Chapter Nine

Brooke

Who the hell does Xavier think he is? That arrogant jerk with his sick mind games. The most annoying part is that I was very tempted to take the money—until he opened his mouth. And I can’t believe I let him kiss me again.

I slam the back door so hard Stella rears up from her nap on the couch.

“What did he do now?” she says as I storm past her. Stella follows me into my room.

“You’re not ready for this,” I say when she sits next to me on the bed. “So, he somehow found out about the debt Steve owes and offered to pay the full amount.”

“What?” Stella sits up straighter. “No way. That’s incredibly nice.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Why not?” Stella asks. She stares at me for a beat. “Please don’t tell me you refused.”

“Of course I said no. ”

“Brooke!” Stella stands. “Are you mad? Why would you say no? You and I both know there’s no way you’re going to come up with all that money in the time they’re giving you no matter how many extra jobs you do. These guys Steve’s mixed up with could hurt you or do some criminal shit like that. They could hurt your family. Your friends.” Something occurs to her. “Oh my God, Brooke, I could be sex-trafficked!”

“You won’t get trafficked, Stella, let’s not get dramatic.” Stella has such a vivid imagination.

“You don’t know how sick this Fulvio creature is and I’m not about to bet on him.” She grabs both my hands. “Let Xavier pay him off, please.”

“He only offered to pay on the condition that I go to a wedding with him.” She digests this.

“So let me get this straight, you said no to one date with a really hot billionaire in exchange for him making all your troubles go away? How are we best friends?”

“You don’t get it, Stella. Xavier is insufferable. He’s arrogant and bossy and mercurial... I can’t be around him. You said it yourself, it’s better to avoid him.”

“That was before he made you an offer of a lifetime. Did he say why he wanted you to go on this date? I’m sure he has no problem whatsoever finding dates.”

“My thoughts exactly. He’s got something up his sleeve; he’s always playing at some game.”

Stella sits next to me. “Sweetie. It’s one date in exchange for getting your life back. You can do it. Just ghost him or whatever after the date is over.”

Stella makes a great point. The thought of not having that debt hanging over my head is pure bliss. “You’re right. Maybe I should call him back. ”

My phone vibrates, and I look at it. My heart plummets.

“Is it him?” Stella asks.

“No. It’s Fulvio.” I look at her. “What should I do? Zoey’s check isn’t even due until tomorrow.”

“Well, you need to answer,” Stella says, and I pick it up.

“Hello,” I say in a slightly shaky voice.

“This Brooke?” His voice is still as raspy as I remember. “Yes. This is her.”

“You’ve been a busy little whore, haven’t you?”

“Excuse me?”

“Not that I’m complaining,” he says. “We got the money you got your rich boyfriend to pay us off with is all.”

“What?” I’m not sure I heard him correctly.

“Yep, every last dime. Nice doing business with you, and anytime like, you and your limp dick brother wanna owe us some more money, we’re here for you. We’ll treat you nice like.”

I hear the dial tone.

“What did he say?” Stella asks.

I’m reeling with shock when I say, “It appears Xavier has paid off the debt. Everything.”

“I thought you turned him down.”

“Yeah. I tore up the check.”

“And yet here you sit. Debt free.” Stella shakes her head in disbelief, smiling.

“I can’t believe it. I’m free.” I get up and pace the room.

“Yes, you are, girlfriend.”

“But why would he still do that after everything I said to him? And I refused him for the date.”

“Maybe he’s not as bad as he seems,” Stella says. “And now you owe him a thank you. Perhaps you might even consider being his date for this wedding.”

“But I don’t want to,” I whine. “Stella, it’s a wedding. A formal, public event. What do I know about being some billionaire’s wedding date?”

“Somehow Xavier doesn’t strike me as someone who plays by anyone’s rules. You won’t have to be anything except yourself, otherwise he can fuck off. Right?”

“I’m sure he’s already speed-dialed some other girl more suited to his needs.”

Stella shakes her head. “Chicken,” she says affectionately. “You’re scared. Well, it’s just a ‘thank you’ it’s going to be then,” she says.

