All's Fair in Love and Business: Xavier's Story

Ch. 4

Xavier Sterling

    I watch Pip coming down the steps of the old brick house and I stop breathing, I don't even move. What the hell is she doing? Walking to the front of the car I see her greet my long time driver Joe Danby. She gives him a familiar hug and they engage in conversation. I had forgotten they knew each other, deciding to end the reunion I open the door and step out. My exit didn't go unnoticed by Pip and I see her get slightly uncomfortable.

"Well, its great to see you again. So, happy Luke is doing so good. These are the addresses to the houses Mr. Sterling wanted to see. They're in the same area so its not like you're driving all over. It shouldn't take too long at any of the properties, he usually knows what he wants pretty quickly." She states, getting an nod of agreement from Joe.

"Where's, Liz?" I ask, sounding annoyed.

"She fell this morning. She's fine and so is the baby, but they're just getting checked out with the doctor." She answers, coming closer.

    I watch Joe hold the door and I give him a displeased look. Not that I'm mad that he didn't open my door. Just angry...because, he got a nice warm greeting from the girl that broke my heart. Isn't there a saying, "bro's before hoes." A little loyalty might be nice, but then again, this is Pip. She probably still sends him Christmas cards and Joe's son Luke birthday presents, it really wouldn't surprise me.

I notice she doesn't move and see the conflicting thoughts running through her head. "Just get in, Pip." I snap.

"I was thinking it might be best to sit up front with Joe. To help navigate." She says, looking towards Joe.

"Joe has a navigation system. I know because I purchased it myself. Now, get in." I order, standing back so she can move past me. I lower myself in after her and Joe shuts the door.

As the car moves she clears her throat. "Uh, these are the listings. Would you like to look at them before we get there?" She asks, holding out a folder.

    I look at the folder and shake my head. There would be no point in taking the folder only to pretend to look at the information. There's no way I would be able to concentrate on them anyway. She lowers the folder to her lap and turns to stare out the window. I watch the side of her face, she hasn't changed at all. She looks exactly the same. I notice her hair is longer and her clothes more monotoned than she used to wear.

"How have you been?" She asks, not turning to look at me. I'm surprised by her question and it takes me a few seconds to respond.

"Good. You?" I respond, out of curiosity.

"Fine." She answers, quickly. I can feel the tension in the air building. "The area is nice. You've decided on a great location. The market is consistent, but never flooded. Very desirable." When I don't respond she turns to me, her eyes as expressive as I remember and right now they're colored with confusion. "Why leave the city?" She asks.

The question hangs in the air for a moment before I answer. "I'm tired." I answer, honestly. Not wanting to say more than that. She takes the information for what it is and turns back to the window. I continue to watch her every move until we reach the first house. Joe stops the car and I open my door as Joe opens Pip's. I wait for her to come around the vechical as we walk up the stone steps of a gothic style mansion. The huge wood doors with cast iron knobs open displaying a older man with white hair wearing a three piece suit.

"Hello, I'm Piper Keller from Wheeler Realtor. I believe you spoke with Elizabeth Wheeler and we scheduled a showing today."

"Of course, I'm Edgar Cummings. I manage the estate. Welcome." He replies, a smile on his face. He holds the door open as we walk into the foyer.