Xavier's type

The scent of roasted chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and freshly baked cornbread filled the dining room as the family gathered around the table. Green beans glistened with a light coating of butter, and a pitcher of sweet tea sat in the center, condensation trickling down its glass sides. The silverware clinked against ceramic plates as they ate, the warmth of a home-cooked meal wrapping around them like a familiar embrace.

Laura sat back in her chair, casually twirling her fork through her mashed potatoes, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips. She had been watching Xavier all evening, noting the way he seemed lighter, distracted even. Now was the perfect time to strike.

"So, son," she began, her voice smooth with curiosity, "you've been in a *very* good mood lately." She paused to take a sip of her sweet tea, her eyes never leaving his face. "Tell me, what—or should I say who—is behind that smile?"

Xavier had just taken a gulp of his iced tea when the words hit him like a ton of bricks. He choked, coughing violently as the cold liquid went down the wrong way. His hand shot to his chest as he tried to recover, his eyes darting across the table—straight to Ruby.

His sister was chewing her cornbread a little too casually, her expression the picture of innocence. But Xavier wasn't buying it.

His stomach twisted with suspicion. Did she tell mom

"Mom, what are you even talking about?" he finally managed, his voice slightly hoarse. He set his glass down carefully, trying to appear composed, but the heat creeping up his neck was a dead giveaway.

Laura's grin widened as she leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, come on, Xavier. When are you going to tell me you're dating?" She tapped her fork against her plate, feigning deep thought. "Kamsi, was it? The girl next door?"

Xavier's fork froze mid-air, hovering over his chicken. His gaze snapped to Ruby again, his expression incredulous. "You told her?"

Ruby's eyes widened in protest. "I didn't say anything. " she mouthed, shaking her head so forcefully her curls bounced.

Laura chuckled, clearly entertained by the unfolding drama. "Oh, please. I don't need Ruby to tell me." She reached for another bite of mashed potatoes, her voice laced with triumph. "I saw you sneaking out of Kamsi's house."

Xavier groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. "Mom, it's not—"

Laura cut him off with a dramatic hum, wagging her fork. "Mhm. Then how do you explain holding hands with her?"

Ruby gasped, setting her fork down with a clatter. "Holding hands?" She turned to Xavier, her eyes wide with betrayal. "Oh my God. You like her."

Xavier groaned again, louder this time, and leaned back in his chair. "Ruby, please—"

But Ruby wasn't done. She threw her hands up in frustration. "Xavier! You cannot be serious! What is wrong with you?" She leaned forward, eyes narrowing as she pointed at him with her fork. "She's not even your type! She's too—" She gestured.

"Too what?" He asked raising a brow." She's not your type!" Ruby snapped.

"And what is?" Inquired Xavier. Ruby gestured vaguely, searching for the right words. "Cool, pretty, hot—"

Xavier smirked, finally recovering from his embarrassment. "As far as I know, Kamsi checks all those boxes."

Ruby's jaw dropped. She stared at him for a long second, then crossed her arms with a deep frown. "I just don't like her," she muttered, stabbing at her green beans with unnecessary force.

Xavier's amusement faded slightly. He tilted his head. "Why?" His voice was softer now, more serious.

Ruby hesitated. She looked down at her plate, pushing around her mashed potatoes with her fork. "Because…" Her voice was small now, barely above a whisper. "She's going to steal you away from me."

The room fell silent except for the faint hum of the ceiling fan.

Xavier's teasing expression vanished instantly. His chest ached at the rare vulnerability in Ruby's voice. Without thinking, he reached over and ruffled her curls before pulling her into a side hug. "Oh, so that's what this is about," he murmured, his voice warm. "So deep down, you do like her."

Ruby mumbled something into his shoulder, but it was too muffled to hear.

Laura, watching the scene with amusement, finally spoke up, her voice filled with barely contained excitement. "Well, that's good to know," she said, taking a sip of her tea. She let the suspense hang for a moment, then dropped the bombshell.

