Page 114 of My Secret Bandit

Xander let out an exasperated huff of air. “We’ve already established you fucked up. Just own up to that shit and fix this!”

Right away, I knew I should not be hearing this conversation.

My brain wanted to stay and listen in, and my heart knew it couldn’t take another hit. It’d rather me leave now and save myself from any more pain.

“You should be here, making things right. At least talk to her. For fuck’s sake, Mattie. You owe her that much.” His hand reached out for mine when I turned to leave. Mouthing a silent apology, his grip tightened. “Whatever. Call me when you’re done acting like a fucking child. There’s someone here who is clearly more deserving of my attention.”

He stood, shoving his phone out of sight and wrapped me into a tight hug. Letting out a drawn-out sigh, the tension stiffening his body loosened as we held each other.

“I’ve never heard you two argue before.” My voice came out quiet and jagged. Xander’s hug, the only thing keeping me from falling apart.

“Mm, yeah. Well… it’s become a new trend recently,” he said, his voice dry, his expression taut. “But that’s not something we need to worry about tonight. You look absolutely stunning, and I need a strong ass drink.”

With his hand on my back, he wove through the crowd of tuxes and evening gowns until we stood beside a long stretch of bar with every type of alcohol we could want.

“Scotch, neat please and a—“ He looked at me. I gave him an unknowing shrug before he turned back to the bartender. “Just that for right now.”

The bartender poured the drink and pushed it toward Xander.

“Try this.”

Xander bowed his head with a small shake, an endearing chuckle leaving his lips as he took in my strained reaction.

“So not scotch.” He waved the bartender back over and ordered a lemon drop martini. “This’ll be better, I promise.” He smiled, handing me the thin-stemmed glass rimmed with sugar and a curly lemon rind. Sour but sweet. Liquor present, but not overpowering. Just strong enough to relax me.

“Much better,” I said, returning his smile halfway.

Xander did his best to keep me entertained while we waited for the event to kick off. My mind only strayed to Mateo every now and again. I was happy to have Xander by my side. Always easy to talk to, he had an effortless sense of humor that made every situation better.

After dinner, the team owner, Mr. Rudolph, sauntered up to the podium on the stage at the front of the room.

He welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to the event. He went through introductions and explained the history of the fundraiser and the foundation, and its partnership with the team. When he wrapped up, he asked Xander to join him on the stage.

He released a heavy huff of air and squeezed his palm against mine before walking up the steps, fastening the button of his suit jacket.

“For those of you I haven’t met yet, my name is Xander Brooks. I am the team’s player liaison. And I promise by the time I’m done, you’ll understand why the errand boy is up here talking.”

A rumble of laughter filled the room before he continued.

“I’ve been asked to share a story with everyone tonight. A story that until tonight has only ever been heard by the most important people in my life. A story about how the Pediatric Cancer Foundation helped give me a few extra years of happiness.”

Pausing, he looked at me. The spotlight created an angelic aura around him. His eyes held both happiness and sorrow. I knew the story he planned to tell. I blew a subtle kiss in his direction in the hopes it would send him all the love and support he gave me the last few weeks.

He smiled slightly, drawing in a deep breath to begin again. “Twenty-three years ago, my little sister, Olivia, got sick. It started like any regular old cold, but she never fully recovered the way you’d expect from someone so young and active and full of life. Her shiny brown curls lost their luster. Her blue eyes dulled. She started sleeping all day and any little bump would result in her body being covered in bruises. Suddenly the little girl that cheered me on at every football game and every soccer practice was too weak to even get out of bed.

“One day she came down with a ridiculously high fever that wouldn’t break. With a set of young parents at their wit’s end, worried and unsure of what to do next, they put us in the car and rushed to the nearest hospital. I can still remember the way the hospital smelled when we walked in, how my tiny little sister climbed from my mother’s lap into my arms, how she shook against me while we sat in the waiting room. I can still remember the look on the doctor’s face when she delivered the news. Four-year-old Olivia had cancer. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and the doctor didn’t expect a great outcome. And not to get your hopes up, she didn’t beat it. She fought like hell, though. Thanks to the research and support of PCF, Olivia extended her life from a couple of months to nearly three years. So tonight, when you’re considering which items you might want, remember that all proceeds from this auction will go to the same foundation that gave me three extra,irreplaceableyears with my little sister. Think of Olivia, of all the other kids and families in the same position as her and bid big.“ He smiled sadly, the audience applauding as he moved off the stage.

He looked at me with a nervous smile, tears twinkling from the lights overhead.

“You did great.” I rubbed his back through his suit jacket. “I’m proud of you and you know she is too.”

“Thank you, Jamie. That means a lot, seriously,” he said. With the edge of his thumb, he wiped the wetness from his eyes.

“You ready to get out of here?” Xander asked. A yawn escaped me as I nodded. “Let’s go then.” He stood and extended his hand to me. I wrapped my hand around his arm as we exited the venue.

“I know I said it already, but you really do look great.” His smile glowed bright, even in the limited light of the night. “Just like I said you would.”

I gave him a short laugh, thanking him before looking down at the lace covered bodice and smooth black skirt he picked out.

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