Raine sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes as yesterday's events ran through her mind. Mike had been gracious enough to give her the guest bedroom in his apartment. Although it was nearly half the size of Raine's previous room, she was more than thankful for what she had.
Yawning, Raine crawled out of the bed and came into the living room. Mike's apartment was slightly bigger and had a more modern tone to it. The complex came with a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and thankfully two bathroom. Mike had been living there for the past five years and though the rent was a little too pricey for him at first, the double shifts and some help from his parents, made it easier for him to afford.
A smile grew on Raine face as she saw Mike flipping pancake on the stovetop. She walked over to the kitchen and pulled out a bar stool to sit on while she watched Mike do his magic.
"Morning Raine!" He said as he turned around to grab two plates.
"Good morning Mikey!" She said with a smile. "I didn't know you were secretly a cook."
"Yeah well let's just say that the most I can make without burning the place down, is pancakes."
Laughing at his comment, Xavier's face flashed into Raine's mind. The way he had floated through her kitchen, mixing up a bunch of ordinary ingredients and turning them into a masterpiece. Even though it had only been one day, Raine missed him.
"Whatcha thinking about Rainy?" Mike asked setting the stack of pancakes before her face. "Maple or chocolate?" He asked holding two bottles of syrup.
"Chocolate." Raine said with a grin on her face. Reaching out, she pour a heavy amount of the chocolate syrup, allowing it to ooze and run off the edges of the pancakes at form a pool at the bottom.
"Do you plan on eating pancakes with syrup or syrup with pancakes?" Mike said laughing at Raine's as she innocently pouted back at him.
"One can never have too much chocolate." Raine replied with a smug look.
They were interrupted when Raine's phone began to ring. She quickly rushed over to the table, taking it off charge and looking at the lock screen. Her heart fluttered seeing Xavier's name displaying brightly on the screen. Without waiting another second, Raine answered the phone.
"Hello?" Raine said patiently awaiting Xavier's velvety voice that she had been dying to hear.
"Raine," Xavier breathed out. "I am so sorry. I didn't see your message until late last night and figured you'd be sleeping. I do sincerely apologize, you have no idea how horrible I felt when I got back to the hotel to find your lone message on my phone."
"It's ok Xavier." Raine said smiling to herself. "I was kinda bored and figured you'd be done with your meetings too. How did it go, by the way?"
"It wasn't bad." Xavier took a deep breath and paused. "I think our company did a solid job, I just hope the shareholders like it."
"I'm sure they will Xavier. Don't worry about it."
"Anyways, I'll be back tonight. I might stop by at the cafe if I get a chance."
"I'll look forward to seeing you." Raine said blushing to herself. Her eyes now longed to meet those blue ones and she couldn't wait any longer.
"Bye Raine. Stay safe." His voice held so much care and concern for her. Something she had been lacking for the longest time.
"Bye Xavier." She said, ending the call with a tingling feeling within her.
The line when dead but Raine's heart was alive to the fullest. She didn't know what was going on but all of these things she was beginning to feel, were things she hadn't ever felt before. There was something about Xavier that comforted her, that made her feel safe. And even though she had only met him a mere couple of weeks ago, all she could think about was being in his embrace. The way he had comforted her that night at the cafe. The way that he had held her close to his heart. She could still remember hearing his heart pound against her ears. The same melody that had driven all the nightmares away as she sleep peacefully in his arms.
"Raine?" Mike tapped her hand, causing her to break free from her train of thought. "You're zoning out again." He said, giving her a curious look.
"Sorry I...." She trained off, not knowing what to say.
"You sure you're ok?" He asked after seeing Raine stare outside the window with a confused expression on her face.
"Yeah I just.....It's a lot for me to handle right now Mike." Raine said rubbing her face. "I don't know what to do."
"There's no rush." He said taking one of her hands into his. Although the gesture was warm, she didn't feel the same sparks she felt when Xavier held her hands in his warm big ones. "You have all the time to think and sort things out. You can stay here for as long as you would like."
Giving him a weak smile, Raine leaned in for a hug. "Thank you Mike." She said resting her head over his shoulders. "I really don't know what I would have done if you weren't there yesterday."
Mike wrapped his arms around her small frame, smiling to himself. "You don't need to thank me Raine."
