Page 35 of Xavier

"Xavier, I don't think I can. I can't work with you on the youth center, it's too much."

I nod, hands sliding into my pockets to hide their shaking as I fight to maintain my composure. "That's fine, too. I can get Jade to take point if you want."

There's a look of relief on her face, one that stings almost more than anything else that's happened since she came back into my life.

"Thank you, Xavier."

"No problem. Anything for the youth center."

Her front teeth sink in her bottom lip and she nods. "Okay, then, I guess I'll make an appointment with Jade."

I take a step towards the door, controlling my breath. Thinking of how to deliver the next line. "But, while you're here, I guess we can talk about the other project."

"The other project?”

"Yes, my apartment. I paid to have you help me with the interior design of my apartment, remember?"

She sucks in her breath, before exhaling hard. "I can't do that either, Xavier."

I shrug and force my gaze out one of the dirt stained windows. "Well, okay, no problem. I'll just get Jade to return my check to me. The donation, that I made to Ash Foundation. For your services."

"You're going... to take the money back?"

"Well, of course. You don't expect me to pay all that money for a service I'm not going to receive, do you? It's too bad, though. That's what pushed us to our fundraising goal. Without it..." I make a show of turning around slowly, looking at the space around us and shrugging.

I watch her swallow hard, her fingers wringing each other before she forces herself to speak. "What do you want, Xavier?"

I drag my eyes back to her face, locking my pupils with hers.

"Just what I paid for." I shrug. "You."