From Friends to Forever: A Love Grows Collection (1001 Dark Nights) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 1001 Dark Nights Press
Published: 2025-02-11T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 5

Xavian doesn’t look devastated, like he lost his job or his best friend. But whatever he’s going to say, it’s big.

Both relieved and frustrated at his timing, I gesture to the sofa. “Sit down, man. What’s going on?”

Slowly, he sinks onto the nearest cushion. “I just got a call. The blood results are back. The PI is right. These people, whoever they are… We’re related. They’re my family.” He sighs. “It’s weird to say that.”

After not really having any, I’m sure.

“That’s amazing.” Echo sits and takes his hand. “You have people who care enough to find you so they can include you.”

“Maybe.” He doesn’t sound convinced. “Since they’re being so secretive, it’s more likely they’re not thrilled I exist and they intend to silence me so I won’t blab and tarnish dear old dad’s reputation.”

“Don’t assume the worst. Once they get to know you, they’ll welcome you with open arms.”

There’s Echo’s optimism again, but Xavian and I are cut from the same cynical cloth. I know exactly why he’s convinced this isn’t good news.

“Did the PI tell you anything when he called back?” I ask.

“Almost nothing, except the family knows. Sakamoto said he’ll be in touch with more from them soon.”

Meaning he’ll outline what the family wants from Xavian and how much pressure they’re planning to apply to shut him up. That could be anything from a bribe to a threat.

What a shitty situation. X could really use some close-knit family. After his mom died, he went through a self-destructive phase. Graham, Kella, Maryam, Echo, and I pulled him through, but we’re friends. He wants a blood bond. He wants to belong with people for life.

The last thing he needs is proof that relatives who should give a shit about him don’t.

“Think positive,” Echo suggests. “Put out good vibes. They’ll come back to you.”

Xavian squeezes her hand. “Thanks. Hey, we have until five before the cocktail mixer. Can we get out of here for a bit? I don’t think I can just chill on the beach today without going stir crazy.”

Good call. I don’t think I can keep my hands to myself, especially if Echo and I stay in our room or she puts on another bikini. “You want to have lunch somewhere on the island, then sightsee a little?”

“That would be nice,” Echo agrees.

So we all agree to make an afternoon of it, first traveling north and stopping at several scenic points along the way until we reach Lahaina, where we find a fresh seafood place on the beach. Afterward, we backtrack and head south again.

Before we left my room, I’d tucked away the notes I took during the conversation with Fay Henderson. When I passed the suggestions to Xavian, he and Echo both got fired up to hit a local place with ropes courses and ax throwing. We’re all experienced climbers, so we challenge ourselves and tackle the most difficult climbing elements.

I swear I’ve seen Echo a hundred times in spandex shorts, but usually with some baggy T-shirt that covered everything from her neck to her mid-thighs.

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