Zoey's POV I prop my aching feet up on the footstool, my tired eyes lazily stare over at the large tv embedded on the opposite wall. The bright screen blur as my drosey mind wander back to the impromptu staff meeting today. I never even got a chance to tell Tracy that next week is probably the last week that I'll be working for her, for Stephen Enterprises. I really want to give her a heads up before I turn in that damn resignation letter, just haven't gotten around to do that yet. I've worked at that place for around four years, that's four long years of me putting in enormous amount of work to help keep the company afloat. As they say though, all good things must come to an end. It truly will be a bittersweet moment if I choose to quit. My stomach churn uncomfortably just thinking about it, I haven't even start looking elsewhere yet. I stiffle a yawn placing the back of my cool hand against my hot mouth. You know I'm not taking over the company right? It's just a partnership, I
Xavier's POVThe next dayMy fingers hug the smooth steering wheel of the sleek rental car. The melodic music that is emitting from the speaker gradually fade in the background and the very back of my mind, all I can think about is seeing my son. How will he feel about me? Does he know the truth? Does he hate me? I glimpse at the passenger seat. All the stuff I bought online yesterday is scattered all over the seat and the black car carpet. I didn't even have time to arrange them properly, I just threw them all in this morning. It would be a waste of time anyway since they would most likely fall off onto the car's floor. I shift uncomfortably in the leather seat, the phone call I got from Zoey earlier replays back in my head. The only thing she told me was that he was willing to see me followed by an address in Long Beach. I glance over at the GPS swallowing nervously as I inch nearer to my destination. I don't even have any plans for us today, as soon as I got the call I just too
Zoey's POV "So Xavier Danvers huh?" I hear Ethan mumble. Despite him trying to keep his voice at a neutral tone, I can still hear the subtle hint of distaste wooven in his words, even in the heavy traffic chaos he is currently trying to maneuver through. Instinctively, I swallow. Heat slowly creep up my spine despite the cool ac that is blasting out of the air vents. Quick flashes of Ty and Xavier chatting from earlier fill my mind. Tyler had been eagerly showing his father all evening, the simple game he had managed to finish create a few days ago. We had both shared a laugh at how enthusiastic the kid was... I bite my bottom lip to keep the joyful memories a bay. "I already told you..." I begin, but my words trail off into a dry gulp. Turning my gaze from the bright city lights, I face him. His features glow under the dim light of the car, especially the obvious tick in his jaw. "I know," Ethan cuts me off with a sigh. He glance at me and curl his lips in a sincere smile, "and I
Xavier's POV "Mom," I sigh pinching the bridge of my nose as I glance over at Tyler's sleeping form. His covers rise and fall indicating that he is indeed asleep. The little guy must be tired. "Look, I am exhausted as it is. I don't need this too." "Xavier you have to be here for your father's death anniversary tomorrow," she says in a stern tone. Boy, I can literally feel her irritation through the God damn phone. "What are you doing out in LA so long? Have you forgotten about it?!" "No I haven't," how can I? I heave a heavy sigh feeling drained as fuck. "I am sorting out some things mother. I will be there as soon as I can. I have to go now. See you tomorrow.""You better be here, I am not playing with you boy," I roll my eyes at that. Fuck, now she's the strict parent. "and I love you son." "I love you too mom," with that I hang up and place the phone beside the car key on the small desk that I am currently sitting before. A selfie of our last family gathering flash on the scree
Xavier's POV "I am sorry about your dad," Zoey says to which I heave a long sigh. This is the last thing I want to talk about. I shiver involuntarily as small goosebumps prickle the surface of my tattooed arms. The realistic nightmare from earlier still haunt me even now. It's replaying itself over and over again in my head on a sick endless loop. It doesn't help at all that the man's birthday was suppose to be tomorrow. My heart clench painfully tugging at the fragile strings in my chest, the tragic scene from that day briefly flash itself in my mind. "My condolences," "It's fine," I lie. My shoulders slouch in a poor attempt of a shrug. The pain in my chest hits me over again tenfold, the corner of my eyes crinkle threatening to leak a wave of fresh tears. It has been two years and this shit still affects me this much. I shake my head silently refusing to let any fall. Instead I focus on the back of Zoey's head so I don't trip and tumble on her over these steep stairs. "Thank you
Xavier's POV "Mhmmm," I silently nod in complete agreement with Tyler but my eyes carefully read over the departments' files in my grasp. I seriously want to get through all this so it can be done and over with. My early vacation starts tomorrow, I swear. I am exhausted as fuck. I hardly took a break over the years. I think it's also good timing since school will be out in a month or so. "Look buddy, I have to go." I sigh looking over at the mounted files I have to vent carefully. I'm suppose to sign them off and send to the company's COO. I should have done this three days ago. An expression akin to disappointment washes over his face. My heart wrench staring at boy's sad features, this has to be the absolute worst part of being a parent. Tyler and I have been communicating via video calls every single day about a lot of random shit. He is such a well mannered kid, brilliant and all around a wonderful blessing. I am so grateful and proud to be apart of his life moving forward. I
Xavier's POV "I trust everything is going according to plan." I comment. Leaning further over the railing of the balcony, my eyes flicker around to several random illuminated buildings. The crisp morning breeze caresses my neck and bare arms leaving tiny goosebumps in its trail. Inhaling the clean air I involuntarily relax my tense muscles. I haven't done this in such a long time. "Yes Sir," the pilot reply in a formal tone. "You have a full tank to get you to the desired location and the weather for the day will be pretty mild. I throughly checked Sir, everything is up to par, you should be fine." "Great. I need to reach L.A. by nine," my eyes are now train on the pinkish strip of colour that already taints the dark sky. "Expect me in the next hour or so. I'll see you soon." With that I end the call and dump the phone in my front jeans pocket, heaving a sigh I brace myself off the rail. Taking one last look at the familiar skyline I head back inside and bolt the balcony door beh
Xavier's POV "We should really be on our way," I inform Brad for the fifth time. Dumping the smartphone back into my pocket, my eyes sweep the large foyer for any sign of Claire. Unfortunately she is nowhere in sight, my best guess is that Diane whisked her off somewhere. The pair was literally standing by one of those undecorated table just a mintue ago. Fuck. Pressing the thick champagne stem against my palm, I exhale sharply in annoyance. The remaining streaks of cold water run down my clammy fingers ticking me off even more. I don't know what's worse the bustling event planners or an absentee Claire. My brother's heavy hand pat my shoulder, his way of silently encouraging me to hop back into the bland conversation. This man has been purposely ignoring everything I've been saying for the past half an hour. It's his childish way of getting me to stay longer than I actually should."Xavier dear," my eyes automatically land back on the woman in front of me. "I hoped there was a b