Only You

12 ~ Deal

A L E X

After having dinner with my family I head to the delinquent center. I glance at my phone to see if Ivy texted back yet.

'Sounds good'

I smile then tuck my phone in my coat pocket.

Once I look up the first thing that appears in front of me is Henry.

He has a smile on his face "back so soon?"

"Yeah Gracie needed to speak to me," I say.

He nods "good luck I'm out of here" with that he walks out. I wonder where he's going but it's none of my business.

Gracie comes out from her small office "Oh hello dear it's so good to see you again."

I smile glancing around a little the building seems so much smaller since the last time. I wish I came back sooner maybe I could have helped.

Smiling big at me as she looks up "Come let's head into my office."

We walk into her cramped office and sit in small chairs that are across from each other.

I struggle to fit in the small chair as she talks "So I know this is a little blunt but as you can see we are in deep need of funding."

"I understand that you own a company down in New York so maybe you could pitch in some down here."

I struggle to find words on what to say. I do want to help but on the other hand, I'm not sure how much help I can be.

"How much would you need?" I ask looking at her intently.

I see her mouth twitch a little "Well..maybe 20 Grand."

I open my mouth in surprise but quickly mask my face to a blank expression. I can't say no but that's too much.

"How about this I'll give you 10 thousand and you put my name on the building as a sort of advertising." I need to treat this like any negotiation.

She's about to interrupt me but I keep going "That way we both win."

"I'll get the credit and you get money."

She wears a conflicted face but a small smile appears on her face "ok I think you're right I mean the money's good and we might get donations seeing as your popular."

Popular I don't think I'm very popular around here maybe in new york but even then I'm no celebrity.

"So we have a deal then?"

"I guess so," she says as we stand up and we shake hands politely.

I V Y

Alex came back to pick me up at Cleo's house before leaving I hugged Cleo. I wanted her to know that no matter what happens we will always be best friends and I would do anything to protect her.

"This was fun let's meet up tomorrow?" I ask.

She frowns a little "I can't I have a date with Nate."