Page 4

HOSPITALITY VS. HOSTILITY

BELLA

A year and four months ago

April

Xander raps his fingers over the steering wheel and side-eyes me. “Did you have a chance to look at those schools?” he asks.

Brows knitted, I bite the inside of my cheek. I’ve been secretly thinking about school since that talk I had with Audrey’s friend Jess in January. But when my family brought it up, the idea made me uneasy somehow.

“I did,” I confirm.

“And? Did you like any of them?”

“I did.” I look out the window, watching the busy streets of Boston pass by.

“Babe, avoidance won’t work with me. I’ll hound you until you tell me what’s wrong.”

With a long exhale, I purse my lips. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know what, exactly?” He chuckles, clearly amused. Unlike me. “Do you like interior design?”

I shift, narrowing my eyes at him. “I love it.”

“Do you want to work as an interior designer one day? Like as a point person, not just helping your cousin with event planning.”

“I…I do,” I stammer, my stomach twisting with nerves. “I want that.”

“Then it’s settled. Find the program you like most and apply.” He shrugs, a carefree smile lighting up his face.

As if it’s just that easy.

“But this is…” My voice cracks, and I fall silent again.

“Let me ask you something else,” he says, softening his tone. “What scares you?”

“Submission deadlines are coming up, and since we’re leaving for vacation on Friday, I only have four days to get all the forms turned in.” Xander opens his mouth, but I quickly cut him off. “Don’t even say we can move our vacation.”

“I wasn’t going to.” He laughs, resting his head against the seat. “I went all in planning that California trip so I could give you the perfect birthday gift. So, no, postponing our vacation hasn’t crossed my mind.”

“Happy to hear that,” I murmur, taking him in. He’s caring and loving and so damn hot. Every time I catch myself ogling him, I can’t believe he’s with me. “I can’t wait to see the hotel in person. The photos blew my mind.”

“I hope you love it.”

I hold out my hand, and he instantly takes it, wrapping his fingers gently around mine. He brings the back of my hand to his lips and kisses it.

“Thank you,” I say.

“You don’t need to thank me.” He cocks a brow. “And I know what you’re doing. We’re not changing the subject, babe,” he chides, his tone turning serious.

I roll my eyes. I was naive to think he’d drop his interrogation.

“Let’s imagine you applied in time and got accepted,” he goes on. “What else is worrying you?”

I sigh, my shoulders sagging. “I liked the New York school the most. It has everything I’m looking for…” Lips pressed together, I look away from him. “They do have online classes, like Ben said, but I think I’d get so much more out of attending in person.”

“So apply for in-person classes.” He shrugs as he turns into his parents’ neighborhood.

“What about us?” I whisper, willing the heat behind my eyes to dissipate. “I’d have to leave Boston for a year.” I was lonely every time he traveled for games last season. Being apart for a year? I can’t do that.

“New York isn’t that far away. We’ll visit each other when we can. We’ll FaceTime and call and text constantly.”

“It won’t be the same.” I slowly untangle my hand from his.

“New York is about?—”

My chest constricts painfully. “Xander, please. Stop.”

He’s suffocating me. All this pressure isn’t doing me any good, and I especially can’t deal with it right before dinner with his parents. I don’t want to be moody or grumpy tonight, especially because there’s a chance Audrey will be here too.

“Let’s talk tomorrow, okay?” I plead. “I don’t want to be a mood killer.”

“I’m sorry if I pushed too much.” He stops the car in the driveway and turns to face me. “I was angry with your family when they got pushy last week, and now I’m doing it myself.”

“I love you.” I tilt closer and plant a kiss on his lips.

“I love you too.” His murmur sends goosebumps all over my body, a familiar tingling in the pit of my stomach.

He pulls me to his side and kisses my temple. “Do you want to stay awhile or head home right after dinner?”

“I’m okay either way.” I snuggle into him, hiding my nose in his neck.

“Okay, let’s decide after dinner.” He circles me in his embrace, his hand on my hip. “Maybe I can convince you to sneak into my old bedroom.”

“Why do I have a feeling you have something very naughty on your mind?” Head tipped back, I arch a brow at him.

“With you? I’m always naughty.” He leans down and catches my mouth in a passionate kiss.

His scent envelops me, making my nipples chafe against my bra.

I’ve never been kissed the way he kisses me.

I can remember where I was when each one happened, the smells.

