Parable of the Sowerby Octavia E. Butler.
I ran my fingers along the cover, smiling so hard I felt like my face was going to break. I looked back up at him.
“Are you serious?” My voice came out softer than expected. “You got this for me?”
“I did. I ... well, there was a bookstore in the hotel we stayed in, and I saw this book on display. It had your name on it, which I thought was interesting at the time—and I always see you reading during your downtime, so I figured you would like it ...” He scratched the back of his head with a wry smile.
My heart pumped faster, and I couldn’t help shaking my head.
“If you do not like it, I can always donate it or—”
“No—Javier, I love it,” I said, meeting his eyes again. “I love it. Thank you.”
“So why did you shake your head?” he asked.
“Because there is a funny story behind this author’s name and mine. It’s not a coincidence that I have her name, you know?”
“No?”
“No. My mom named me after her, and it wasthisexact book that made her want to. It’s one of her favorites and the reason why she became a fan.” I huffed a laugh. “Apparently when I was born, I cried so hard she thought I could feel her pain, just like the heroine in the book.”
“Oh, wow.” He chuckled. “That is very interesting.”
“Wait until I tell her and Davina about this.” I giggled. “They are going to lose it. You know, this is sort of kismet. You had no clue that I was named after this author, but you got me her book.”
“Kismet? I have not heard that word before. You will have to forgive me. English is not my first language.”
“That’s okay. It just meansfateordestiny. Maybe I was meant to work for you after all. And maybe you were meant to give me this book so it could all come full circle somehow.”
“Ah. I see.” He nodded, head lowering.
Wait.What was that? A blush? Wow. Javier Valdez was actually blushing.
“This is a really sweet gift, Javier. Thank you again.”
“You are welcome, Octavia.”
His phone chimed in his pocket, and he dug it out. “Jackson is here.” The phone went back into his pocket, and he released a long exhale. His cheeks were still tinged pink. “If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to reach out to me.”
“Okay.”
“And if Aleesa does not feel well, you can always—”
“Call Dr. Navarra. I know, I know.”
He forced a smile. “I will just give her one last kiss before I go.”
I nodded. That warm and fuzzy feeling was hitting me again. I cleared my throat as he left the kitchen to jog up the stairs, then made my way to the sofa with the book. I studied the cover with a goofy smile. I don’t even know why I was smiling. It was just a novel. I always received books as gifts ...
But Javier had thought ofmewhen he bought it.
He thought about me ... even when I wasn’t around.
I didn’t know what that meant exactly, but knowing so caused constant flutters in my stomach.
Thirteen
Javier
