“Xylina.” He gave me a quick glance then went back to whatever he was working on. “I see you had a plentiful day.”
Grinning, I lowered my eyes to the bags dangling on my arms. In addition to the boots, I also grabbed a few outfits and accessories to match. There were only one hundred pairs of the boots made, so I couldn’t wear them with just anything.
“It was. The limited boots I’ve been waiting for finally came in today.” Walking to the other chair in the family room, I plopped down, setting the bags in front of me. “I see Mom’s enjoying her girl’s trip,” I mentioned.
“As much as she’s spending, she should be.”
I snickered. “You know Mommy.”
Every few months my mom and some of her girlfriends took a trip somewhere to unwind and rest, as they called it. This trip was a week-long cruise in the Caribbean.
I started talking about meaningless things, but the lack of response from my dad eventually caused me to grow quiet.
An awkward silence passed through us. Our house was huge, so even though staff were scattered about, the area we were in was quiet.
Never one to beat around the bush, I decided to ask the big question.
“Did you hear back from Alonzo? Did his son agree?”
“Not yet, but he will.”
I pouted. “When? I mean what’s to think about? If he doesn’t want his dad’s business to be ruined, then?—”
“Xylina!” I jumped when my dad’s voice heightened and he slammed his laptop down. “I’m in the middle of handling important business. When I have an answer, you will know it.” His voice lacked patience and annoyance was written all on his face.
Blinking a couple times, I opened my mouth but released a huff instead. “Fine.” I leaned down and collected my bags. “I need to check on Princess anyway. She has bad anxiety when I’m gone for too long.” Princess was my year old Shiba Inu, a high school graduation gift from Daddy.
Leaving the den, I headed for my wing of the house. It was more of an apartment. My parents had it added onto the house as a sweet sixteen gift. It had its own private entrance, but since I’d wanted to ask about Yosiah I came through the main doors. It gave me complete privacy from my parents and there was even a kitchen so I didn’t have to worry about coming to the main house.
“Hello, Ms. Fox,” Helen, my housekeeper, greeted once I was on my side.
I paused. “Hi, Helen, did you change mine and Princess’s sheets today?”
“Yes, ma’am.” She nodded.
“And you put the cream ones on the beds, correct? And used the unscented detergent on Princess’s sheets? You know her skin is sensitive.”
“Yes, ma’am. They’re fresh out of the dryer and on the bed.”
I grinned. “Great.”
Continuing down the hall, I pushed my door open and entered my large bedroom.
The sound of Princess’s bark could be heard before she came rushing out of her castle doghouse toward me.
I dropped my bags and leaned down to swoop her up. “There goes Mommy’s girl,” I gushed as she barked and wagged her tail. “Did you miss me? I got you something today.” Leaning down I grabbed the bag from the pet store and headed for my large bed in the center of the room.
“Oh, and look at your collar, we have to call and schedule to get it cleaned,” I noted, taking the bag of treats she loved out of the bag. It was a pink diamond encrusted collar with her name spelled out on the front in white diamonds.
“I knew these would make you forgive me for being gone all day.” I fed her another treat.
While Princess enjoyed her treats, I grabbed my phone from my Chanel crossbody and lifted it to snap a picture of me and Princess sprawled across my lap.
“Perfect.” I grinned once I got one I liked. Opening InstaFlik, I posted the picture then went to my search screen.
“Now let’s take a look at your future daddy.” I went to Yosiah’s page.
He had posted a new picture since I’d last checked his page at the salon, on a bike. He was sweaty with the sun beaming down on him. His hand looked as if he was trying to block the sun as he looked up.