Page 11 of A Geek Girl's Guide to Kissing a Video Gamer
Sadie rolled her lips in. “Exactly. I want controlling interest. I’m never allowing you to take it from me again.”
“Uh, huh,” Poppy grunted, tipping her head toward Sadie. “Stick to your guns, girl.”
“That’s the deal. Take it or leave it,” Sadie said.
Buck took a deep breath. “Fine, but it’s contingent on you getting Templar to sign on with Empire. They’re expecting us at the exhibition next week.” He pointed at Xavier. “And bring him. They see Xavier Parker, and it’ll be a slam dunk.”
“The Illustrator’s Exhibition next week? The one in St. Augustine, Florida, that starts Monday?” Sadie shook her head. “There’s no way. I don’t even have a booth.”
Buck nodded. “That’s the one, and you’ll use Empire’s.”
She didn’t have the money for that, but she sure wasn’t letting him know. “Other than the fact that I’m not going to use Xavier like that, I can’t. I have plans.”
Cinnamon glanced at Buck. “You need to tell her.”
“Tell me what?” Sadie’s stomach dropped. The way Cinnamon said it, whatever it was, was bad news.
Buck’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Empire will go under if we don’t get this.”
Sadie felt gut-punched. Her company—the one she’d given everything to? “What? How? Why? You’re driving around in a Maserati!”
“If you don’t look successful, you won’t be successful,” Buck replied.
Sadie palmed her forehead as her stomach turned. “I can’t.”
“Can’t what?” Buck’s words came out sharp.
“I can’t afford—”
“She’ll be there, and so will I,” Xavier said. “But, my lawyer will have papers drawn up that spells out who gets what and how.And, she gets seventy percent.”
Buck’s mouth dropped open. “Seventy!” He looked at Sadie.
“Seventy. You’re never taking this company from her again. If you try, my lawyer will bury you.” Xavier stood, tossed a few bills on the table, and looked down at Sadie. “Sweetheart, would you and Poppy like to find somewhere else to eat? I’m not particularly feeling like fish tonight.” Again, he was bailing her out. How would she ever repay him?
Poppy jumped up. “Nope. Me either.”
Slowly, Sadie stood with them. “I’ll see you at the exhibition next week.” She wasn’t sure how, but she’d figure out something.
Xavier pressed his hand to the small of her back and let Poppy lead the way. Once they got outside, they walked a few feet until they were out of view of the people who were seated at the windows. Sadie covered her mouth with her hand as she tried to process what had just happened.
Poppy crossed her arms over her chest. “I told you! Buck needed you.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t expect that,” Sadie said, dropping her hand to her side, shock sticking to her. “I don’t have the money to go to that exhibition.”
Xavier touched her arm. “Let’s go find a spot to discuss this, okay?”
Sadie blinked. “I’m so sorry. You were great, and I appreciate everything you did in there, but I’m not holding you to any of it. Just the pasty-white color Buck turned was amazing.” She smiled.
“You know what?” Poppy grinned. “I think Xavier is right. I’ll take your car back to the apartment, and you two can go talk about that exhibition.”
Shaking her head, Sadie said, “Uh—”
Xavier shrugged. “I think that’s a great idea. I’d be happy to give you a lift home.”
What was Poppy up to? Sadie narrowed her eyes. “Poppy.”
“No need to thank me.” She winked as she grabbed the keys out of Sadie’s purse and strutted off.
