Page 81 of Xavier

BRIANNA

Xavier is trying to keep me distracted. He’s doing everything he can to keep my spirits up while we are stuck in this house.

And for the most part, it’s working.

Between the cards, cooking, and not to mention the sex, I barely have time to miss being out in public.

But deep in my heart, I miss socializing. I miss the energy I get from being around people. It’s like their excitement charges my battery.

Loud knocking sounds on the front door.

I sit up and look to the side of the bed where Xavier’s been sleeping at night since the night of the hotel. And today for our post-coital nap.

It’s empty and cold, meaning he’s been awake for a while.

I get up and throw on a t-shirt and shorts before cracking the bedroom door open to see who is at the front door.

Xavier glances my way as he walks past. He’s got his gun in his hand and his eyes are laser focused on the front door.

I hold my breath as his hand wraps around the doorknob.

His body is tense and rigid as he looks through the peephole. In a split second, his body relaxes.

“Who is it?” I whisper.

“Grocery delivery guy.”

“Why is he back? We just got groceries a few days ago.”

Xavier tucks his gun in the waistband of his black cargo pants before opening the door.

Those black cargo pants are going to be the death of me.

I need to get him different pants. He needs to expand his wardrobe a little.

Not waiting for the grocery guy to speak, Xavier gets right to the point. “You just gave us groceries. I think we are all set for the week.”

The guy glances at me. “This is a special delivery.”

I interrupt. “From who and why?”

He looks at me as if he can’t believe I just asked that. As if I should automatically know the answers to these questions.

He hands the freezer bag over to Xavier before returning his gaze to mine. “It’s from your dad.”

My spirits perk up a bit. “Is this over? Can we return home now? Is this his way of breaking the news to us instead of calling or texting?”

Xavier peeks inside the bag. “Nope, this isn’t the reward at the bottom of the cereal bag that you’re hoping it is, but I think you should see what’s inside.”

He walks over to me and hands me the bag.

Looking inside, I let out a loud gasp. Strawberry shortcake cupcakes.

Dad always gets me strawberry cupcakes for my birthday.

I don’t realize I’m crying until Xavier swipes the tears from my cheeks.

I whisper, “It’s my birthday today.”

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