The colors are vivid in my mind. The other guys?

Their identities barely register anymore.

But with Xander, every kiss is exceptional, a little movie playing in my mind. I quietly moan against his lips.

If I spent a year in New York, I’d miss moments like this. He can’t seriously expect me to give it all up?

Pressing his forehead to mine, he closes his eyes and inhales deeply.

“We’re going to be late,” I whisper.

“They know we’re here. They’re giving us a moment.” He taps his finger on my nose. “Let’s go inside.”

As we head to the house, my hand in his, I’m no longer nervous. I don’t want to worry about whether Audrey is here. It doesn’t matter.

“Hello, lovebirds.” Greg opens the door before we even have a chance to knock.

He steps aside, letting us in. His deep blue eyes, with green flecks just like his son’s, shine warmly.

“Hello, Greg.” I take a step closer and kiss his cheek. “Thank you for having us.”

“Of course!” He breaks into a warm smile. “We need to celebrate your birthday.”

“Hey, Dad.” Xander steps inside and hugs his father.

“Let’s go to the living room. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

“Everyone?” I ask, and my stomach, which was calm only moments ago, tightens.

Greg arches an eyebrow. “Audrey and Ryan are here too. They wouldn’t miss such an important occasion.”

I force a smile. “That’s really kind of them.”

It means the world to Xander that his parents and I get along. And it’s easy, honestly. They have been nothing but nice to me since the moment he introduced us. I’ve felt welcome from my very first visit, which is a significant change from how I felt around Jake’s parents.

With Xander, everything is better.

In the living room, Audrey and Pauline sit side by side on the couch, giggling over a photo album on Pauline’s lap.

“Hey, Mom, Audrey,” Xander says. “Looking at childhood photos?”

Pauline looks up, wearing a radiant smile. “Figured we’d show Isabella. It’ll be fun.”

He scoffs. “Fun? More like humiliating.”

“Hi, Pauline.” I smile and give her a small wave.

She stands and hugs her son, then turns to me and does the same, holding me tightly.

“Hello, dear.” She leans away, her gaze flicking over my floral dress. “You’re so beautiful.”

“Thank you so much.” A blush creeps into my cheeks, and I shift, my focus catching on Audrey. Her expression is unreadable. I can’t figure out if she’s angry or hurt or sad—but she’s definitely not happy. “Hi, Audrey.”

“Hey.” She plasters on a smile and stands. I give her a hug and then take a step back.

“Dinner is ready,” Pauline says, surveying each of us before fixing her focus on her daughter. “Where’s your husband?”

“He got a call from the office.” She folds her arms over her chest. “It happens too often these days.”

“It’s only a matter of time. Once he’s settled in, you’ll have him all to yourself,” Pauline says, her tone stern. “Have a little patience.”

“I am patient,” Audrey hisses, putting a hand on her belly. “Stop making me nervous. My baby feels it too.”

Xander and I lock eyes for a moment. Looks like I’m not the only one who senses the tension. Silence settles over the room like a thick blanket.

Chewing the inside of my cheek, I rack my brain for a topic that could lighten the mood, but I fall short.

Cautious .

When Audrey is around, cautious is my default setting.

I’ve come to expect the schemes and misunderstandings.

It’s strange to feel this way about Xander’s sister, since he’s so close to her.

But after what happened with Jake, I’ve learned to trust my gut.

I’m not ready to let my guard down around this woman.

“What did I miss?” Ryan appears, his voice like thunder in the quiet room. He narrows his eyes and assesses us with a frown. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, we were waiting for you.” Audrey smiles at him, her bad mood evaporating.

Pauline claps her hands and strolls to the table. It’s all the cue we need to do the same.

After dinner, I end up sandwiched between Pauline and Audrey, a photo album open on my lap. My stomach is so full, I’m finding it difficult to breathe. Dinner was delicious, but after such a big meal, laughing at all the hilarious stories about Xander as a little boy is honestly a little painful.

Even so, I’m eating up every detail Pauline shares.

Apparently, he was afraid of horses when he was young.

They reminded him of creatures of the night, walking quietly and huffing in people’s ears when they least expected it.

In one photo, Audrey sits smiling on a black mare, while little Xander stands nearby, bawling.

He wanted to sit on the horse too but was too afraid.

“He looks so cute, and his hair was so blond.” I trace a finger over his image.

“I was so giddy when he was born.” Pauline’s mouth quirks up into a smile.

