Good memories
Chapter 76 Good Memories
NINA’S HOME, NEW YORK. Nina turned to the side, letting out a soft yawn. It’s been so long since she slept so soundly. Repositioning herself, she felt a protective arm around her. It took her a second for the positioning to register in her heart. She looked up to see Xander’s handsome, sleeping face. A small smile played on her lips. She had been having difficulty sleeping due to excess peeing last night. Her refusal to remain at home and resume office had prompted a bit of discomfort in her body. Even after taking her pills, she couldn’t stop moving around. Xander wouldn’t have known of the ordeal she was enduring if she hadn’t gone to the kitchen to get water to drink and found him in the living room, drinking by himself. He looked distraught when she explained her condition. She assured him it was nothing serious; they stayed quiet for some time and started talking and reminiscing about their time together when they were dating in college. It was always a sunshine day for them. Xander kept admitting to his regrets that they couldn’t end up together. He was blaming himself for not fighting harder. Even though Nina wished that would have been the case. She couldn’t help but be grateful for his presence in her life again. Despite exhaustion, he made her a warm glass of milk and massaged her to sleep. She hasn’t even woken up to pee until now. Nina feels almost undeserving of him. His attention to detail makes everything feel perfect. She was pretty concerned about meeting his parents with her bulging belly. Even though Venus had been excellent the first day they met, finally meeting them made her feel like a part of them. “Your eyes will burn a hole in my face if you don’t blink,” Xander said, his eyes still closed. Nina chuckled, moving to get up, but he pulled her back. “And where do you think you are going?” She wiggled within his hold. “To get ready for work, of course.” “You won’t be going to work today, so you must stay put right here. Stop being so stubborn.” “But I can’t just be alone all through the day.” He finally opened his eyes. “Which is why I took the day off. Perks of being CEO, after all.” She wanted to protest but thought against it. Her body needs rest, and enjoying the privilege of being given to her on a platter of gold doesn’t seem so bad. “What then would we do all day in the house?” Nina asked, trying not to appear pleased with not going to work. Xander nuzzled her neck, causing her to laugh loudly. “We could cuddle up all day. You have to sleep in. It’s what you need.” “Get away from me.” She mumbled, slapping his arm gently. He did as told and sat up on the bed. “Where are you going?” “Morning pee.” She replied, squinting her eyes. “Okay, just get back here.” Nina desired his comforting arm and didn’t hesitate to return after she did her thing in the bathroom. The next time she opened her eyes, the loud ringing of a phone had brought her back to life. Managing to stand up, she yawned and looked towards the phone ringing. It turned out to be Xander’s, and Dawn was calling. She checked the time and gasped in shock. It was way past noon and almost evening. She must have slept for a long time. Her belly growled hungrily. Xander wasn’t in the room, and she could smell something nice in the kitchen. She picked up the phone, which was still ringing loudly, and called for Xander. “Xander! Xander! Your phone.” Nina held her mouth agape when she saw Xander, Jace, Tania, and Carla in the living room, all seated on the plush rug and playing Jenga. Their concentration prevented them from hearing her the first time. “What are you all doing here?” She asked with a bright smile on her face. “Hey, Nina.” They chorused. Tania pulled a block, and everything fell. Carla stood up quickly to help Nina settle on the couch. “Thank you,” Nina mumbled, handing the phone to Xander. “You have a call.” Xander took a glance at who the caller might be and ignored it. “How are you?” “I am fine. How come?” She inquired again. “I called them here. I was super worried last night that you might need to go to the hospital. When I called Carla, she assured me you all needed sleep. Since we wouldn’t be going to work, I invited them over. Jace went to pick Tania himself.” Xander explained, sitting next to her. “Aww, this is so nice of you all,” Nina muttered. “Come here, girl. I have missed you so much.” Tania mused, pulling her into a hug. Nina rubbed at her back. “Me too. You look so stressed.” “I know. Those lectures are tormenting my life.” She replied. “I want to be like you, Nina. Getting the day off whenever you want.” Carla teased from the kitchen, causing Nina to blush. “Will you like some salad?” “Yes, please.” She replied. “And I promise, Xander gives me no choice.” “Yeah, right,” Tania added with a mischievous glint. Nina chuckled, ignoring them. “Thanks so much for coming, Jace. It’s always nice having you around.” Jace grinned. “It’s my pleasure. And I am sorry Mum had you bombarded like that.” “I loved it,” Nina said. “Oh, wow. We are meeting the inlaws now?” Tania drawled. “Shut up.” She retorted, laughing. “How is your son, Carla?” “You need to see him. Very fit. He is beginning to bother me.” Carla replied, laughing. “That is what matters the most. Him being healthy.” Tania added. “How about we leave Nina to enjoy her salad? We have a game to finish here.” Jace mused, rubbing his palms together. “Always so fucking competitive,” Xander mumbled at the same time his phone rang. He groaned at it. Dawn is too persistent for his liking. “You should take the call.” Nina urged. “Trust me, it’s not worth taking now. I will call back later. My secretary must have already informed her of my absence. She is just trying to poke the nose again.” He replied with a frown. Her eyes softened as she stared at him. Nina leaned closer and whispered in his ear. “Are you worried that I might get angry?” She taunted. He gave a playful side glare, trying to hide his smile. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” “No, you can’t do that!” Tania hollered at Jace, slapping his hand. “Carla is the one cheating. Yet you keep bypassing her.” Jace retorted, laughing. Nina shook her head as she chewed slowly on her food. She watched them exchange words playfully. It feels so nice having them around. She hasn’t been able to share moments with anyone in a close-knit space like this. It makes her heart feel secure. It’s been so long since she last felt that way. She turned to Xander and whispered. “Thank you, Xander. It means a lot to me.” He patted her hand, smiling. “You are most welcome.” After her meal, Nina joined the game. Xander leaned back, watching her intensely. He was glad that his intention to make her happy was working out. What he has in store for her next will blow her mind, which he hopes will make her happy. Nina’s happiness is one of his top priorities. “Come on now, Xander. Join us.” Carla invited. And that was what he did.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.