Chapter 5
1083 Words
Xavier Sterling
I watched Pip coming down the steps of the old brick house and I stopped breathing, I didn't even move.
What the hell is she doing?
Walking to the front of the car, I saw her greet my long-time driver, Joe Danby. She gives him a familiar hug and they engage in
conversation. I had forgotten they knew each other. Deciding to end the reunion, I opened the door and stepped out. My exit didn't go
unnoticed by Pip and I see her get slightly uncomfortable.
"Well, it's great to see you again. So, happy Luke is doing so well. These are the addresses to the houses of Mr. Sterling wanted to
see. They're in the same area, so it's not like you're driving all over. It shouldn't take too long at any of the properties, he usually knows what he wants pretty quickly." She states, getting stated nod of agreement from Joe.
"Where's Liz?" I asked, sounding annoyed.
"She fell this morning. She's fine and so is the baby, but they're just getting checked out by the doctor." She answers, coming
closer.
I watched Joe hold the door and I gave him a displeased look.
Not that I'm mad that he didn't open my door. Just angry.…because he got a nice warm greeting from the girl that broke my heart.
Isn't there a saying, "bro's before hoes."
A little loyalty might be nice, but then again, this is Pip. She probably still sends him Christmas cards and Joe's son Luke birthday presents. It really wouldn't surprise me. I notice she doesn't move and see the conflicting thoughts running through her head.
"Just get in, Pip." I snapped.
"I was thinking it might be best to sit up front with Joe. To help navigate." She says, looking towards Joe.
"Joe has a navigation system. I know because I purchased it myself. Now, get in." I ordered, standing back so she could move past me.
I lower myself in after her and Joe shuts the door.
As the car moves, she clears her throat.
"Uh, these are the listings. Would you like to look at them before we get there?" She asks, holding out a folder.
I shook at the folder and shook my head. There would be no point in taking the folder only to pretend to look at the information. There's no way I would be able to concentrate on them anyway. She lowers the folder to her lap and turns to stare out the window. I looked at the side of her face, she hadn't changed at all. She looks exactly the same. I notice her hair is longer and her clothes more monotoned than she used to wear.
"How have you been?" She asks, not turning to look at me.
I was surprised by her question and it took me a few seconds to respond.
"Good. You?" I responded, out of curiosity.
"Fine." She answers, quickly. I can feel the tension in the building air.
"The area is nice. You've decided on a great location. The market is consistent, but never flooded. Very desirable."
When I don't respond, she turns to me, her eyes as expressive as I remember and right now they're colored with confusion.
"Why leave the city?" She asks.
The question hangs in the air for a moment before I answer.
"I'm tired." I answered, honestly.
Not wanting to say more than that.
She takes the information about what it is and turns back to the window. I continue to watch her every move until we reach the
first house. Joe stops the car and I open my door as Joe opens Pip's. I wait for her to come around the vehicle as we walk up
the stone steps of a gothic-style mansion. The huge wooden doors with cast iron knobs open displaying a older man with white hair
wearing a three-piece suit.
"Hello, I'm Piper Keller from Wheeler Realtor. I believe you spoke with Elizabeth Wheeler and we scheduled a showing today."
"Of course, I'm Edgar Cummings. I manage the estate. Welcome."
He replies, a smile on his face. He holds the door open as we walk into the foyer.
I watched Pip's eyes take in the decor and glance around myself.
"It's gorgeous." Pip says, turning to Mr. Cummings.
"Thank you. We do our best to keep up with the needs of the house," he replied.
"Do you want me to show you around?" He asks, willing to accommodate his house guests.
"Absolutely, if you can spare the time," Pip accepted gratefully.
With a little too much gratitude if you ask me. Someone doesn't want to be alone with me. We followed Mr.Cummings up the broad
stairs, my eyes falling on Pip's perky ass while Mr. Cummings voice falls on my deaf ears. Pip's laugh brings me out of it and I
listen as she agrees with Mr. Cummings.
When the man turns to me expectantly, I raise my eyebrows in question.
"I'm sorry?"
"Miss Keller and I were discussing the stairs. Not ideal if you plan on having a large family." He responds.
Filling in on what I missed while I was zeroing in on Pips' swaying backside.
"And why is that?" I asked, not understanding what that has to do with buying a house. Pip tries to cover the smile on her face, but
completely fails.
"The stairs. They're not exactly kid friendly. I was telling Mr. Cummings, how Liz has the whole house and office completely
baby proofed. And at times adult proof, it took Aaron a week to figure out how to unlatch the gate."
"That I don't doubt. He couldn't even use the computer program to look up houses. Unless they were already sold. He was great.
at finding those." I stated, sarcastically. Earning a hearty laugh from Pip, which made my heartbeat faster.
"Apparently, you can hire someone to do anything. Even a baby provides a home as large as this." Mr. Cummings says, jovially.
"Good to know. I plan on having six." I stated, looking directly at Pip.
Her smile slides off her face and she turns away from me.
I wanted more, children... but after a night of negotiations, Pip and I agreed on six.
Jokingly, of course, but it was still a fun night of laughter, arguing and great s*x.
"Six! Well, I guess you'll need a house this big." Mr. Cummings jokes.
He walks on down the corridor and we follow behind him.
- Writer
