billion book
Date Her
Chapter 29 Date Her
XANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK. “Oh, God, no!” Xander exclaimed as he stopped his car halfway into the house, just when he hoped to end his day with a good book to read after spending a fantastic time with Nina. Only to find his mother’s car parked on his premises. A wide smile tugged at his lips as an idea popped. He was looking behind him to escape. He realized someone had blocked the car from behind. His heart raced fast like he was about to be kidnapped. Getting out of the vehicle, he hurried to see who the intruder was. “What the fuck, Jace?” He bellowed. Jace stepped out looking like a not-so-innocent child. “Mum asked me to make sure the minute you step in, you never get to leave again.” He clenched his fist hard. “Now? Have I turned into a prisoner in my own house? You know what? You all can have a car. I have my legs to use.” Xander returned to his car and grabbed his phone and wallet. “You know she would come back again. Please, see her this one time. And I am sorry for the other day. I promise not to hang around Minny anymore. Please.” Xander scoffed. “Like you will ever leave her.” “I am sorry.” Jace drawled, pulling at his hand. “Don’t touch me. I haven’t decided if I want to forgive you just yet. You will have to wait for me to make up my mind.” “Better make it up fast. I brought us a ticket to the next basketball match between the Lakers and Denver Nuggets.” “Okay, alright! There is no need to be so specific. Front row?” “Always.” He winked. “Alright then. I guess I forgive you.” Xander grinned, making his way to the house. On entering, his smile morphed into a frown when he saw Dawn arranging the dining table with his mother. He turned to look at Jace. Jace raised his hands. “I swear to God I know nothing about this.” “Of course you don’t. You can shove that ticket of yours up your ass.” Xander gritted. “What is all this?” He questioned his mother. Jace gave his mother an “I told you so look.” He doesn’t appreciate disagreeing with his brother. Knowing fully well, Xander keeps a lot of distance when he disagrees with a person. Such a case is the relationship Xander shares with their father. “I had no idea Mum was inviting Dawn over.” He said at the top of his voice. Venus cut him a stern glare. “Did Xander tell you he has a problem with her being around?” Xander dipped his hands in his pocket and glared at his mother. “I do find it offensive that you waltz into my house whichever way you please. I have said this countless times that I do not appreciate it.” “What is wrong with you, Xander? Can’t I show my love for my son without being rebuked for trespassing? I thought Carla must be overworked and was willing to prepare one of your favorites. Yet, insult is all I keep getting. You know what? I will take my leave.” Venus said, hurrying off to grab her bag. Jace pinched Xander from behind. “Are you sure you want her to leave like that?” Xander groaned as he weighed him. “Just stay back, mum. I am sorry. Can you just be thoughtful enough to put a call through when you want to visit me? Please. I am not always in the mood to have guests all the time. Hmmn? Come here, mama.” He mumbled, moving close to her to pull her into a hug. “You know I love you.” Venus grinned inwardly at her plan working out as she embraced him tightly. “Thanks, my baby.” She cooed, kissing his jaw. “Come on now, let’s eat.” She was back to her controlling mood in no time. As they ate, Dawn kept stealing glances at Xander. She has never experienced this other side of him that pays no mind to whoever offended him. She had brushed his attitude aside and hoped he would put a call through or text. But nothing came. When she tried to reach him again, he didn’t respond. That made her scared, causing her to run to Venus for help. Since Xander’s mother has a soft spot for her, it wasn’t hard to make her comply. “So, when do you intend to ask Dawn out? You both have been at this child’s play for years.” Venus asked in a playful tone while wiggling her brows at Xander. Jace coughed loudly, hoping his mother would catch a break. Instead, she passed him a glass of water with a silent warning in her eyes. He relaxed his shoulder, giving up. Xander should be able to fight his own battles. Dawn laughed awkwardly. “Don’t be like that, Venus. Xander doesn’t like having this kind of discussion on the table.” “So when exactly will he like the kind of discussions then?” She countered. “Say something, baby.” Venus urged. The food in Xander’s mouth already went sour. “When did I ever tell any of you I was in love with Dawn? I respect and cherish her, yes. But has there ever been a time that I crossed boundaries with you?” He directed his question to both his mother and Dawn. Dawn gulped hard, feeling embarrassed. “That’s enough, Xander, please.” Her voice was shaky. Kissing his teeth, Xander left the table. Xander made his way out of the house to the garden. He searched his pocket fervently, hoping to see a smoke stick or something. If he weren’t so focused on those pills, smoke would have undone the knot in his chest right now. Dawn, who had run after him, stood still when she caught a glimpse of him. She summoned courage and walked towards him. Dawn cleared her throat to announce her presence, but Xander paid no mind to her. “Xander, I am sorry. I promise I have nothing to do with your mum’s words. I should never have come to your house without giving you a heads-up. I promise it won’t happen again. I have never seen you act so cold towards me. I am sorry.” She broke out into a sob, feeling overwhelmed. Guilt got the best of Xander, and he had to turn to her. “Don’t cry, please.” He urged, taking closer steps toward her. He would never understand women and their quick solace finding in tears. “I apologize for being so rude. I didn’t mean to.” He said, patting her back gently. Dawn took the chance and wrapped her arms around him. Xander didn’t try to fight it, knowing it might come off rude and hurt her the more. “Can you let me go now?” He asked, chuckling. She glanced up at him. “Only if you promise to come back inside to eat.” He rolled his eyes. “I should have known it would come with a price. Right after you, D.” She giggled at the nickname, and they were back to normal.