They both pulled out of the hug, smiling. "You should go and get ready. The cafe opens in an hour and Daisy might just murder us if we come in late."
Laughing, Raine nodded and stepped back in the guest room. All of the boxes were stacked up against the wall. She carefully pulled out her bag from the vast pile and managed to sneak out a sweater and some leggings.
It wasn't long before the both of them were waiting in the living room, ready to go. Mike locked up the house, and passed Raine a pair of spare keys. "These are for you."
"Thanks." Raine said, dropping the keys into her bag.
"By the way, I have to do a late night shift at the bar tonight. I'll be back before 1."
"Don't worry about it." Raine said walking to the Mike's car. "I'll be fine."
* * *
The day past by in a blast at the cafe. Daisy was ecstatic that Raine was finally out of that rundown apartment building and living in a much safer environment. Finally things were going good for the hardworking girl that had become family for Daisy and Mike over the past year.
It was almost closing time and Raine hadn't seen Xavier all day. She knew better than to bother him so she patiently waited, staring at the streets through the windows, waiting for his arrival. Car after car passed, but the black vehicle that carried her newly found friend, did not appear.
"Guys, I'm gunna have to head out now." Mike said, taking his apron off and grabbing his jacket. "Raine I'll be late. Make sure you lock the door when you get home and call me if you need anything."
"I will Mike. And don't worry about me." Raine said passing him a goodbye smile.
"Bye Daisy." Mike said with an unknown emotion in his eyes as he saw her printing out the sales reports from the computer.
Her eyes left the computer screen and met Mike's, a small smile appearing on her face. "Bye Mike." She said, boring her eyes into his. Raine sensed the tension between them. It was obvious that both of them had a thing for each other but while Mike wanted to do something about it, Daisy kept shying away every time he got close.
With one last look at her, Mike nodded at Raine before exiting the cafe. As soon as he was out of sight, Daisy released a deep breath and rested her head on the counter top, facing down. Sensing her trouble, Raine walked up to her, placing a hand on her head.
"What's wrong Daisy?" Raine said, her voice filled with concern. "Why do I feel like you're hiding something from me?"
Daisy lifted her head, but unlike before, her eyes were filled with tears. Shock covered Raine's face as Daisy pulled her into a hug.
"It's mom." She said letting out a silent sob.
"Cathy?" Raine said rubbing her back and comforting her. "What happened to Cathy? Is she ok?"
Daisy pulled out and wiping the stray tears from her face. "The doctors keep saying she's not doing so good." Daisy said closing her eyes. "I've tried everything. I took her to the best doctors, got her the best medicine, but nothing seems to work. I just don't know what to do."
Raine took both of her hands into her own and looked at her with a reassuring smile. "Look at me Daisy." She said lifting Daisy's face. "Cathy is a fighter and nothing is going to happen to her. You need to believe in her so she can believe in herself too. You're her biggest strength Daisy."
As Raine's words settled in, determination covered Daisy's face. "You're right Raine. I just...I don't know what got into me. I need to stop worrying. Nothing is going to happen to mom. I won't let it."
"Exactly!" Raine said in a cheerful voice. "Now hurry up and shut everything down so we can get out of here!"
Raine grabbed her bag while Daisy began turning off all the lights. They walked outside and Daisy began locking the door. But just as she was finished locking the cafe up, a sleek black car pulled up to the door.
Immediately, Raine's heart began to flutter as she recognized the car to be Xavier's. Her thoughts were confirmed when the driver door opened, and out walked a dashing Xavier in a navy blue suit, his piercing blue eyes set on the girl in front of him.
"Raine." He said, shutting the door and walking up to her.
"Xavier." Raine repeating, not knowing what else to say. The proximity causing her to go in a loss of words.
Daisy looked between to the both of them, smirking. "Raine, I have to rush home. You can finish locking the cafe after you've served the last guest if you would like." Daisy said, sporting an innocent smile.
"Oh you don't have to-----" Raine started, only to be cut off.
"Sorry, gotta go!" Daisy said tossing the keys into her hands and rushing off before Raine could even respond.
Raine stared at Daisy's figure disappearing into the distance. After she was out of sight, her eyes met Xavier's blue one's, to find him staring intently at her.
"Going home?" He asked, a slight smile on his face.
"Umm...yeah I was just leave." Raine said shyly.
