Page 68 of Passed Ball

Oddly enough, that makes it better. They might be married now, but for years they were nothing more than friends. And with these four all paired up, Vivi's the closest thing I have to a best friend.

I spin my phone around in my hand thinking it over for a minute before I unlock my screen and text her.

Xavier:

Can I call you tonight?

Vivi:

Of course. You can call me anytime.

Xavier:

Okay, I'm having dinner with the guys,

but I'll call you after.

Xavier:

Have you eaten? Or do I need

to DoorDash you something?

Vivi:

So bossy. Yes, I've eaten.

Had sushi while I talked to Harlowe.

Xavier:

I can never be sure with you.

Chapter 30

Vivienne

For the third night in a row, I'm giddy over the prospect of Xavier calling again, like he has since texting me to ask if he could. Only, this time, I'm not home alone, in bed, like I've been for the others.

I'm at his house for a slumber party with Tenley. She's asleep on the couch after watching movies and I'm sneaking away to let her sleep. The back of my neck prickles with awareness as I pass through the hallway where Xavier found me the night we made our agreement.

Kismet strikes, and he picks that moment to call me on FaceTime. I have a split second of doubt when I question my decision to stay here tonight without asking, but I hated the idea of Tenley being alone every night.

"Hello," I say tentatively.

A knowing smile splits his face as he takes in where I am. "Hello to you too."

"So . . ." I let the implication hang between us, which only makes his grin spread.

"Yeah,so . . .You're in my house." He's in the same hotel room as last night, lounging in the armchair, the shades to the wall of windows behind home open with the city light glittering behind him. He looks like a god--relaxed, confident, and impossibly handsome. It makes me wish I was somewhere more private instead of where my niece could stumble across us on her way to bed.

"Inourhallway to be specific. Is that okay?"

"You tell me. Is everything good there?" He leans forward, running a hand through his tousled red hair.

My stomach swoops for an entirely different reason than the butterflies from moments ago. "Oh, god! Yes. Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you."

"Relax. I trust Tenley--and you," he adds softly. "You'd let me know if something was wrong."

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