Page 54 of Xavier

Twelve

Her

"Another drink?"

"I think the one martini that's already gone to my head is plenty, thanks, Jade,” I say, shaking my head.

"It's on Ash Industries, we could have ten bottles of Dom and they wouldn't notice."

"I'm pretty sure they'd notice us showing up singing Broadway musical numbers in the lobby. Again." Harriet, Jade's best friend and assistant, laughs.

I can't help but laugh along. The two ladies have a hilarious rapport and have had me in stitches all afternoon. They have that gift of showing their closeness without ever making me feel left out. I can't remember the last time I had such an enjoyable meal.

"Just a sparkling water for me,” I tell the waiter still standing by our table. He nods and carries my empty salad plate away with him.

"Anyway, back to the plans, Isabella, these are just amazing. And you really think it can be done with the budget we set?"

"Yes, in fact, probably a little less. I mean, see the way I've used these boards here? That'll cut down on some of the cost, but still look good. And be sturdy enough for whatever you've got planned for the center."

"The sturdier the better!" Jade laughs.

"Got it."

"Well, I'll run these by Kaine and the committee, and we'll go from there."

"Sounds great.” I’m pretty sure I’m beaming, and not just from the martini. I’m thrilled that she’s happy with what I’ve presented to her so far. I’m fast becoming attached to this project.

"Did I just hear my name taken in vain?"

We turn to see Kaine coming towards us. He's wearing an Armani suit and it's hard to look away.

That is, until I notice who's coming up behind him.

It’s Xavier, looking no less commanding, in just black shirt and slacks. He certainly grew out of his lanky frame, I can’t help thinking. His biceps threaten to bulge right out of his shirt sleeves and I have to force myself to look away before anyone notices I'm staring.

"Hello, Isabella. My bride here tells me that you are going to make us the envy of the downtown area." He looks directly at me, and I feel warmed by his crooked smile. I wonder how Xavier came to work for him.

"Oh, not at all! I’m still in the ideas stage and Jade has been kind enough to look over them."

"Mind if we have a look?" He reaches for the portfolio before I can even respond. I guess he's not used to having people refuse. I steal a glance at Xavier, but he's looking at the plans. I can’t tell if he’s actually engrossed in them, or just avoiding me.

We didn’t leave things on a good note at the furniture store with me walking after refusing to answer any more of his questions. It’s been a long week of radio silence from the both of us, and I guess I should be glad.

There's a buzz on my phone, and I pull it from my bag, welcoming the chance to focus my attention on something other than Xavier. I glance at it, then look up to see Jade watching me.

"It's just my partner. He's outside and wanted to know if I needed a ride back to the office."

"Oh! Tell him to come in and have a drink with us,” she offers.

"Oh, um, no, I'm sure you have a lot to do, you've already spent so much time with me."

"Oh, please. She's relishing having conversation with people who won’t expect her to change their diapers after," Harriet says and waves the waiter down, asking him to bring another chair.

"Okay, sure, I'll ask," I cave, and quickly tap a few words into my phone.

It's only seconds before I hear my name called out.

It's Cameron, a bunch of flowers in one hand, his phone in the other. He leans in and brushes a kiss on my cheek before turning to Jade and Harriet, giving them a wide smile. With a flourish, he pulls two roses out of the bunch and hands one each to the two women and then holds the bouquet out to me, with a wink. I laugh and take it from him, making a show of burying my face in it and fluttering my eyelashes.