Chapter Sixty: Seasons

Rei’s Point of View

I was happy, happier than I could ever remember being. Being with Xavier brought a peace that I’d never known before. It was so relaxed and natural like we’d known each other all our lives. However, it was clear that we hadn't, as when we were talking while doing the dishes together, I learned things about him, and he was surprised to learn new things about me. Somehow, Xavier seemed to think he already knew everything there was to know about me, and that made me smile. He was so confident in me, in us. I didn’t deserve someone like him, but I was grateful for him. Not many men would want someone who would involve an instant family and a lot of baggage from a previous relationship I’d only started healing from.

We were cuddling on the couch while Xavier tried to pick a movie for us to stream, and I was texting Grace. I was surprised when she texted "yes" but then called a few minutes later.

“Do you mind if I take this?” I asked Xavier, sitting up concerned.

I found myself wondering if something had happened. Salem and Onyx had been exceptionally well-behaved since the stair incident. Maybe I had been too confident that they wouldn't get into trouble while I was gone. Perhaps it was for the best. I had enjoyed my extended date with Xavier. Still, if I were being honest with myself, I was feeling exceptionally guilty for the very real dream I'd had about X and his cryptic warning to trust Xavier and listen to what my boyfriend needed to tell me.

Xavier nodded and gestured that he would leave the room to give me some privacy to take the call.

“Grace? Is everything okay?” I asked, trying not to panic.

“The kids are fine; everything is great. Salem was happy you were having a sleepover at Xavier’s apartment and was convinced that you two had gotten married already but had forgotten to tell everyone,” Grace laughed.

“I was calling because I needed to ask you something, and depending on your answer, I have a proposition for you,” Grace said. I could hear the wicked grin in her voice, and I groaned internally. Sometimes, I wondered if she and my coworker Mary were secretly friends.

“I hope I won’t regret this, but what did you want to ask me?” I asked, hoping that the trepidation I was feeling was not evident in my voice.

“I am dying to know - what was better? Getting fucked against a bathroom wall, lost in the passion or exploring every possible position that gorgeous man of yours could dream up?” Grace asked.

Damn it. I could hear the evil laugh she was trying to hold back in her voice. Fuck my life.

“All were moments I will never forget and thoroughly enjoyed,” I said, trying to hide my smile as I spoke.

“Hmmm, you need more time to make additional memories. So, here is my proposition. I have a close friend with an indoor pool, a theatre room, and spare rooms. Do you mind if I bring the kids there for a night or two while you and Xavier come back to the house and exorcise the demons out of your bed?” Grace asked.

She sounded nervous. Why did my best friend sound nervous?

“Grace, why do you sound nervous? I know you wouldn’t ask if you didn’t think this person was safe around my kids. You treat them like they are your own,” I said.

“It’s because… this isn’t just a friend. I’m dating someone, and it’s getting serious. Would you be okay with that? The boys could share a room, and Shiloh would have her own. I would be staying in the same room as Aamon,” Grace said.

Aamon? I’d heard that name before. I wonder…

“Grace, is this the same Aamon you were in love with years ago and always regretted ending things with?” I asked.

“Yeah. We kind of found our way back to each other. Things are getting serious, and I’m going to be moving in with him. The kids would be meeting him anyway, but I thought maybe this would give you time with just Xavier at the house and I could keep the kids with me for two nights,” Grace said softly.

Oh, her voice. Wow. She was in love with the man she’d never gotten over. I was happy for her. Of course, I would say yes. I couldn’t wait to meet him myself!

“Of course! Grace, I trust you implicitly you know that. I can’t wait to meet him and am so happy for you! Are you sure you are up for keeping them three nights in a row?” I asked, secretly hoping she agreed.

"If I could keep them longer, I would. You need this. Plus, I think you already had designs on what you wanted to do in your kitchen before I walked in. Just disinfect the counters and every surface you use, close the blinds, and lock the doors, love," cackled Grace.

“You’re the bestest friend EVER! You know that, right?” I gushed.

“As long as YOU think so, Rei, that’s all that matters to me,” Grace said softly.

My best friend said, “I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy. Have you and Xavier talked about where you see this going?”

"We're together," I replied, my heart thumping rapidly. "I suppose we've been without a defining label ever since I spent the night at his apartment before Xavier left for his work assignment." The realization hit me suddenly, causing me to gasp. "Oh my goodness, I have a boyfriend." A rush of emotions flooded through me - excitement, nervousness, and a deep sense of contentment.

“I think you have more than a boyfriend in Xavier,” Grace chuckled. “I think that man wants to put a ring on it as soon as he thinks it’s safe to ask you.”

“Really? That seems rather soon, don’t you think?” I exclaimed, surprised by Grace's perspective.

"Rei, you've always been so damn incredible and unique. Even that jerk Greg Ravenscroft saw it as much of an asshole as he was. But your ex-husband was such a self-absorbed idiot who tried to bring you down, making you doubt how amazing you are," Grace lamented with a sigh.

“I will never forgive myself for not realizing how bad Greg was for you. Trust me when I say that I believe Xavier Woods is NOTHING like your ex-husband and everything you’ve ever wanted or needed in your life,” Grace added.