table.

"What's on your mind?" Sally asks as we sit together and eat.

"Pipers back in Sydney" She smiles.

"Well isn't that a good thing. When she left you were a wreck" I shrug.

"She doesn't see me the way I see her" Sally gives me that all too familia look.

"Have you asked her how she feels?" I shake my head.

"But Sally she completely forgot about me until recently"

"I'm sure that's not the case" I sigh and shrug.

"She's better off with someone her own age anyway. What would a twenty-two year old want with a thirty year old?" Sally rolls her eyes.

"Stop thinking like that. Get to know her, become her friend and see where things lead from there" I nod my head and smile.

"You're the best Sally, I love you" I hop up and hug her.

"Ewww, Xavier you're all sweaty" I laugh and walk off for a shower.

Just be her friend, I can do that...I think I can anyway. I mean how hard can that be?

"Hey Xavier" I feel my heart race as I hear her voice. Turning around I smile as casually as I can at her.

"What are you doing here Piper?" She smiles and chuckles softly.

"Picking up Janice" I nod and blush slightly. Of course she's here for her sister. But it's so early I be picking her up.

"Why are you here at this time if you want to pick Janice up" She shrugs and smiles.

"Had nothing better to do. Looks like you're having fun teaching the year sevens how to run laps" I chuckle and nod while watching my year seven PE class.

"I much preferred you as a history teacher then my PE teacher" I smile and wink at her.

"Just so you could stare at me all lesson" Shaking her head she smiles and taps my chest softly.

"In your dreams Xavier" It sure is.

"I have a free next. Just before lung so we can go out and get some food if you want?" I can feel my nerves rise. I don't want her to say no to me again.

"Sure sounds good" I grin and call my year seven class over.

"Go get changed and get ready for your next period. If you are changed before the bell goes then wait on the quad" I yell out to them all.

"I'll just put my books back into my office and we can head out" Piper nods and smiles as she follows me in the direction of my office.

"So I got a job offer" Piper looks up at me from her drink with surprise.

"Yeah? Where at?" I smile.

"Actually at a school near you in Melbourne. They've offered me great pay and all. But I've always worked at this school" She smiles.

"Do what your heart tells you too. Familia is good. But you never know of there is anything better if you dot go out of your comfort zone and look around" I smile up into her eyes.

"What?" She asks smiling as I stare at her.

"You're so... mature. So, perfect" She blushes and shakes her head.

"I'm just me Xavier" I smile and nod.

"So, what do you think you'll do?" I shrug and keep on walking back up to the school with her by my side.

"I don't know, I mean I guess I could always get an apartment out in Melbourne and work there, I'll be closer or you which is a bonus but I'll also be leaving my family and friends behind" She nods her head in understanding.

"It is hard, leaving family and friends. But that doesn't mean you won't ever see them of that you won't make new friends and maybe even start your own family" I nod.

"I guess. I don't know. I have I get back to them by Friday" She just nods and listens.

"Well, you could always catch the plane with me next week If you decide to" I smile and nod.

"That's a good idea. Well, the bell for period five and six should go soon and I have double history year twelve. I'll see you soon piper" Leaning down, I press my lips to her cheek, my lips lingering maybe a second more than they should have. I love the feel of her skin under my lips.

Her cheeks flushed and a smile present on her lips she nods and waves me goodbye as I walk up back into the school. Just before I'm in the door I turn around.

"Have dinner with me tonight? At my place?" She laughs softly and nods.

"Okay, don't go to any trouble" I smile.

"You're all the trouble I need" She playfully pokes her tongue at me and walks off to her car as I walk inside.

I need to call Sally.