“Good. Good girl.” Rufus sat up with Josiah and Louis’ help.
He asked, “Why did Xavier tell you to come back first?”
Winnie blinked helplessly. “Handsome said I can be useful back here, but he cannot come back for now.”
Hearing that, Rufus could not hold back his laughter. I forgot she’s mentally slow.
He then turned to Josiah and Louis. “You knew that Xavier’s still alive but kept it a secret from me.”
“Old Mr. Fairchild.” Josiah pushed his spectacles up sheepishly. “You can’t blame us for keeping it a secret from you. You know how careful Xavier is. We didn’t want to ruin his plan and had to keep it a secret.”
“Mm.” Rufus nodded. “Xavier’s calm and mature. I trust him.”
Josiah was speechless. Calm and mature? Did you forget how he went nuts when he was trying to find his wife?
“Louis, let me know how I should help Xavier.”
Louis immediately told him about Xavier’s plan. Bobbing his head, Rufus said, “Got it. Let’s do that. But you have to make sure to keep Winnie safe.”
“Grandpa Rufus, you have to be careful, too.” Before leaving, Winnie waved goodbye to him.
“I will. Winnie, you’re a kind and respectful young lady. Your granny has been worried about you, so she’ll be delighted to see you back. I’ll ask someone to give her a ride to your house so you can reunite with her.”
It was pretty late, so Winnie was brought to Xavier’s condominium, Aqua Moana, which was right smack in the city.
She had just taken a shower and climbed into bed when Christopher’s text arrived.
As it was too long, Winnie did not bother reading it. While drying her hair, she sent him a voice message: “Captain Bennett, it’s pretty late. Why are you still up?”
Christopher was surprised to receive her voice message. “I was afraid I’d disturb you, so I compiled everything into one text. I’ve just gotten off work. You don’t sound like you’re asleep, either. Why are you still up this late?”
Winnie replied: “I just came back to Avenport. Let me read your text.”
After reading his text, Winnie thought about it and send him a text: Where are you? Are you free to talk?
Christopher replied instantly: Wait, I’m reaching home soon. I’ll call you later.
Winnie sent him an “okay” emoji.
Five minutes later, Christopher’s call arrived.
He went straight to the topic. “What is this about? Is anything the matter?”
Winnie admired how straightforward and direct Christopher was.
“I read the text you sent me. You’ve targeted the drug traffickers’ den but couldn’t find their contact. They didn’t have a fixed time and location every time they deal with each other, right?”
Hearing that, Winnie chuckled lightly. “How sensible of you. It’s a pass.”
“Just a pass?” Xavier lowered his voice. “Didn’t you see how many missed calls I made?”
“Huh? You called me?” Winnie returned to the homepage and saw a few dozen missed calls.
“I was talking on the phone, and there wasn’t any notification. You should’ve sent me a text. I can see the text even if I’m talking to someone else.”
“I got anxious and didn’t think about that.” Xavier paused before asking, “Who were you talking to this late?”
“Why? Are you checking on me?” Winnie was tickled. “Should I send you my location or record a video or something to prove I’m in your house right now?”
“Sure. I’ll video call you.”
Before Winnie could react, Xavier ended the voice call and video-called her.
Once the call connected, Winnie started teasing him, “What, are you insecure, Mr. Fairchild? You used to leave me alone in the mansion and disappeared for several days in a row. I don’t remember you trying to video call me back then.”
Xavier knew Winnie was mocking him, but her smile managed to heal his insecurity and anxiety.
He could not wait to get home and lie in the bed behind her.
“Winnie, I miss you,” he declared passionately.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Silly Bride novel (Winnie and Xavier)