"Allow me Raine." Xavier's said opening the passenger door for Raine.
"Please don't tell me you drove all the way here just to drop me home." Raine said shaking her head at him.
Xavier scratched the back of his head, looking down at the ground. "Umm....that and I also wanted some of that Pistachio Rose Latte of your's." He said with an innocent smile. "I tried finding it in Toronto but I couldn't."
Teared welled up in her eyes as Raine laughed at Xavier. "I don't know what to tell you Xavier." She said, opening the cafe door. "Come inside, I'll make you some."
Xavier grinned as he walked into the empty cafe. Raine switched on one of the lights, illuminating the room. Setting her bag aside, she crept past the counter and into the back kitchen. Xavier followed behind her, pulling up a stool and sitting down as she warmed the milk.
"Do you handle to kitchen often?" Xavier asked curiously. Ever since he had began coming to the cafe, he had only seen her handle to register or cleaning the tables.
"Not really." Raine said mixing in the rose syrup. "That's Diasy's job but I know how to make a few of the drinks."
"Well then I'm looking forward to try something by you." He said with a playful glint in his eyes.
"I hope you like it." Raine said nervously as she placed the steaming cup of her special pistachio rose latte in front of Xavier.
He took in the fragrance and smiled. There was nothing he had ever smelt that warmed his heart to the extent this latte did. He had been searching for it everywhere in Toronto. In fact he had hired Jordon to go to every single cafe in Toronto to try and find this particular one he was longing for.
"It was divine." Xavier said, finishing the remains of the latte. Raine took the cup, setting it inside the sink before shutting off all the lights and walking out, Xavier trailing closely behind her.
"Thanks for opening the cafe up for me." Xavier said as Raine locked the doors once more. "I didn't mean to keep you out late."
"It was nothing." Raine said smiling back at him."I don't have much to do at home anyways."
"Shall we?" Xavier asked, opening the passenger door once more for Raine to slip into. She smiled at him as she sat down in the leather seats of the luxury vehicle.
Xavier began to drive, enjoying the calm silence that lingered between the two. It had been two days since they had met and there was so much that the both of them wanted to share with each other. But for some reason, the silence was too precious to be disturbed.
"Um...you can turn on that road." Raine said finally breaking the quietness in the car.
"Aren't you going home?" Xavier said with a confused look.
"Yeah....I....I actually moved." Raine said, finally breaking the news to him.
"Moved?" Xavier said in disbelief and shock. "Raine you moved and didn't even tell me?" The car stopped at a red light giving Xavier an opportunity to meet Raine's gaze."Where and why?"
Sensing the change in his behavior, Raine took a deep breath before continuing. "Well I kinda had to empty out the apartment."
"That explains those boxes I saw." Xavier said, making a turn in the direction Raine had mentioned.
"Yeah...."
"So where do you live now?" He asked hoping the area would be more decent than where she had previously been staying. From the moment his eyes had landed on the condition of Raine's building, he was always concerned about her safety. "How did you even find a place so early?"
"Oh I live with Mike!" Raine said shrugging. "He has been convincing me for the longest time to move in with him but I'd always say no. I guess he finally got his way around."
All of a sudden, Xavier slammed the breaks on the car, causing Raine to lean forward. Luckily there was no one behind them. "Your living with Mike?!?!" He said in shock. "Why?!"
Confused by his reaction, Raine put up a frown. "Why not? He had offered it many times before and I really didn't have anywhere else to go."
"You could have told me Raine." Xavier said in a strained voice. "I could have arranged something for you. If anything you could have stayed at my house!"
"I was going to call you. In fact you were the first person that popped into my head but then I realized that you were in Toronto." Raine said "Anyways Xavier, it's totally fine. Mike lives in a better part of town and his apartment is big enough for the both of us."
"But.....Raine you don't have to stay with Mike." Xavier said. "I can find you a better place."
"Xavier, it's not only about finding a better place." She said taking a deep breath and looking down at her fingers. "I also have a budget you know? And most of the places here aren't in that budget of mine. Working at a coffee shop can only buy you so much."
"I can help you out." Xavier said, taking her hand in his own. The sparks were back as his warm hands covered her small, fragile ones.
