107-Close Distance

**My fault that the chapter numbers are messed up. I sent in corrections to my editor and she will straighten them out soon**

**XAVER**

Flashbulbs go off like winking stars as people arrive. Not that anyone can see the stars from the lingering clouds. It had rained until the early afternoon, cooling the city and making it smell sweet and fresh.

Pippa had arranged a photo-op screen. It features the entire Dark Arrow series, with the new book featured on its own.

From what I can tell, people like it.

Pippa did a damn good job.

When I received her text telling me she would go, I sent the dress we had bought over to my parents. Written on the note I included with the dress was a plea for her to wear it.

She texted me back later that night, thanking me for the dress.

I felt a damn sight better after that.

Pippa is always doing sh—stuff like that. Making sure I am happy before she thinks of herself. If I get a second chance, that role will be reversed. Her needs will come before mine.

The past few days have been intolerable. Missing her has kept me awake at night. My heart yearning. My arms, empty.

Other than meeting her at my parent’s house, I haven’t contacted her. It was my wish to give her time. Space. She needs to process if her love for me is still with her.

And it seems it is.

With her acceptance to attend the launch tonight, she has given me an ‘in’ .

And it is more than I expected she would. When she was in the hospital, I thought she would say it was over. That she would leave and not look back.

I am so glad that isn’t the case.

With this opportunity…with whatever she gives me, I will build on it until we get back to where we were.

***

Pippa shows up on the red carpet, looking so beautiful and poised, I have to close my eyes against her light. But not for long. I have plans to set in motion, and I intend to see them through.

I step from the car and head in her direction. She doesn’t see me until I tap her on the shoulder.

My arms ache as I force myself not to wrap her in them. Putting on a brave face, I give her a warm smile. “Glad you came, Pippa. You look beautiful.”

And she does. Despite her flawless makeup that artfully hides her injuries.

Thinking of Craig’s hands on her, I ball my fists.

*How I wish I could use them on him.*

My only compensation is that Craig now kept in solitary for twenty-three hours a day for his safety. Seems his new jail friends kept knocking him around.

Justice is working on getting the video feed. I told him I would supply the popcorn.

Craig could have gotten worse if he had messed up Julia as well. I sent Alfonso to make sure she was all right. Other than suffering from embarrassment at how loose her mouth was, she was fine. Her friend, Gia, however, has fled her creditors by hoping a plane to Thailand.

As long as she never sets foot back in the US, we won’t have a problem.

Hey, I’m trying to be forgiving. *Trying* be the operative word.

I stop thinking of my enemies who number in the hundreds. Why waste time on them when Pippa is by my side?

She is stunning in her gown. As flawless as the diamonds clipped to her ears. Her small smile, though, is an echo of its former brilliance.

I hope my news, which I plan to tell her after the party is over, will change that.

“Shall we?” I say, holding out my arm. She dips her head in acquiescence and wraps an arm through mine.

As we come into view, the photographers shout for my picture.

I don’t pose for them often. Why bother? Who wants to see my mug? This evening, the paparazzi will get their fill. I want us splashed on every magazine and newspaper across the land. Pippa deserves recognition.

I place my hand lightly on the small of her back, over the coat I sent with the dress. The sleek, sparkling, silver wrap goes well with the diamond clips Ma let her ‘borrow’.

Those rocks are really from me. If things go well, I will tell her the truth one day.

“Can we get a few photos against the screen?” I ask Pippa.

She nods, taking off her coat and handing it to the assistant who waits on the side.

“You won’t be too cold?”

Again, the small smile. “I will be okay.”

It is thirty degrees on this December night and Pippa had the forethought to arrange heaters. They discreetly circle the screen, out of view from the best angles.

She *really* thought of everything.

*I wonder what she thinks of me?*

Is the gleam in her eyes meant for me. Has her smile gotten brighter because she is in my arms?

I don’t know…and I can’t wait to find out.

***

I limit myself to one Scotch, wanting to keep my wits about me. From the beginning, I make it obvious that Pippa is with me, without attracting her attention to the fact. The guys that step toward her are quickly slapped down when I give them a *fuggedaboutit* look.

In LA, Pippa told me she didn’t like that I cursed. So, I am doing my, ah…. darndest to refrain, even in my thoughts. That sh—stuff isn’t… easy.

“Ah, Sayle, there you are. And with Pippa. Good.” Max winks at me like he knows something.

He probably does.

I am sure HQ knows we have broken up, though no one has dared question why Pippa is no longer at work...except for Kat. She acted rather... *witchy* towards me until I told her I was working on getting Pippa back.

After that we were friends again.

Pre-Pippa, I would have fired Kat for her insubordination. Now, I can see her side. And I have Pippa to thank for teaching me how to give second chances.

I hope she will practice what she preaches.

***

Max and Jetta want to party afterwards. I fob them off on Devan and Nahla. I have had enough of grinning like I am happy; without a care in the world.

While Pippa spent a good amount of time catching up with the women, I had to suffer through more of Devan’s weird stories and Max’s sly looks.

I nearly danced a jig when things wound down to where we could leave.

We head out to the coat check near the entrance. get our coats from the coat-check I say, “Do you mind if I go with you to my parents’ house? I have something to show you.”

“Uh—”

“Nothing else, I promise.”

“I don’t kn— “

“Bear with me, Pippa. Please.”

Our eyes meet and I hate how quickly she looks away.

And that she has yet to say my name.