Chapter 45
I gently ruffled Jonas‘ hair and asked, testing the waters, “Jonas, why do you care so much about your brother? He’s always picking on you.
I swear I wasn’t trying to drive a wedge between them–I just wanted Jonas to be a little more
cautious.
“Because he’s my brother,” he replied simply.
That was it? Just that?
I wanted to ask more, but the unwavering sincerity in his eyes stopped me. Jonas was so kindhearted. No matter how Xavier treated him, he would never act like Xavier, who was always looking for ways to stir up trouble.
How could two kids raised in the same family turn out so differently? Xavier was a handful, plain and simple.
The sound of a door opening pulled me from my thoughts. Yvonne entered with Xavier by her side, the two walking closely together. From the mirror, I caught a glimpse of them–Xavier’s eyes were puffy and red like he had just finished crying.
“Why did you guys get back so soon?” I asked, keeping my tone light for Jonas‘ sake. I didn’t want to make things uncomfortable in front of him. He deserved parents who didn’t argue every time they met.
“Are you packing?” Yvonne asked, her sharp eyes immediately picking up on my movements. After living together for so long, she could read me like a book.
“It’s none of your business,” I said curtly, grabbing my clothes and heading for the door.
As I passed by them, I couldn’t help but throw a warning her way. “Don’t let Xavier bully Jonas. Jonas was soft–hearted and always willing to give in. But I wasn’t the type of dad to turn a blind eye.
Yvonne raised an eyebrow. “You care so much about Jonas. Have you ever thought about how Xavier feels?”
I followed her gaze toward Xavier, whose eyes were now even redder. I couldn’t tell if he was still upset from earlier or if her words had triggered something. It was probably the former, but I wasn’t about to dwell on it.
I laughed, my shoulders shaking. “Xavier has never cared much for me.” It was the truth. His heart had always been with Jared, not me.
You’re right. I don’t like you. So what?” Xavier shouted, his small frame trembling with anger.
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“Fine by me. I’ll get out of your sight,” I replied calmly. There was no point in arguing with a
kid.
Once I was out of the room, I leaned against the wall and sighed. Xavier was a lost cause. I wondered what Jared had done to my son.
Xavier acted like a spoiled brat without any of the privileges to back it up. How would he survive out in the real world someday? I couldn’t stop my mind from spiraling, but after ten minutes of pacing, I still couldn’t work up the nerve to knock on Lorraine’s door.
“Pathetic,” I muttered, slapping my own face lightly. I had promised myself I’d figure this out, but I froze every time I saw that closed door. Maybe I should forget it and just find somewhere else to stay.
I was about to head to the front desk to ask if any rooms–or even a storage closet–were available when I heard the faint creak of a door behind me.
“How long have you been standing there?” Lorraine’s voice was casual, almost teasing.
When I turned around, I nearly tripped over my own feet. She had just gotten out of the shower, her damp hair framing her flushed face. A light pink towel was wrapped snugly around her, and a faint trace of steam followed her out of the room.
“I heard your door close ages ago. Why didn’t you come in?” she asked, tilting her head. She had heard? That meant she had heard everything–including what I had said to Yvonne. “This place has terrible soundproofing!” I stammered, scratching the back of my head. I’d been so confident earlier, telling her there wouldn’t be any drama. Now, here I was, not even sure where I stood with her, and my ex–wife had even barged into the picture. my ex–wife had even barged into the picture.
“You don’t need to feel awkward,” Lorraine said with a small smile, her voice warm and understanding. “I get it.”
Man, she really was just out of college. She was so laidback about everything!
Chapter46
Chapter 46
