Novel Square
Caring for her
Chapter 34 Caring for her
BRICKS BAR, NEW YORK. “She is so stubborn. I don’t think I have met anyone like her before. Always acting like she doesn’t need help.” Xander whined, almost choking on his drink. Jace grinned in amusement. “She probably doesn’t need help.” He cut his brother a distasteful glare. “Of course, she needs help. Who doesn’t?” “Maybe you, you have your head stuck up in your ass and you still haven’t asked for help to get it out.” “I am going to have you strangled to death if you keep talking trash.” He laughed, unperturbed by the threat. “Come on, don’t be like this. You know the kind of person Nina is from the beginning. It would be best if you were thankful at least that she allowed Carla to work for her. If you are worried, call Carla to ask how she is doing.” “Maybe I should let her be. She doesn’t want me in her business.” “Are you giving up so soon?” There was taunt in his voice. Xander flared his nose. “I won’t repeat myself. That is a promise.” He hissed, staring down at his phone screen showing a message. Jace furrowed his brows at it. “Have you been missing your appointments?” “I can’t keep depriving myself of so many things. I am fine this way. At least I take the medications.” “If I was speaking gibberish like you are doing right now. What would you have said to me?” He snickered, calling out to the bartender to refill his glass. “Please, Jace, don’t start.” “Oh, I haven’t even said anything yet.” He sounded disappointed. “What is wrong with you? Do you have a death wish or something? Would it be so hard for you to live right? You say you are missing out on many things because of the treatment. Aren’t you just delusional?” “Watch it, young man. I am your older brother.” “You aren’t acting like it from the look of things.” Jace snorted. Xander said nothing in response, which only got on his nerves more. “You know what? I should tell Mum what you have been up to. You obviously wouldn’t have a problem with that.” “Do so and watch me make your life miserable.” Xander threatened. “Why are you making a fuss about it anyway? It’s my life, not yours.” “It is the essence of your existence. You make me feel bad whenever I talk endlessly, and you have nothing to add to it. Does she even know how much damage she has done to you?” “It was not her fault.” He gritted. “Well, partially it was. And now she is driving you up the wall again. It probably was never a healthy association to begin with.” Xander sighed heavily. “Please, Jace. I have had a long day. Can we not argue?” “I am not arguing with you, brother. You are the one who refuses to see reason for my explanation. This is fucked up.” Jace insisted. “Fine! I will leave then.” He said, gulping down his drink all at once. “Xander!” Jace bellowed when he stood up. Xander gave him a dead look. “You know how I am. Yet you keep messing with me. Good night.” He sucked his teeth, leaving. The bartender looked helpless again at Xander’s receding. “Don’t worry. I got you.” Jace assured, bringing out some cash from his wallet that included a tip. “Good night, man.” Xander fumed as he drove the car. He didn’t like that Jace refused to see that it wasn’t her fault. It was all his doing. He never should have let himself slip away so severely that it had his life turned upside down. He wished there was someone he could talk to. Not knowing what to do, he found himself in front of the office building, wondering if Nina might still be working late. He tapped patiently on his car wheel, waiting for her to leave. After thirty minutes of waiting, Nina made it out of the office. Despite being afar, he could sense their exhaustion from her. It made him worried about how hard she kept pushing herself. As soon as her car moved, he followed suit to be sure nothing went wrong. To his relief, she arrived home safe. He would have loved to knock on her door, but her mood might not be willing to accommodate him. Accepting his fate, he turned the car and drove himself home. A low growl escaped his lips when he saw Jace sitting by his porch, looking too relaxed. “What exactly did I do to deserve these constant visits of yours? Are you some nemesis?” Xander questioned like he would cry. Jace snorted. “I am only here for my money. This is my second time helping you pay off your liquor debt. Hand me back what’s mine.” Xander was unfazed by him and brought out his phone instead. “Cash, or do you want me to wire it?” “Don’t I have a right to choose how you pay me?” “I just gave you an option now. What the fuck do you want?” “A chance to spend the night with my brother. Only that, and I would be off your neck.” “I would rather give out my inheritance than let you and your nagging self in my safe harbor.” “Tell me one reason why you are so unforgiving?” “Just because.” Jace squinted his eyes at him. If he didn’t know better, he would have sworn his brother is nothing short of an asshole. The assertion isn’t precisely a miss. But then he is a fantastic person who has had to do too many things on his own for years and no longer knows how to seek help. He smacked his lips. “You know what the problem is? I blame myself for standing here to honor your opinion. Toodles.” Jace grinned mischievously, running towards the door to type in the code. His brother watched in amusement from behind. Jace turned to him after pressing the code, and the door remained locked. “When did you change this?” “I can’t have every one of you coming in whenever you will. So, I did what felt best. Change my code.” Xander seemed proud of himself. “So what is your point?” “The point is I would rather spend my night in the car than open the door to you.” “Are you serious?” “Call me king of petty.” Xander retorted, not feeling any bit of guilt.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.