Blocked off

Chapter 6 Blocked Off

XANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.

“Did you get home safe?” Xander said into the receiver while tapping lightly on the car wheel.

Nina made incoherent sounds in the background before making her voice clear again. “Yes, thank you.”

“I mean what I said, Nina. We should meet to talk again. I don’t know why you wouldn’t let me drop you off at home, especially in that state you are in.”

“I am pregnant, not handicapped, Xander. And I have been doing fine by myself, and I don’t need a knight in shining armor to do so.”

Her words sliced through his chest like a knife, but he chose to ignore it. “I just wanted to be of help.”

She exhaled, “I understand what happened in the past was a misunderstanding. But I need you to know that times have changed, and I am no longer the Nina you used to know. I would like this to be the end of us seeing one another again. I only gave you my contact to avoid coming off as rude. It's okay if you choose to delete it. Have a good night, Xander.”

The line went dead, and so did the hopeful door in the depth of his heart. A beam of light had shined when he saw Nina again after so long. But to his disappointment, the universe was fooling around with him. Inhaling deeply, Xander exited the car, getting the groceries he had bought earlier. His in-house help, Carla, would rebuke him for grocery shopping alone.

However, he never would have met his long-lost love if he didn’t choose to be independent. Checking his wristwatch, she would be asleep by now and wouldn’t get to rebuke him for coming home late. Sometimes, he forgets she is his employee. Carla holds a special place in his heart.

Xander dropped off the grocery bags and made his way to the study. Putting on the light, he cursed loudly at the person seated in his chair with his legs spread out on the table and chewing rapidly on gum as his life depended on it.

“What the actual fuck, man!” Xander bellowed with a hand to his chest. His only friend and brother, Jace, smirked, still chewing unbothered. “How often have I told you to stop sneaking around my house like a rat?”

Jace sniffed, dropping his legs. “It's not my fault that my supposed brother is never in the mood to entertain visitors. If I didn’t know better, I would think you are a monk.”

Xander sucked his teeth before settling himself into a chair. “Say whatever you want. But I do not appreciate you sneaking up on me. And how the hell did you survive in the darkness all alone? What if I didn’t come home today?”

“Well, I will be damned if you spend the night outside this cocoon of yours. And FYI, I had my phone with me. You are so oblivious to so many things that I wonder how you control a conglomerate.” He replied while making a gum bubble and returning to the vile chewing.

“It's why I hire people competent in different areas.” Jace snap of his gum caused Xander to groan in irritation. “Can you not chew like that, please? Do you want to end up toothless in the next five years?”

He looked excited at the question. “That won’t be such a bad idea. I intend to have diamond-encrusted teeth. You will love it.”

Xander cringed. “I can almost envision you looking like a clown in it already.”

Jace snorted, standing up to pour himself a glass of wine. “You are just old school. How did your day go? Mum has been trying to reach you all day.”

“I was out. I didn't realize I was under watchful eyes.”

“Come on, brother. You don’t have to love our father, but Mum has done nothing wrong to you. It would be best if you didn’t treat her this way. With her dramatic nature, I won’t be surprised if she turns up here tomorrow morning wailing. Call her back.”

“Yeah, I would,” Xander uttered in a dismissive tone.

Jace observed him for a few minutes. “What’s wrong? You look deflated. It's not like you are much fun to be around since you are always sore. But I have to admit, you look worse. Talk to me.”

“Shut up and stop acting like you are the older one.” He snickered, heading for the door. “I am setting up for a game, and you want to play?”

“Will you be making that amazing toast of yours?” He looked ecstatic as he followed Xander out to the kitchen.

“It's nice to hear you admit to my greatness,” Xander replied dryly.

Xander moved swiftly within the kitchen while Jace watched in awe.

“Quit looking at me like that.” He said.

“Only if you tell me what’s wrong.” Jace insisted.

“You are too much of mum’s look alike. It would have been best if you were a female. I wouldn’t have to deal with you every time.”

“I am glad to announce that you are stuck with me for life.” Jace chuckled at his own words. It also brought a faint smile to Xander’s weary features.

Silence echoed between the two of them.

“I saw Nina today.” He finally revealed.

Jace’s lashes fluttered. “What? Did you meet with Nina? It's over ten years.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“I never thought the day would come when you would meet her again. If that is the case, you should be happy then. Since you finally get the chance to clear things with her.”

Xander’s hands suddenly went cold. “She told me never to call her again.”

“What’s the essence of giving you her contact then?”

“Being cordial.”

“That’s bullshit. Nina wouldn’t give it to you in the first place if truly she doesn’t want you to reach out anymore.”

His eyes beamed with hope. “You think so?”

“I know so. These women can be quite funny. She is no doubt in her feelings at the moment. Trust me, she would like you to call her now and then. They are all the same.”

“Nah, Nina isn’t that kind of lady. She is a person with a mind of her own.”

“Why not prove me wrong now and call her back.”

“Now?”

“Now, bro. Where is your phone?”

“The study.” Jace hurried off to get the phone, and it made Xander skeptical. “Don’t you think it's late,” Xander said when his brother returned with the phone.

Jace shrugged. “As long as it's not the middle of the night. It's not too late. Go on.” He urged, sensing his hesitation.

Xander inhaled sharply before dialing the contact and placing it on speaker. The line didn't go through as he kept going off. He glanced up at his brother. “I think she blocked my line.”

He shook his head vigorously. “No, that can’t be. It's too soon.” Jace argued in disbelief.

“I told you, didn't I?” Xander huffed, dropping the knife in his hand as he headed upstairs. His entire mood just worsened.