XXII

“Hello, guys,” a familiar voice echoed in my ear.

I turned and saw it was Xander.

He said hello to everyone, and I was shocked by his presence. Why can’t he leave me alone for just one day? He shook Zach’s and Luka’s hands, but he greeted Clara and me with a kiss on the cheek.

That was not acceptable and expected from us. I mean, Xander treated his juniors like humans. We three were talking through our eyes. What is he doing here? Who invited him?

He was busy talking to Zach, facing their backs towards us.

I yanked at Clara’s hand; glared at her.

“What is he doing here?”

“He is Zoey’s brother-in-law,”

When I heard her words, I literally choked and started coughing.

Zach came running towards me.

“Hey, are you ok?” He slowly patted my bareback.

“Come sit here. Take it slowly, babe,” He said.

“I am fine,” I mustered a smile as I got killer looks from my bully.

Zach went back to talk to Xander, and I pulled Clara’s hand.

“You knew it already? Why didn’t you tell me? I will