Page 57 of Xavier

"So, friend. Can I get you that espresso?" He gestures with his head back toward the restaurant.

"And an eclair. And a scoop of vanilla. And some mac and cheese."

"Some things never change," he mutters as we walk back to our waiting friends.

***

"You're here late," Cameron says around 9 p.m. as he walks past my office, pulling his suit jacket on.

"Yeah, I'm way behind, probably been spending too much time on the youth center." I look up from my desk from the first time in hours to see that the sky over Manhattan is dark. I can't remember how long I've been sitting there.

"Hey, about that." Here it goes, I knew this was coming. "You sure you're okay working on that project."

"What do you mean," I answer, wondering if he'll fall for my look of confusion.

"Iz, I only let you play dumb because it puts the clients at ease. It doesn't actually work with me."

I poke my tongue out and he responds in kind. "No, really, what are you talking about?"

"Xavier. He's an ass. I don't know what's going on between you two but I'm not sure it's a good thing."

"It's nothing, a misunderstanding," I say, with a wave of my hand. "Just... we didn't agree with an idea for his apartment."

Cameron isn't convinced, but he keeps it to himself.

"Need a ride home? Or maybe some dinner?"

"No, I think I'm going to finish up here and stretch my legs a bit and walk home."

"You know, one of these days, you'll realize what a sexy hunk you have for a business partner, and you won't be able to resist me."

Right on cue, there’s a buzzing of the phone in his hand. He glances at it and then looks at me sheepishly.

"Yeah, you're really lacking for company."

"Guy's gotta eat," he shrugs before coming around behind my desk and giving me a kiss on the cheek. "You know I just want the best for you."

I nod. I do know. I'm just not really sure what that is anymore.