Page 15 of The Grump

“I don’t know, Xander. That sounds a lot like an insult to me. And not even the best hot chocolate in the world can make up for it.”

Turning around, she headed out of the shop without another word.

Which was nothing more than I deserved.

Chapter Five

Xander

Mealtimes at the LeBlanc-Broussard household were always a bit crazy. But things escalated to another level entirely during the Christmas season. My parents and grandparents started celebrating almost as soon as Bailey did. There were no carols throughout the house, and they hadn’t decorated the place fully, but little bits were popping up everywhere—red candles on the mantelpiece, mistletoe hanging in random spots, and everything smelled like cinnamon.

“All right, everyone,” Isabeau said, coming out with a tray of finger foods. “Dinner’s going to be a while, so let’s all dig in with this. Oh good, Xander, you’ve arrived. Lovely.”

I stood in the doorway. I had no idea how I always managed to be late to family gatherings, but I was starting to accept it as a fact.

“Bella, I have something for you,” I called to my niece, who hadn’t noticed me yet.

She turned around, and her face exploded in a huge smile. “You brought my favorite hot chocolate.”

“Yes, I did.”

She ran toward me, snatching the drink from my hands before I could tell her it was hot. But she was a smart girl and held it from the very top of the cup.

“And you put marshmallows in it, too, just the way I like it.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t dare bring you the wrong order,” I told her.

“That’s why I love you, Uncle Xander.”

I’d never tire of watching this little girl look at me like I’d hung the moon. I had no idea what I did to deserve this kind of affection from her, but I welcomed it.

The entire family was here, sitting on the couches in front of the ancient fireplace, the fire already crackling. It was my favorite part of the house. I lived in a penthouse in a modern building because I liked all the amenities, but I couldn’t deny that this home had its charm.

I grabbed a slice of po’ boy and immediately inhaled it.

“This is delicious, Isabeau.” Since my grandmothers used to be chefs, every single snack they made was out-of-this-world good. My brothers and I had been very spoiled growing up. “And this is for you two.” I handed them the box of pralines Bailey gave me.

“Excellent!” Celine exclaimed as I sat down.

Isabeau sat on the empty armchair next to mine. “So, I take it that you met Bailey and Avery?”

“I did.”

“What did you think?”

“I’m going to keep an eye on it” was all I replied. I didn’t want to get into any details with them.

“Hm,” Isabeau said. “That’s corporate talk.”

“That shit doesn’t fly here,” Celine said.

I just stared at her as Isabeau laughed. “Oh, Celine, I told you not to try and use kids’ language. Sounds ridiculous when you do it.”

“I know, right? But I wanted to try it.” Celine grinned. “Anyway, let’s not nag him. He’s got plenty of things on his mind. Besides, we can always ask Avery and Bailey. See what gossip they’ve got.”

“You’d gossip about me?” I inquired.

“Notyou, specifically. Just this whole situation.” Isabeau winked at me, then turned to Celine. “Let’s check on dinner.”

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