Page 107 of Breaking the Rules
“You saw that, did you?”
“No thanks to you. Your sister told us to tune in.”
The Katy Perry ringtone on Waverly’s phone suddenly made more sense to Xavier.
“I’ve been spending time with Waverly,” he said, making the unnecessary confession.
“No shit,” Carol said succinctly. “Is it personal or professional?”
“Both,” Xavier admitted. “I can hear you happy dancing,” he said dryly.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” his mother responded, proving his point by being slightly out of breath. “When are you bringing her home again?”
“As soon as humanly possible, and don’t use that as an excuse to renovate the entire house,” he warned.
“What was that? I couldn’t hear you. I was looking up the contractor’s number.”
“Mom!”
Chelsea put her thumbs in her ears and wiggled her fingers at him from the kitchen. Xavier flipped her the bird.
“I’m just kidding. Relax!” Her voice softened. “I’m really happy for you, Xavier.”
His mother had guessed all those years ago how deep his feelings for Waverly ran. And she, and the rest of the Saints, had been there to help him pick up the pieces when it had all gone to hell.
He sighed. “Thanks, Mom. I don’t want to jinx anything. There’s still a chance she could come to her senses.”
His mother laughed. “Then you just do your best to make sure she doesn’t have enough time or space to change her mind.”
“Good advice, Mom.”
“That’s how your father wooed me.”
Xavier smiled despite himself. His parents’ relationship, that committed team effort, was what he wanted in life. They challenged each other, supported each other, enjoyed each other. And he could have that with Waverly.
If he could keep her safe today.
“I’ll have to take a page out of Dad’s book,” Xavier promised.
“I’d put him on for you, but I have a bit more motherly interrogation to do.”
“What now?”
“Have you heard from your sister? Chelsea hasn’t been answering my calls either, and I’m worried.”
“Chelsea?” Xavier grinned at his sister, who went from flipping him off to shaking her head so violently he thought it might snap off her neck. “She didn’t tell you?” he asked, taking great joy in selling out his sister.
“Tell me what?” Carol demanded.
“She’s here. She’s helping me with a project. I can’t believe she didn’t tell you.”
“She’s what?” His mother was almost shouting.
“Here. You can talk to her,” Xavier held his phone at arm’s length to Chelsea. “Mom wants to talk to you, Chels,” he said loud enough that their mother could hear him.
Chelsea stomped on his foot for good measure before taking the phone from him.
“Hey, Mom.”