She looked up to his face to find him closer than before and the closenesss was causing havoc in her heart. "Xavier as much as I love you trying to help, I can't have you do that for me." Her eyes gleamed under the street lamps and she could see herself in Xavier's blue orbs. "I really appreciate you trying though. And trust me Xavier, I'll be fine with Mike."
"But he's a guy." Xavier said with desperation in his voice.
"Thanks for letting me know." Raine said in a teasing tone. "I didn't know that before you pointed it out."
"Raine I'm serious." And he wasn't lying. His voice held a seriousness in it that Raine had never before seen.
"I know Xav. But you're worrying for no reason." She said shrugging and putting up a smile that had Xavier head over heels.
"Xav...." His own name rolled off of his tongue as he tested it out. No one had ever called him any such thing. Mostly because no one dared to. But the way Raine had said it, stirred a mix of emotions in his heart.
Her eyes widened when she registered what she had just let slip. "Oh I-I...that just slipped out. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to----"
"I like it." Xavier said a smile creeping onto his face. "Xav."
As soon as Raine was sure Xavier was fine with the name, her face of embarrassment was replaced to a playful one. "So Xav," Raine said emphasizing his new nickname. "I'll be fine with Mike and it's not like I'm staying there forever. Just until I find a place of my own. And plus, he lives in a way better part of town."
"I know but....." Xavier started, but the pleading looking in Raine's eyes caused him to stop. "I guess you're right. But if you ever decide you can't handle it, let me know. My house is always open to you." He said with a genuine smile. And he meant it. He meant every single word of it.
"I appreciate that Xavier. I was going to call to yesterday too, but I didn't want to bother you with my problems."
Xavier undid their hands that were once intertwined together. "You'd never be a bother to me Raine."
Giving him an understanding smile, Raine looked out the window to the empty road. "Sooo.....do you plan on taking me home?"
"Of course I will." Xavier said as he shifted the car back into drive and set out on the road. Raine smiled, thankful that Xavier was alright with her staying with Mike. Even though she knew she didn't need his permission for anything, she didn't want him to be mad at her.
Guiding him along the road, Xavier finally stopped the car in front of a much more modern apartment building. It was in way better shape then the other building Raine lived in and Xavier was thankful that she was in a safer place where he wouldn't have to worry too much about her wellbeing.
"I'll drop you off upstairs." Xavier said, undoing his seatbelt.
"Xavier I'll be fine."
"No, I insist."
It didn't take long for Raine to realize that he wouldn't be changing his decision. Nodding, she guided the way into the building.
Mike wasn't supposed to be back anytime soon so when Raine unlocked the door, they were greeted by a dark and silent apartment. Raine switched the lights on, allowing Xavier in. He looked around the room, inspecting it to make sure it was decent for Raine to stay in.
"Should I get you something to drink?" Raine asked as Xavier looked around.
"I'm fine, thank you." Xavier said politely declining the sweet offer. "I guess I should get going."
Just as Xavier finished his sentence, the door open with a loud thud and in walked Mike, still wearing his uniform. "Hello Rainy! Guess what?! I got off the shift early today because of the-------What are you doing here!?" He said as his eyes landed on the tall man standing in the center of his living room.
"I came to drop Raine off like any good friend would. Unlike you. Leaving her all alone on the streets." Xavier said, his sweet voice now replaced with that of disgust.
"Oh really? Then where were you yesterday day when Raine was checking her phone every two second?!" Mike retorted with a smirk on his face.
"I'll have you know that I informed Raine of my departure before hand." Xavier said, slipping his hands into the pockets of his pants.
"Whatever. Now that you have dropped Raine off, you may kindly leave. Me and Raine have a lot of catching up to do. Right Raine?" Mike said smirking and putting an arm around Raine's shoulder. Raine noticed Xavier's fists clench in response.
"Um....I...." Raine said moving away from Mike and up to Xavier. "Thanks for dropping me off Xavier." A smile gracing her face."I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Most certainly."Â Xavier responding, giving his full attention to her. "Shall I come pick you up in the morning?'
"There will be no need." Mike interrupted. "Me and Raine work together so it would only make sense if I took her to work with me."
"I'll be fine Xavier." Raine said, landing a hand on his broad shoulder.
"Very well then." Xavier said walking towards to door. "I shall come by tomorrow."Â He twisted the knob, opening the door, only to turn around back to Raine's figure. "Good night Raine."
"Good night Xav."
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