Chapter 1744
Skyler had dropped a few grand on a swanky hotel room, and Zavier could only watch as Skyler was whisked away by her sister, feeling a pang of loss in his chest.
Back in his own room, he pinged his buddies in their group chat, [What are you guys up to?] He sent the message, but no one seemed to care.
Zavier: [Lucas is taken, Stevenâs got his eye on a girl. I get why those love-struck fools arenât replying. But Marc, whatâs your excuse? You ainât got a lady love, why the cold shoulder?]
After a while, Marcus finally shot back a message, [Was just catching up with my grandma.]
Zavier: [Howâs her health?]
Marcus: [Granâs tough as nails.]
Zavier: [Sheâs only got you for a grandson. She not bugging you to bring home a bride?]e2
Marcus: [My gran ainât as bored as your granddad.]
Zavier: [Thatâs a way to put it. Youâre young now, so sheâs not pressing you. Give it a couple of years, then weâll see if she starts nudging you.]
Marcus: [Donât sweat it for me. You sort out your own stuff first.]
Zavier: [Already did.]
Marcus: [Really?]
Zavier: [Iâve decided to go with the familyâs wishes. When Skyler is of age or after she graduates, weâll make it official.]
At that, Steven and Lucas, whoâd been playing dead, suddenly sprang to life.
Steven: [If youâre into Skyler, just say it, man. Whatâs with the family wishes excuse?]
Lucas: [Never thought Iâd see the day Zavier falls so hard. The age-old tale, even heroes canât fend off Cupidâs arrow.]
Zavier: [Thought you guys were dead. Back from the grave?]
Steven: [My broâs getting hitched. Iâd claw my way out of a coffin for that.]
Lucas: [Did you even ask Skyler? Is she down with this plan to marry you?]
Zavier: [Sheâll be on board for sure.]
Steven: [Sure? Youâre that certain sheâll say yes?]
Lucas: [Spill it, Zavier. Whatâs got you so hooked on her?]
1/2
Zavier was stumped. Heâd never pondered that question. Maybe it was Skylerâs stubborn streak that got to him. Maybe he felt for her and wanted to be her rock. Or perhaps it was just that she fit his idea of beauty.
He didnât want to delve too deep. All he knew was that he wanted to marry Skyler, and be with her for life.
Marcus: [If youâve made up your mind, then treat her right. Donât have any other intentions with other women.]
Steven: [Marc, quit playing advisor when youâre single as a pringle.]
Lucas: [Let him speak. Marcâs making sense.]
Marcus: [If thereâs anything you need with me, just holler.]
That reminded Zavier of something, âHowâs the collaboration going with my uncle Matthew and the Hartley Group?â
Marcus: [The guyâs got no character or competence. Teaming up with him is a headache. Besides, Rivera Inc. is a mess right now, and Iâm not keen on muddying the waters. But if itâs you, Iâd consider it.]
Marcusâs words were the solid backing Zavier needed.
With his friendsâ support, he felt ready to take on the world, âThanks, man. Time to roll up my sleeves and get to it.â