47: A International Call

Lunch was somewhat a silent affair. Afterward, Rowan drove Alicia and Stephen home, while Xavier returned to the company. Once Alicia got home, she shot Theo a message telling him of her little excursion. She didn't expect a reply soon after, but after six hours there was still no response.

****

Xavier had barely entered his house when Stephen rose from the stairs, where he had sat about an hour ago, with a somber expression on his face.

“What is your deal?” He asked directly, training a watchful gaze on Xavier.

“What do you mean?” Xavier played the nonchalant card, which wasn't amusing to Stephen. And the hunk didn't waste time before telling him to cut the act and give it to him straight.

“I had no idea you were looking for a job.” Xavier blurted with an accusing tone. “I was just surprised, that's all.” Stephen exhaled in defeat and sat back on the stairs. He rubbed his hands, before placing his elbows on each side of his knees, and interlocked his fingers.

“As expected, she wa