“He had his dad’s eyes, but the rest was all me.

The hair color, the high cheekbones, the full lips, everything.

Later, it became obvious he also has Greg’s nose, and then his hair turned dark.

Now he’s a perfect representation of us both. ”

“I’ve always been more like Dad,” Audrey chirps. “Though you know what’s funny? Alex’s crushes through the years have all been blonde.”

She snatches the album from my lap and flips a few pages, then slides it in front of me again.

“This is Marina, his preschool love.” She points at the girl standing beside Xander in a group photo. Then she turns a few pages and points at another photo, this one taken in a classroom, Xander and some girl sitting together at a desk. “That’s Sophia, a girl he liked in elementary school.”

“Audrey,” Pauline warns, tugging at the album.

Ignoring her mother, Audrey turns more pages, seemingly determined to humiliate me.

“Oh, this is Bonnie.” A young Xander, still in his gear after a football game, stands with a bunch of cheerleaders, one arm slung around yet another blonde with a wide smile on her face.

“He had a crush on her for all three years of middle school. Then there was Beth, Sam, and Mia. And Courtney—he crushed on her hard in high school. They never dated, but they were very close.”

Page after page, Audrey points out girls. With each one, the lump in my throat grows, and the food that had been satisfying a little while ago churns in my stomach. My good mood has disappeared, but I force myself to wear a smile.

Why is she doing this? To make a point that I’m not his type?

“It happens all the time, sweetheart,” Pauline says, finally interrupting her daughter. Her voice is quiet but powerful. “Preferences change. People change.”

“I don’t think so,” Audrey deadpans. “I don’t remember him ever liking a single brunette.”

“Well, just look to your left, and you’ll see the girl your brother loves .”

“Isabella is an exception. The only exception.” Audrey throws a glance my way, her eyes sparkling, like she can see the state she’s put me in, and she’s satisfied with the damage her words have caused.

“What are you ladies up to?” Xander’s voice rings out, making me jump. “Have you embarrassed me enough? Or should I go back and join Ryan and Dad so you can have more time to gossip about me?”

“I think we’re finished.” Pauline takes the photo album from me and gently pats my knee. She stands and ruffles his hair, giving him a soft smile. “Maybe it’s time for you to cut it even shorter?”

“I like it this way, thank you very much.” He peers over at me, his lips twitching. “You want to stay? Or are you ready to head home?”

In unison, Audrey and Pauline look my way.

“We didn’t leave Milo much food.” I worry my lip. “He won’t be happy with us if we stay out much longer.”

“You’re right. I refilled his water, but not his food.” He sticks his hands in his pockets, his posture easy. “I’ll go tell Dad we’re leaving. Okay?”

“Sure.” I nod, relief washing over me.

He returns to the table while Pauline wanders off to put away the photo album. That leaves just me and Audrey.

“I didn’t expect you to create problems for me.” Audrey’s low whisper catches me off guard.

Furrowing my brow, I blink at her.

“If you wanted to know why I didn’t ask for your help with the nursery, you should’ve come to me about it.

I would’ve gladly explained why I decided to hire a professional designer rather than someone without the proper credentials.

There was no need to involve Alex, make him question my decisions. ”

My jaw practically hits the floor. “What? I didn’t say a word to Xander.”

“Right,” she huffs, standing and towering over me. “I’d appreciate it if you stopped trying to get between Alex and me. I never had problems with any of his girls, ever. Until you.”

A wave of anxiety washes over me, making my muscles go rigid. “I know how much your brother means to you, how much he loves you. I respect that. I’d never?—”

“Then make sure it doesn’t happen again. If it does…” Audrey leaves the rest unspoken.

A cold chill runs through my veins. Is she threatening me?

“If it does?” I ask, feigning a smile. I straighten my back, hold my head high. I can’t allow her to tarnish my relationship with Xander. He’s too important to me.

“You’ll see.” Audrey’s lips curl into a sickening smile, her eyes stormy. “You’re a smart girl, Isabella, so I hope you learned your lesson.”

I stand as well. “Oh, I did. I definitely did.”

With that, I skirt around her and head to the table. When I get to Xander, I lace my fingers with his. The warmth of his skin brings me solace. With him by my side, I can handle whatever his sister throws at me.

I hope one day I can stand my ground without relying on him. I need to learn how to spread my wings alone, so he can be proud of me.