“Yeah, but that was before I knocked you up good and proper.” Jimmy moves out of the way before Jenna can slap him again. As soon as he’s out of the room, Eden wants down.
“I don’t know how you put up with Jimmy for so long,” Jenna says with a shake of her head.
I shrug. “It’s one of those things you just learn to deal with. He’s always been like a brother to me. He’s not the same though. You make him different,” I say, much to her joy. Her smile is wide, and she ducks her head as she looks away.
“He’s changed me. He put up with so much after he was shot, and then after my ex tried to… well, let’s just say Jimmy has had more than enough reasons to leave me.”
“I think you underestimate his love for you, Jenna. I was there when he was with Chelsea. He never looked at her the way he looks at you. You’re his match.”
We’re interrupted by Liam, Josie and Noah opening the door and walking in, greeting us with a boisterous “Merry Christmas”. It’s silly that we’re all here tonight at Harrison’s since we’ll be at Liam’s tomorrow, but who am I to complain about a party with adult beverages and food? And maybe a sighting of a man who made me feel so incredibly special yesterday. When we went back to his house last night, I wanted to take things to the next level, but he was hesitant. I could see that. I don’t blame him, really. I’m only visiting for a few days and probably won’t see him for another year.
Jenna and I make our way into the dining room where Liam scoops me up and spins me around.
“You have to meet my wife,” he says as he puts me down.
“Josie, this is Yvie, Harrison’s sister, and this is my son, Noah.” Hearing Liam introduce his family with so much pride in his voice reminds me that there’s a different side to him. I’m used to the cynical side of Liam, and haven’t seen this loving family man since Quinn was a baby. Noah waves, and quickly leaves us to chat.
“It’s very nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” Josie tells me. I wish I could say the same, but Liam never spoke about her.
“Congratulations,” I say, knowing their anniversary is coming in a few days, with yet another party to be had. I’ll miss that one though, as I’m going back to New York Christmas night. As much as I’d like to stay, I have to return to work.
“Thank you. It’s been an amazing two years.” Josie beams at Liam who leans in for a kiss. That’s my cue to make myself scarce. I glance at the door, hoping that it’ll open and Xander will walk through, but no such luck. I told him yesterday how much I hated being the fifth wheel and I thought he understood.
I walk down the hall toward the kitchen and stop in the doorway, spying on Harrison and Katelyn. He has her caged against the counter, and it looks like he’s telling her a secret. The look of adoration in her eyes -- that is what I want. I want to look at the man I love and know I’ll never stop loving him, no matter what. My brother’s life – what he’s turned it into – is really something to marvel at. He’s taken on the role of dad flawlessly, and done so without reservation. Not too many men, or women for that matter, would do that. I know that Quinn loves Katelyn without question.
“Hey, Mom, can we go downstairs and watch a movie?” Quinn walks in from the other side of the kitchen, and I step back so he doesn’t see me.
Harrison moves away from Katelyn to give his son her undivided attention. She runs her fingers over his shaggy hair, pushing it behind his ear. “Grandma will be here soon. Xander went to pick her up from the airport and they were stopping to get Grandpa, so chose a movie that you guys won’t mind shutting off for a while, okay?” Quinn nods and runs off.
So that’s where Xander is. I want to be mad at him for keeping me waiting, but the fact that he’s picking up my mom gives him massive bonus points. Yesterday, being with him, shopping and then ice-skating was probably one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Being with Xander takes no effort at all. Everything seems to flow as if we’re in sync. When I’m with Oliver, I’m always on edge. I’m constantly watching where I’m stepping, what I’m saying. My clothes have to be perfect. My hair has to be styled. I always have to be en pointe. With Oliver I feel stressed out, but he’s comfortable. With Xander, I’m anxious and waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak.
Even the way Xander touches me is different, better. He hesitates, as if he’s asking my body for permission to be caressed by him. The rise in my body temperature and the pebbling of my skin is all because of him. Yesterday, I felt seduced even though our night ended with a simple but lingering goodnight kiss. It was like he was showing me what I’m missing by not living here, or what it’d be like if he and I were together.
Even now, thinking about being with him makes my body tingle with anticipation. I’m not expecting that we’ll be together like that again, or that he even wants to see me outside of our lives with my family, but I’m hoping.
The door opens, and I turn. My steps down the hall are slow as people file in. First is an older man I’m assuming is Katelyn’s father-in-law, and next is my mother. She doesn’t see me and that’s okay because watching her interact with Mr. Powell is worth me being forgotten. He helps her with her coat, and the smile she has for him is unwavering. I’m going to have to ask Harrison what that’s all about. It would be nice to see her happy with someone, anyone for that matter, as long as he treats her like a queen. She deserves it. All my life, Harrison and I were put in front of her happiness. It’s time she started living for her.
As soon as my mom sees me, I’m in her arms. I’ve missed her so much. “Baby girl, I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Me too, Mom.”
She pulls away and places her hands on my cheeks. There are tears in her eyes. “I’m so happy that I have my family home for Christmas.”
I nod and before I can say anything, Quinn is wrapped around her waist. I’m soon forgotten, but that’s okay because the man that I want to give my attention to just motioned for me to follow him into the living room.
Everything moves in slow motion for me as I walk to Xander. He’s smiling, but his lower lip is pulled into his mouth. The way he’s looking at me makes me wish we were alone. I don’t know about him, but I’m undressing him with my eyes and know I’m not doing him justice. I need to stop thinking about him like that and just enjoy our friendship.
He kisses me on the cheek before stepping back and putting the customary space between us. “Sorry I’m late. I should’ve called.”
“Yes, you should have,” I joke, reminding myself that we’re not a couple, and he doesn’t owe me anything.
“I would’ve, but I don’t have your number.”
I laugh and step a little closer. My hands ache to clutch the sides of his sweater, to pull him close and whisper my number against his lips. “I could probably give you my number.”
“Yeah, I’d like that,” he says, leaning closer.
“What’s wrong, mate? Does she have bad breath?”