"Because Mrs. Chibuike invited us over for dinner at their place."

Xavier and Ruby both snapped their heads toward her, their voices rising in perfect unison.

"WHAT?!"

Laura simply picked up another piece of cornbread, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"Mom, how did that even happen?" Ruby huffed, arms crossed so tightly it looked like she was trying to squeeze out her frustration. She sat on the couch, her lower lip jutting out in a full-blown pout.

Xavier, lounging beside her with his phone in hand, glanced up at her dramatics. He arched a brow, masking his amusement.

Five hours earlier...

Felicia's mom turned the corner in the grocery store, her cart rattling as she scanned the aisle. The warm scent of fresh bread lingered in the air, mixing with the sharp citrus of stacked oranges. She paused near the produce section just as a familiar voice rang out.

"Hey, neighbor!"

Laura stood by the avocados, one hip cocked as she balanced a basket against her side. She idly rolled an avocado between her fingers, testing its ripeness. When she spotted Felicia's mom, her eyes brightened with recognition, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.

Felicia's mom chuckled, pushing her cart toward her. "Hey, Laura! Long time no see."

Laura's brows lifted in exaggerated surprise. "You mean since the last time I saw you speed-walking to your car like you were running from a crime scene?"

Felicia's mom laughed, shaking her head. "Guilty. Work's been crazy, and I've been taking extra shifts. I swear, I barely have time to breathe these days."

Laura tsked, wagging a finger at her. "No excuses! You still owe me that dinner you promised, remember?"

Felicia's mom groaned dramatically, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Oh God, I did, didn't I? Alright, alright—how about Friday night?"

Laura beamed. "Perfect! I'll make my famous casserole, and you bring the good company."

They continued shopping together, falling into easy conversation. The years of knowing each other made it effortless, their laughter blending with the low hum of the grocery store.

Presently...

Ruby slumped into the couch, dragging out a groan as if the weight of the world rested on her tiny shoulders. "Why do we have to go? It's gonna be so boring!"

Felicia's mom, standing by the kitchen counter, barely spared her a glance as she pulled ingredients from the fridge. "Because it's polite, Ruby. Laura was nice enough to invite us, and we're going as a family."

Ruby kicked her feet against the couch, scowling. "But why do I have to suffer too? Xavier should go instead. He's practically an adult—leave me out of this!"

Xavier, who had been scrolling through his phone, glanced up, careful to keep his expression neutral. Inside, though, excitement buzzed through him. Kamsi would be there. He hadn't seen her in a while, and the idea of spending an entire evening at her house made the dinner invitation a lot more appealing. But he wasn't about to let Ruby catch on.

He sighed, playing the role of the unwilling participant. "Mom, do I really have to?" His tone was the perfect mix of reluctant and resigned.

Felicia's mom shot him a knowing look. "Yes, you do. We're all going. No arguments."

Ruby groaned louder, throwing herself against the cushions like a wounded heroine in a tragic play. "This is child cruelty! What if they don't have WiFi? What if they serve us those weird-looking Nigerian dishes?"

Felicia's mom's expression darkened slightly. "Ruby, that's not a nice thing to say."

"But I'm not wrong," Ruby shrugged.

Xavier chuckled, shaking his head. "You're being dramatic. You'll survive."

Ruby shot him a glare. "Easy for you to say. You're probably gonna flirt with their daughter or something while I sit there dying of boredom."

Xavier only shrugged, not bothering to deny it.

Ruby turned back to their mom, her last attempt at escape shining in her wide, pleading eyes. "Please, Mom. Can't I fake a cold or something?"

Felicia's mom wasn't moved. "Nope. Now go find something nice to wear. We're leaving at seven."

Ruby let out a dramatic wail, stomping off toward her room.

Xavier, meanwhile, hid his smirk as he leaned back against the couch. This dinner was starting to sound more interesting by the second.