Chapter 58

• I watched as Xavier meticulously arranged the coffee table in the living room. He carefully carried their cups of coffee out and then went back to retrieve their plates and cutlery. I noticed he was avoiding eye contact with me, and that left me feeling uncertain about how I felt about it. I didn't want to look him in the eyes, yet it bothered me that he was deliberately turning away. I couldn't bring myself to address what I had overheard without admitting to eavesdropping, and honestly, I had no idea what I would say even if I could. So, I felt trapped into allowing it to slide for the time being. Meanwhile, Steve washed and dried his hands, gave the counter a quick wipe, and gestured for me to go ahead of him into the living room.
• I was still carrying a deep hurt inside me. The pain settled in my abdomen and resonated through other parts of my body, but to some extent, it was easing—largely due to the healing powers I had experienced. Unfortunately, that relief only applied to the physical aspect; I knew it would take a long time, if ever, to push the memories of what Andrew had done to me out of my mind. I wondered fleetingly whether I would ever return to a state of normalcy. Just then, I noticed Xavier clear his throat.
• "Uh, we..." he started and then cleared his throat again, as if trying to collect his thoughts. "We thought it might be easier for you to sit here."