Page 77 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

Xander could picture her sitting in her favorite ritzy coffee shop with a laptop in front of her, glasses pushed up into her hair as a makeshift headband, lips pressed into a thin line, one hand gripping a matcha latte and the other clenched into a fist.

“Where are you?” she asked.

Xander paused.

He looked around the suite, unsure if he should disclose where he was. “I’m somewhere safe,” he said.

Another silence, colder. “Xander.”

“I’m under heavy protection,” he said, gentling his tone. “For obvious reasons. I don’t know if I’m allowed to tell anyone the location yet.”

“You don’t know if you’re allowed?”

“Yes.”

“Who exactly is making these decisions?”

“People who are dedicated to making sure I stay alive.”

Jesse let out an exaggerated exhale. “We need to meet ASAP. Like immediately. We have to discuss gaining control of the narrative of the break in, your promotions schedule, and whether you’re emotionally and physically ready to resume filming.”

Xander rubbed the bridge of his nose. The last thing he wanted was to further delay production. And the truth was, he wanted it wrapped up.

“I’ll call you back within the hour,” he said.

“I want a time.”

“Within the hour is a time.”

“Xander.”

“Jesse.”

She let out a long sigh. “Fine. One hour. But please don’t make me have to keep chasing you.”

“I won’t.”

“But, really…you’re safe?”

He toned down his frustration. “Yes.”

“Promise me.”

He gave a slight smile. “I promise.”

“Good. One hour,” she confirmed and hung up.

Xander stared at the phone a moment longer before setting it down.

He left his bedroom and went into the kitchen.

The full-sized fridge was stocked with a selection of juices, soft drinks, sparkling water, bottles of cold brew, cut fruit, yogurt, wrapped sandwiches, and even protein drinks.

He grabbed an orange juice and twisted off the cap.

The tangy sweetness helped wake him up…a little.

He took the bottle with him and crossed toward the adjoining door to see if Cassidy was ready yet. The door to his room was half open. Xander slowed when he heard steady, measured breathing from inside.