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

Ch. 9

Piper Keller

I lock myself in my office before Liz or Aaron know I'm here. I lean against the door taking a few cleansing breaths, trying to control my racing heart. My mind is a jumbled mess and I don't know how to get my thoughts in order. In frustration I throw my purse into he corner of the room and stomp to my desk, it in no way makes me feel any better. I don't know what is going on with Xavier, all I know is he's sending me some mixed messages. How can he be annoyed that I'm a part of this house deal and the next day look at me like that?....Like he missed me!

    I'm not proud of myself either at this point. I hate myself for laughing at his jokes and teasing him. I started to noticed I was enjoying spending time with him in the car on the way to lunch. Then he looked at me and I realized what was happening. I was falling into the blackhole that is Xavier Sterling. One of many women I'm sure, that has been pulled in and spit back out. The only problem is I've already been on that ride and I have no intention on going through it again. I sit at my desk and start up my computer. Knowing that my heart isn't in my work right now, but if I don't act even a little bit normal today I'll have to face Liz who has tried wholeheartedly to get me to invest in my future and not in my past and at this point my actions would only disappoint her.

    I click on my E-mail icon and immediately regret it. Looking straight at me is an e-mail from none other than Xavier blackhole Sterling. I narrow my eyes at the message. There's nothing written on the subject line, but for the sake of professionalism I click on it, harder than necessary.

Pip,
Dinner? I'll pick you up at your place at 6.
-Xavier

    I can't help the hiss that escapes my mouth. That's rich! Was that really a question, Xavier?

I hit reply, sending just two words, No, thanks. I have plans anyway, Madeline invited me to dinner at her house.

    Its been a long time since I've seen Conrad and Madeline I'm actually looking forward to it. I was apprehensive when she asked me to come, but Xavier was no where in sight. So, I know she didn't extend the invitation... at lease not in my presence.

My email lights up with another message. I see its from him and before I throw another temper tantrum I click on it.                                             
My mom told me to pick you up. Be ready.

    I shake my head feeling embarrassed and set up. I decide there is only so much I can handle. I write back that I will drive myself, but thank you for the offer. He doesn't respond right away, so I know I won this time. Smugly, I answer e-mails from various people regarding our website and some from other realtors. About an hour later I see the e-mail I should've known was coming.

I wasn't asking. 6 o'clock.

    Deciding I'm not going to fight with him about this, I erase his e-mails and go about the rest of my day. I say goodbye to Liz and Aaron before heading home to wait for Xavier. I can't say I'm happy about this arrangement but I will not let him know he got to me. Who am I kidding, he knows. Of that I am certain. At home I quickly change and freshen up my makeup.

    When I see Xavier pull up I make sure I'm out the door and to the car before he has a chance to make this feel like a date. I say, "Hello." Before I slide in across the seats. When he gets in and shuts the door I feel trapped. I try to relax and lean against the seat looking out the window as we drive away.