Branch Ninety Seven

"Do you like Jessica?" Brian asked staring at his friend. Xavier did not care for anyone and he did not try to care for them. Seeing he was willing to allow his wife to come for the event because it would be good for Jessica was a new level of discovery for Brian.

"Like? Jessica?" Xavier asked looking up at his friend. That was the weirdest thing he had heard all day.

"I do not," He said but he was not convincing even himself. His voice was usually firm. When he spoke it was usually difficult to argue with him. 'Only Jessica has successfully argued with me and gotten away with it' Xavier thought.

"You do not?" Brian said and repeated the statement two more times. Xavier nodded his head like a child. Since his voice had come out shaky as he tried to defend himself he could not take any chances and speak.

"Then why do you care if my wife would make her comfortable?" Brian asked.

Xavier raised his head and blinked multiple times. He felt like he was deer caught in the headlights. He