Page 20 of Even Beneath the Stars

"Well, that’s too bad," Denise says, leading us back toward the grand staircase. "I was hoping to introduce you before Finn gets home. Normally I’d go over the basic ground rules for Xavier—occasional homework check-ins, no drinking or drugs… that sort of thing. But given your similar ages, I realize that would be awkward."

Ironically, she brings up these apparent "ground rules for Xavier" just as we're walking back past the coffee table with the empty bottles of Heineken. Makes me think most likely, the real underlying "ground rule" where Xavier is concerned is for staff to turn a blind eye. There's a reason I had to sign an NDA form, stating I wouldn't divulge anything about the Rockwells' private lives to anyone.

"I’ll just check in with him from time to time," Denise continues. "But please, Maggie, let me know if anything gets to be more than you can handle. Obviously with Finn… but with Xavier, too." Her voice is softer now. More serious. "Xavier can be…testywith Finn’s nannies."

I nod, plastering on what I'm hoping is a neutral expression.

"But I’m hopeful that since you’re his peer—not some stern middle-aged au pair—there won’t be any issues," she adds. "It’s one of the reasons I reached out to you, honestly. When Finn kept talking about you."

Oh.That throws me a little. It never occurred to me that Denise was hoping I’d have abetterexperience with Xavier.

Pretty sure she’s in for a shock.

"Xavier’s behavior with Finn’s nannies—it’s not a reflection of who he is," she says carefully. "He's just… With the nannies, it's—" She swallows. "Xavier's life is… complicated."

Yeah, poor Xavier Rockwell and his super tough complicated life.

"I'm sure," is what I decide to go with, though.

"If he gives you a hard time, tell me, and I'll handle him."

Good to know I'm only paid to handle Finn's temper tantrums. Xave's are someone else's to deal with, thank God. Still, no way will I let Xavier Rockwell be the reason I go running to Denise for help.

"I’m sure it’ll be fine," I say, throwing in my bestoptimistic employeevoice. Because I really do need to try and be more positive about this weird dynamic between Xavier and I. For both our sakes. And for Finn's.

Denise looks relieved. "I think so, too." She smiles. "I’ll introduce you later. Or most likely, you’ll run into him before then."

"Oh, uh, I’ve actually met him before." I wanted to say it earlier, but didn’t want to interrupt her spiel on Xavier’s… challenging personality.

Denise looks surprised. Then briefly worried. Then hopeful. "You know Xavier?"

"I mean, I don’t know him. But we’ve met." I don’t mention that the few encounters I have had were enough to confirm that I don'twantto know him.But for Finn’s sake, I’m willing to start fresh.

"Oh, wonderful!" Denise looks relieved. Probably used to nannies quitting shortly after having met him.

We end our tour just beside a floor-to-ceiling woven tapestry of…Oh my God.Jacee Rockwell in a black bikini.Draped across anoversized bowl of fruit.

So. Flipping. Weird.

I pretend it isn't. That none of this is.

A short while later, after Denise returns tothe offices, I head up to my room, thrilled to find that all my bags have already been brought up for me.

I could definitely get used to this lifestyle.

The next two hours disappear, unpacking, settling in, and calling Mom to check in. I curl up on the built-in window seat, staring out at the sprawling grounds—an infinity pool covered for winter, ornate terraces perched over crashing ocean waves.

It still doesn’t feel real.

But before I can fully processholy crap, this is my home now,it’s nearly time for Finn to get back. I head downstairs, rubbing my palms against my thighs when I reach the bottom of the marble staircase.

And then my breath stutters.

Because there, sprawled across one of the velour shell-shaped couches, is Xavier Rockwell.

Chapter Seven

Maggie

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