Protecting Abigail by R.R. Banks

Author:R.R. Banks [Banks, R.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-08-16T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Abigail

Three weeks later...

"What are we up to today, Anna?" I ask as I open the door to Xavier's apartment and tuck my key back into my purse.

I look up, stopping in my tracks when I see Xavier in the living room.

"Hey," he says.

"Oh," I say. "I didn't know you were here. Anna called and told me her lessons were almost done for the day, so I came up. Are you not working today?"

"I just came back by to grab a change of clothes," he says. "I have a client who's been on my back to go play tennis with him for the last few months. Unfortunately, now that it's actually starting to get warm outside, I don't have an excuse anymore."

I laugh and nod as I place my purse on the side table.

"That sounds like so much fun," I tease. "It is a really beautiful day. It's nice to see the city has finally figured out it's spring and has decided to cooperate."

"Why don't you and Anna take advantage of the weather?" he asks. "Have you been to Central Park yet?"

"No," I say, shaking my head emphatically. "I haven't since I first moved here."

"Well, you should," Xavier says. "There's a lot to do there, and Anna loves it. She could show you around."

"That would be amazing!" Anna gushes as she runs into the room.

I open my arms out as she flings herself around my waist in a tight embrace, looking up at me.

"I don't know," I say.

I see Anna's face change, and she nods, her expression understanding but disappointed.

"She doesn't like to go out," she says. "Abigail won't go past the shop on the corner."

I look at Xavier regretfully. I want him to understand. It's not that I just don't want to bring Anna out. I would love nothing more than to be able to go on adventures with her. She told me so much about the city she grew up in, and I'm amazed by everything she describes with such vibrant detail and enthusiasm. The more she tells me about the experiences she's had with Xavier, the more I know just how much this little girl adores her father, and how special their relationship is. Over the last couple of months that I've been a part of their lives, I've seen both of them grow and change, and I've felt myself becoming rested and reassured by Xavier's presence. I want so much to be able to branch out more. I want to see the things Anna has told me about and discover new places and adventures together with her. But the thought of going out of the building is unnerving, and the concept of going beyond the surrounding block and anywhere too far from the security of the apartment, especially somewhere like Central Park, is out of the question.

He looks at me for a few seconds, and I get the impression Xavier is deep in thought. Finally, he nods.

"I'll be right back," he says. "Anna, make sure your homework is done.

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