I nod, not quite believing the turn of events. I suppose I could call to say thank you. It’s the courteous thing to do. Or maybe send a card. It shouldn’t be hard since I won’t have to see him face to face.

My phone vibrates again. This time it’s Steve. Stella leaves me to finish the phone call, mouthing something about meeting someone. I blow her a kiss.

Steve is incredulous and apologetic and ecstatic and guilty about my boyfriend paying off the debt. I correct him the first time, but I lose the strength to keep explaining the relationship, or lack of one, between Xavier and me when he continues calling him my boyfriend. By the end of the call, I’m drained and I just want to go to bed. There is just one worry gnawing at me.

Steve is free now but for how long? Gambling is an addiction that is almost impossible to kick. I told him my concerns.

“I know, and I’m so very ashamed for dragging everyone into this. I’ve already checked myself into Gamblers Anonymous and my sponsor is very supportive. I think he can help me.”

“I hope so, Steve. Well done for taking those steps, I’m proud of you,” I say.

And for all our sakes, I hope he’s right.

On my lunch break the next day, I call Xavier. His number was one of those Zoey listed out for me. His assistant Gail picks up and informs me he’s in a meeting but will return the call as soon as he’s out.

In another twenty minutes, my phone rings. “Hello,” I answer, trying not to sound as nervous as I feel.

“Brooke.” The rough timbre of his voice washes pleasantly over me.

“Sorry to disturb you at work.”

“It’s alright, what can I do?”

“I… um. Xavier, I know you paid the money. Steve’s debt, I mean. Why did you?”

“Why not?” he says, “I really meant to help you whatever else you may think of me. It didn’t seem fair that you were being made to pay back a debt you knew nothing about.”

He sounds warm and so very kind. I find myself relaxing.

“But I said I wouldn’t go on your date.”

“I know.” Xavier chuckles. “Did you call to remind me of that?”

“No,” I say. “Of course not. I called to say thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I hesitate. “So…did you still need a date?”

“Are you asking me out now?” Xavier’s tone is playful.

“Never mind, I’m hanging up now.”

“Okay, wait! Yes, I’d very much like you to come with me but only if you want to. Do you really want to, Brooke?”

“What I want is not the point. Take it or leave it,” I snap .

“I see. Well, don’t get too excited on my account,” he grumbles.

“I know. I’ll try not to break a leg jumping for joy,” I reply.

“Smartass,” he murmurs. I can hear the smile in his voice. “By the way, the wedding is in Cancun, Mexico.”

“Are you kidding me? You expect me to follow you to Mexico?”

“Well, seeing as that’s where the wedding is happening, I don’t see how you won’t follow me there.”

“And you tell me that just now?”

“If you’d given me a chance to breathe before leaping on the offer, I might have mentioned it.”

“You—” I stuttered. But I’m not really annoyed. I’m just surprised because I’d assumed it would be in New York.

“Too late to back out now.”

“I thought the date was for a couple of hours, not a whole day. I’ve got plans, Xavier.”

“The wedding is for a couple of hours. Although there’s the rehearsal dinner on Friday, the reception, and the four-hour flight each way to think of as well. I can have you back on Saturday evening.”

I’m speechless now. What did I just agree to? A whole day and night away in Cancun?

“What plans have you got?” he asks.

Actually, I don’t have any plans except to stay home, do laundry, and clean. Maybe some artwork. “I can’t just leave.” I search my head for a plausible excuse.

“Sure, you can. We could even return on Sunday if you wanted to stay after the reception to enjoy Cancun.”

“Xavier! ”

“Alright! I promise, though, you’ll be fine. I’ll look after you.”

I don’t dwell on how good that statement makes me feel.

“How long has it been since you went on a holiday?” Xavier coaxes.

I can’t remember. I admit I’m tempted. Still, I balk.

“But why do you want to take me?”

He growled in frustration. “Enough with the excuses, Brooke. You’re coming with me.” His tone has an authoritative bite that raises goosebumps on my flesh.

I’m silent for a bit. Then I take a breath and say, “Okay.”

“Good girl,” he says. “And Brooke?”

“Yes?” I’m breathless.

“Thank you,” he whispers and hangs up.

It’s ridiculous that I feel that whisper echo all the way down to my toes.