Page 70 of Brittle Heart

Taking a quick look around, I notice that the rest of the people have already resumed their conversations. Only Xander, Josh, Clay, and Sophia are focused on me, so I seize the opportunity and hand my present to Sophia. “This is for you. It’s just something silly and small, but yeah. Thank you for inviting me,” I whisper in a rush.

Sophia beams at me. “Can I open it?”

“Sure,” I say, but before the word is fully out of my mouth, she’s already tearing off the newspaper wrapping. When she discovers the cardboard box with the tea bags on it, she looks up at me and grins.

“Did you draw them?” I nod. “This is so fucking cool.” She opens the box and reaches in to grab the mug. Pulling it out and looking at it, she throws her head back and laughs.

“What is it?” Clay asks, curious.

Sophia holds out the mug to him.

Xander glances at it, then meets my gaze. His lips curl in amusement before he dips his chin at me, and that alone makes me blush.

“Kitten is an artist. Look at that,” Clay comments.

“That’s awesome. You’re good,” Josh comments, smiling at me.

“It’s nothing,” I defuse. “But I thought you could never have enough mugs.”

“Oh, that’s for sure,” Sophia agrees, grabbing me again and pulling me into a tight hug. “Thank you so much. I love it,” she whispers while still holding me tightly. “I’ve got something for you too.”

My eyes widen. “No, Sophia, my birthday was last week. That’s not—”

She shoves an envelope into my hands and grins. “Open it.”

I bite my lip but gently open the envelope, making sure not to rip anything. As I take out the card, I see that it’s a coupon for getting my nails done. I’ve never done that before, but I know it can be expensive.

“Sophia, I…” I begin, feeling overwhelmed.

“I thought we could make a whole day out of it. Get some tea, get our nails done, maybe go out for a few drinks and dinner after. So, it’s not just a coupon. It’s like a gift for a day with me, all expenses covered,” she explains, her smile warm.

“That’s too much,” I say, looking down at the envelope.

No one has ever given me such an expensive present. We weren’t as poor as we are now when my parents were still alive, but there would have never been enough money to spare for something like this.

“No, it’s not. Honestly, it’s mostly selfish because I want to have such a day with you. Look at it like a present I made for myself, and I just roped you into it,” she says, trying to reassure me.

I bite my lip, torn. I don’t want to be rude, but this is too much. I can’t simply accept it. It feels like she’s spending way too much money on me.

Did the guys tell her about how I was searching my backpack for dollar bills the other night?

A big, warm hand lands on my shoulder, and I look up into understanding gray eyes. “It’s not for you. It’s for her. You can take it and make her happy. Say, ‘thank you,’” Xander whispers into my ear.

I nod ever so slightly and manage to say, “Thank you.”

Sophia squeals with joy and hugs me again, twirling us around as she swings left and right. But even in that moment, my gaze drifts over her shoulder to Xander.

Why is it that letting him take control makes my life so much easier?

It’s as if my anxiety evaporates, and my soul feels safe when he takes the reins.

Clay grabs Xander’s head and brings it down to his lips, kissing him. They smile at each other when they pull back, and I’m reminded that I have to get rid of this little crush as quickly as possible.

Xander and Clay engage Sophia in a conversation, leaving me standing next to Josh, who appears nervous. “You okay?” I ask as he is usually the calmest of all.

“Sure, well, I have something for you too,” he says, rubbing his neck.

I furrow my brows. “You do?”

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