Page 40 of Judge Me Not

He licks his lips and swallows. "Do you remember the issues a few years ago about water contamination in Queens?"

I turn in my seat. "Yes. They linked it to the chemical plant, didn't they?"

"Yes."

"What about it?"

He glances at his feet then back at me. "We were one of the families affected. My father got prostate cancer and died when I was ten. My younger sister was eight when she passed from leukemia. My mother had breast cancer but survived."

I put my hand over my mouth, too stunned to speak. My eyes fill with tears. "I'm so sorry."

He focuses on the divider window. "We were poor. There weren't a lot of options, especially with both my parents out of work. I'm still unsure why I didn't get sick."

I put my hand on his.

His blue eyes darken. "Anyway, shortly after I graduated high school, my mom received the proceeds from the lawsuit. She gave me money to go to college, but instead, I took it and invested in properties. Then I started buying companies with it."

"Wow."

"The fundraiser tonight is for a nonprofit children's ward. It'll be a state-of-the-art cancer center in my sister's name. While it won't turn away any child, the purpose is to help those children who can't afford treatment. My mom will be there. She's heading it up and has been working on it for years."

My heart almost stops.He's building a center for children like Abby?I'm so choked up, I can hardly speak. "That's amazing."

The driver pulls up to the curb and comes to our door. He opens it, and Colton steps out, then reaches in for me. I try to contain my shock. We're at the hospital Abby is always at. It's the part I've never been in since it's reserved for events. The pit in my stomach I always get when I'm here grows.

I need to calm down. It's a different reason I'm here. It's a good reason.

There's a red carpet and photographers. In a blur, I go through the motions, smiling while Colton guides me through it.

"Sorry about all the chaos. It's a necessary evil for donations. I forgot to warn you," Colton says when we get inside.

Pull it together. This is an important night.

I smile. "It's okay. I don't have any money to donate, but if your mom needs any help, I could volunteer."

He smiles. "You would want to do that?"

I nod. "Yes. Very much."

He hesitates then says, "Do you want to meet her? She's in front of the Christmas trees."

"Please."

He leads me through a sea of people with his arm around my waist. The ballroom is huge and decorated for Christmas. Instrumental holiday-themed music plays. Three giant Christmas trees are at the front.

A beautiful woman with dark hair and gray streaks running through it stands in front of them, shaking hands and hugging guests. She wears a long green dress. When she sees Colton, her face lights up.

They embrace, and he steps back.

Her face is kind, and she smiles at me. "And who is this?"

Colton puts his arm around my waist. "This is Jasmine."

"Jasmine. It's nice to meet you. I'm Caroline." She hugs me. "My son never brings anyone to our event. You must be special."

"She is special," Colton confidently states.

Heat rises in my cheeks and flutters take off in my stomach. I quickly glance at Colton but turn back to his mom. "It's nice to meet you, too. I think it's amazing what you're doing. If there's any way I can help, I would love to."

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