All Out
Chapter 47 All OutText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
DAWN’S HOME, NEW YORK. “Isn’t this a bit too much?” Minny slurred from the kitchen as she watched her sister light up the candles she had placed in the middle of the table romantically. Dawn stared at her handiwork in satisfaction. “I can’t keep waiting for long. I need to make him see what he is missing.” She rolled her eyes. “You will be disappointed. Those Jackson brothers are nothing to write home about. Trust me.” She said, walking away. Dawn refused to be discouraged. Xander is nothing like his brother, Jace. The car horn outside made her heart jolt. She rushed off to stare at herself in the mirror. Satisfied with her look, she went to open the door for Xander to come in. “Wow! Are we expecting others?” Xander asked when he sighted the decoration. She flushed in embarrassment. “No, it is just for the two of us. Remember this is my invitation. You are not supposed to complain about whatever it is I do.” He raised both hands in surrender. “My bad. So what are we having for dinner?” He asked as he pulled a chair out for her to sit; Xander did the same. “Well, why don’t you check the menu.” Dawn urged. There was a surprise look on his face at the menu. Since dinner was taking place in the house, he didn’t think there would be many options for food. When Xander decided what he wanted to order, Dawn clapped her hands, and two waitresses walked in to take their orders. He looked impressed, and she saw it. “You have gone all out. One would think you are about to propose to me.” He joked, taking a sip of his drink. Dawn’s expression became severe at his words. “What if I do want to propose to you?” “As what? Or do you mean a business proposal? You know I am open to things like that. I almost forgot to ask what you think of the buyout I proposed to the team.” Her words failed her when he immediately plodded into another topic unrelated to the moment she would like to consider noteworthy. At the same time, Dawn felt glad he was right in the space with her, eating and talking his heart out. It’s pretty hard loving someone so intensely from afar. Dawn can’t stop thinking of how good she and Xander will look together. Or is she feeding on the image Venus draws every time they meet? “Don’t you want to get married?” Dawn blurted out of nowhere. Xander paused halfway with his chewing. He genuinely looked shocked at the question. He swallowed with difficulty and dropped the cutlery. “Why do you ask?” She stretched out her hand to caress his and shrugged. “Nothing; it’s not like it is a taboo to discuss, or is it?” He shifted, trying to read her intentions. Xander never likes being dragged into the middle this way, as it always makes him uncomfortable. “You will know if I ever get to think of the prospect. Right now, I am just fine with my life.” “Won’t you ask if I want that too?” Xander was about to say what he thought when his phone rang loudly. “Please, excuse me.” He mumbled, reaching for the phone. His brows joined at the caller. “Hey, Nina.” A pause. “What? Please send me your location. I will be right there.” He said. Dawn stood up with him when Xander started picking up his things. “Where are you off to?” “I am sorry, Dawn. But Nina’s car stopped in the middle of the road. I should go and help her.” “Why call you when she can get a taxi or a designated driver?” Xander stared at her like he wondered how she could be so dumb. But rather than say something, he only hurried out. Dawn couldn’t believe what had just happened, and her breath seemed to hitch at her every attempt. Her sister walked down the stairs stealthily and held her gaze, ready to spit out a mockery. “Don’t you dare!” Dawn warned as she stormed out of the house. Xander felt excited and worried at the same time. He was excited that Nina thought to call him and worried she might be in danger. Thankfully, she was still in one piece when he got to the location she sent. “Xander!” Nina called as she hugged him. He held onto her closely. “It’s okay. I am here now.” As her life depended on him, she held him close. Nina felt like her world came crashing down on her when the car had stopped. Her hormones took control of her entire being, and tears were the only thing that erupted from her. Feeling clueless, she dialed her knight in shining armor, Xander. Also, since he owns the car, Nina thinks he would improve the handling. “What happened?” He asked, breaking the silence. She sniffed, wiping at the tears. “I don’t know. It just stopped and refused to move. Pardon my manners, please. You must have been doing something important when I called.” Xander remembered the dinner, but he couldn’t care less. Not when Nina needed him more. “It’s nothing serious. I came as soon as I got the call. I will call someone to get the car towed and fixed. Have you had dinner?” He asked, guiding her to his car. She shook her head. “Not yet. I am so sorry I ruined your car. I think a less expensive one will be better for someone like me.” “What are you saying? What do you mean by someone like you? Aren’t you just as special as everyone else? I will handle and return the car to you, so don’t worry.” “I don’t know what I would do without you. Thank you so much for always. When are you scheduled to travel again?” “By the end of this week. I am not sure leaving you by yourself is appropriate.” He said, driving. “See you talking like my husband. Your life shouldn’t be on hold because of me. Moreover, I have Carla with me, and Tania comes around from time to time. Aren’t you going to call the mechanic?” “I already texted him. He would get it. No need to worry.” “Thank you.” She mumbled amidst a yawn. “Why don’t you rest your head a little-” He was about to suggest, but her eyes were already closed. She must be fagged from overworking herself. Sighing, Xander helped her rest her head and kept driving. Even when he passed the house, he didn’t stop; watching her sleep with ease made him feel happiest.