"Where do I sign up?"
It's amazing how easy it feels to be around Xander. As he prepares breakfast for us and I set the table, I allow myself to dream a little. It's allowed, right? I'm not back to real life for another two hours.
The bell rings, and Xander presses his lips to mine before going over to see who's at the door.
A minute later I hear raised voices, so I go check, in case Xander needs me. There's a well-dressed man by the door. He's as tall as Xander and has the same color hair and eyes.
Oh shit.
"So, I see the reason you missed a day's work and we haven't heard from you all weekend. Do you care to make some introductions?" the man says.
Xander takes a deep breath.
"Ash, this is my father."
"Good morning, sir. Pleasure to meet you."
I stretch out my hand, but he doesn't take it. Instead, he looks me up and down.
"What do you do for a living...Ash?"
I don't like how he says my name, like somehow, even without knowing anything about me, he's already found me wanting. Just like another first meeting I had a year before my father passed away.
"I'm a farmer, sir. I own my business and sell my homegrown produce at the farmer's market."
He ignores my words and turns to Xander. "We have a meeting with Jessop tomorrow, first thing." And then he looks at me as he talks to Xander. "Don't be late."
He's gone in a heartbeat, and I feel like I should be going too.
16
XANDER
Xander:I can't stop thinking about you.
Ash:Right back at you. I can't thank you enough for such an amazing weekend. It meant more than you can ever imagine...and not just because of...
Xander:of...?
Ash:You know...
Xander:Oh, the amazing sex! Gotcha.
Ash:Jackass.
Xander:I need to apologize.
Ash:You already did. Xander, it's not your fault.
No,it's not my fault, but I should have known how my father was going to react and should have found a way to stop him from coming up to the apartment.
Xander:I want to make it up to you.
Ash:What do you have in mind?
Xander:Me…you...tour of my place.
Ash:I've had a tour of your place.
