Page 72 of The Keeper

Ray smiled. “Maybe you’ll be back more often, too.” He looked at Xavier. “Convince her, would ya? Use some of this alleged charm my wife keeps going on and on about.”

“I’m working on it.”

“I like how you’re both conspiring in front of me.” I chuckled.

“You class this place up, Victoria,” Ray declared. “Besides, Dawn and I consider you family. I don’t care how many years have passed, you’re always welcome here. Always.”

I hugged Ray again, finding it hard to keep the tears from falling. I managed to hold them back though. I missed these people. I missed coming here every summer. I missed my sister. I missed my family. I missed so many things about how life used to be.

“Thank you.” I squeezed Ray tight before letting him go. “I’ll try to come back.”

“You better.” His gentle smile almost broke me. “I was very sorry to hear about Charlotte. She was so lovely. You two were always a joy for us every summer. I hope you know we’re here if you ever need anything.”

The chorus of this is all your fault, you did this, you don’t deserve anyone’s kindness bubbled up with a vengeance.

Victoria

Idon’t even know what else Ray said to me. He hugged me again and went on his way. I let out a harsh exhale only to come face to face with Xavier and his palpable look of concern.

“Can we go?” I stood up before he could object.

I walked out into the cool April air and paced the sidewalk.

I can do this, I told myself. I’ll go to the house, give him the keys, and then we can go on with our day.

The second I turned around I saw Xavier advancing on me. “Are you alright?”

“I will be.”

“Do you want to wait before going to the house? We can do something else. Go down to London for a bit.”

I shook my head. “No. Let’s just get this over with now.”

The drive to the house was the longest ten minutes I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t shake the trepidation and nerves. When we arrived, I went straight to the kitchen to grab the extra set of keys the realtor used.

“These are for you.” I handed them to Xavier. “Thank you for doing this.”

He half-smiled. “Does this mean I have free reign of the place?”

“Ray and Dawn also have a spare set, so if any funny business takes place here, they’ll know about it.”

“I’ll be on my best neighborly behavior.”

I rolled my eyes. “Just make sure no weirdos show up. And if you want to wander around all judgey about the furniture or paint color or whatever, be my guest.”

“That I can do.” He grinned. “You never did finish giving me a tour.”

“What could you possibly want to see?”

“Something I’ve been wondering about…” His voice trailed off as he left the kitchen.

I followed him back to the foyer and ran up the stairs after him. He passed Charlotte’s room and poked his head into mine.

“Little Victoria’s favorite color is yellow.” The lascivious grin on his face hit me like a ton of bricks. “What else can I learn in here?”

“Shit,” I muttered, chasing him.

Xavier caught me the second I ran in. He cupped my face, staring at me softly. His eyes are the perfect mix of sapphire and sky. Dark and light. They are, quite honestly, everything.

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