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.

I watch Pip's eyes take in the decor and glance around myself. "It's gorgeous." Pip says, turning to Mr. Cummings.

"Thank you. We do our best to keep up with the needs of the house." He replies. "Do you want me to show you around?" He asks, willing to accommodate his house guests.

"Absolutely, if you can spare the time." Pip accepts gratefully. With a little too much gratitude if you ask me. Someone doesn't want to be alone with me. We follow Mr.Cummings up the wide stairs my eyes falling on Pip's perky ass while Mr. Cummings voice falls on my deaf ears. Pip's laugh brings me out of it and I listen as she agrees with Mr. Cummings.

When the man turns to me expectantly, I raise my eyebrow in question. "I'm sorry?"

"Miss Keller and I were discussing the stairs. Not ideal if you plan on having a large family." He responds. Filling me in on what I missed while I was zeroed in on Pips swaying backside.

"And why is that?" I ask, not understanding what that has to do with buying a house. Pip tries to cover the smile on her face, but completely fails.

"The stairs. They're not exactly, kid friendly. I was telling Mr. Cummings how Liz has the whole house and office completely baby proofed. And at times adult proof, it took Aaron a week to figure out how to unlatch the gate."

"That I don't doubt. He couldn't even use the computer program to look up houses. Unless they were already sold. He was great at finding those." I state, sarcastically. Earning a heartily laugh from Pip, which makes my heartbeat faster.

"Apparently, you can hire someone to do anything. Even baby proof a home as large as this." Mr. Cummings says, jovially.

"Good to know. I plan on having six." I state, looking directly at Pip. Her smile slides off her face and she turns away from me. I wanted more, children... but after a night of negotiations Pip and I agreed on six. Jokingly of course, but still it was a fun night of laughter, arguing and great sex.

"Six! Well, I guess you'll need a house this big." Mr. Cummings jokes. He walks on down the corridor and we follow behind him.

Piper Keller

    Well, I survived the first house. I take a deep breath as we leave. Then turn to wave at Mr. Cummings, before lowering myself into the car. As we pull out of the driveway I have to ask, "Did you like the house?"

"No. Too many sets of stairs." Xavier replies, distractedly. I watch him as he reads something on his phone.

"You have a problem with stairs? Because all these houses have stairs." I question holding up the file of houses.

"Like you said. With kids it could be a issue." He replies, simply.

"You don't have kids." I remind him, completely lost. Is he really buying a house out of the city for children he doesn't even have. If so, what is the rush with the time line? He told Liz as soon as possible. Oh my God! He must be expecting a child and soon! I don't read tabloids or any of those gossip magazines, but Liz does. If she read something about Xavier getting someone pregnant she would've told me, right? No, she would've never mentioned him.

"But I will and I don't want to have two sets of stairs in the entryway." He responds, his tone serious.

Slowly collecting my thoughts I say, "So, one grand staircase in the foyer is important to you? Okay, we can find something. I think we can skip the next one and go on to the last house. It still has staircases but not the double stairways like the first and second properties." He silently agrees still focused on his phone.

I lower the partition and tell Joe of our change in plans. Then I call the realtor of the second home to tell her that Mr. Sterling changed his mind. Thinking nothing of it, Bonnie Rinkens refused to accept any apology, stating that she knows what its like working with upscale clientele. After I end the call my mind goes back to the man beside me. He's going to be a father. Should I say, congratulations? What is the right thing to do when you find out your ex is going to be a dad? Totally ignore it. Yup, that's just the thing to do.

We enter the last home and I can tell Xavier is completely distracted. The realtor, Benjamin Holmstrom shows us the  garage, hoping to get Xavier's attention. It doesn't work. When we get to the kitchen I can't help but gasp. It's beautiful, the white and glass cupboards with white marble countertops are immaculate. Its every home cooks dream! The double ovens and gas range put it over the top.

"Whoa, Xavier. I bet you'd like to cook here. Oh, look it opens right into the family room. I love the decor, someone really knew what they were doing." I say, before I can think better of it. He glances around finally taking a break from his phone.

"Oh, yes its a great kitchen." Mr. Holmstorm agrees, happy Xavier might like something about the house.

"I haven't cooked in a while." Xavier mutters, walking over to the stove.

"Its a viking Range. Top of the line." Mr. Holmstrom informs us. I watch Xavier. He love'd to cook for me when we were together, so I'm surprised he'd stop.

"You'll definitely have time to cook if you're away from the city. Nothing much to do to entertain you around here." I joke, trying to make my last statement about him seem less intimate.

"Oh, I could think of something." He refutes, his eyes meeting mine.

I turn to Holmstrom faking a smile. "We should probably continue the tour."

    As we walk onto the back balcony looking over the water I welcome the wind on my flushed face. What the hell did he mean by saying that? And what was that look? It was like a promise of something very carnal, involving me? Impossible! Does he think I'll just forget the past? Hardly! Not to mention the child that he is buying this house for and the woman that usually goes with it.

By the time we leave my nerves are tattered and torn. I can't focus on anything. Halfway back to the office I ask him, "What about that house? Did you like it?"

"Did you like it?" He counters, glancing up at me from his phone.

"Of course, what's not to like about a house like that? But the question is, do you like it?" I repeat.

"I did." He nods.

"Liz will be happy to hear that. You think about it and I-"

"Put the offer in. Full price." He interrupts. "Make sure that everything in the kitchen and the family room stays."

"I don't think it comes furnished, but I can request it as part of the sale." I reply, confused. We pull into the driveway and we both exit the car. "Do you want to wait while I draw up the papers?"

"No, fax them to me." He answers, handing me his card.

I take it and look at him skeptically, "Are you sure you want to do this?" I question, curiously. "Is their anyone else you want to show it to first?" I add, getting to the point.

His eyes read me in two seconds flat. "Their's no one else."

At a loss for words I nod and walk away, "Okay, I'll get started." I take the steps quickly and unlock the door. Once inside I fall against the door. "What the hell just happened?"