Page 28

“This is like some sick joke,” I said under my breath, walking beside Chad, our parents in the lead.

Chad chuckled under his breath. “The white fence is a little over the top.” He smiled and held the gate open for me.

“You’re telling me, Chaddy.” I linked my arm through his as we walked to the very large front door, our view slightly blocked as our parents paused before ringing the doorbell.

“We could still make a run for it,” I muttered under my breath to him, but Mom turned her head and shot both of us a “not impressed” look.

The door was flung open, and then something flung out of it, attacking my father’s legs. Pushing his way through and looking extremely proud that he had, Charlie stood with his hands on his hips and stared up at me wearing a goofy grin.

“Choc, you CAME!” he screamed and my body flinched at his tone.

“Hi, Charlie.” My tone was flat compared to his. “How are you?”

Charlie reached up and grabbed my hand. My body curved over slightly as he began to pull me, my arm falling from Chad’s. “Choc, I got us chocolate for dessert. I asked mom. She said we can play Xbox until supper. But we have to play games which are three players because of Nathan.” Charlie spoke so quickly it was hard to understand each word.

I was pulled into the house and my eyes widened at how nice it was. It was one story, but it was so large and open.

I attempted to straighten, as Xavier walked up behind Emily. Emily had an apologetic smile on her face when she saw her son attached to my hand. Charlie pulled on my hand, trying to drag me into the very large living room to our right.

“Lovely to see you again, Chloe.” Emily smiled and then welcomed my parents and Chad. They exchanged greetings and introductions. Taking my eyes off Emily, I met Xavier’s eye for the first time that night. I smiled a sly smile, when I saw his jaw clenched and the tight fist at his side.

“Come on, CHOC!” Charlie huffed, pulling with all his might.

“Charlie, stop that. Chloe isn’t dressed to play around,” Emily said firmly.

I frowned. I doubted my dress would affect my ability to play an Xbox game.

“We’re playing Xbox now.” Charlie huffed and pulled a little harder. “Nathan hid the ball, so we can’t play soccer.”

“Oh, that’s alright then.” Emily smiled. I noticed how her eyes frowned slightly as she looked me up and down.

“Sorry. Chloe has a date after dinner. And since we are already in town, she’s going to leave from here, after dinner. I hope that’s ok?” My mother explained with her sweetest voice. I suppressed a grin.

“Oh, that’s alright. I thought you were a little overdressed, Chloe.” Emily spoke softly with a slight laugh. “Lovely dress, though.”

“It’s Chanel,” My mom added. I rolled my eyes while both women gushed over it.

“I wish I had the figure to wear something so tight.” Emily laughed, while gesturing for us to follow her into the dining room.

“It’s not that tight,” I muttered under my breath as she and my mom walked away. I didn’t glance at Xavier, but I knew he was staring at me.

“COME ON, CHOC!!” Charlie screamed and stomped his foot.

“Do we even have time before supper?” I asked, frowning at the little boy pulling on my arm with all his might. “And where’s Nathan?”

“Nath’s coming. Quick, come on. We can get a game in before they call us for supper.”

I took a step, giving in to Charlie’s pull. He stumbled back slightly, not expecting me to follow him. He then began to bounce up and down, with my hand in his, as he led us into the living room. I saw that the very large flat screen was already on with the Xbox logo lit up.

I sat down next to Charlie as he burst with excitement, explaining the game we were about to play. I pretended to listen to him, as I took the remote he handed me. While I focused all my attention on the little boy, I ignored the stares from his father, who was still standing in the foyer, watching us, or, to be exact, me.