Chapter 72

When he opened the door, he found Xavier standing in the middle of the room, apparently waiting for him.

“You’re already packed,” Billy said, his throat clenching. “You’re leaving right away?”

Xavier walked up to him. There was something different about him. His dark eyes were so bright and full of joy. “Did you get the money?” he asked, putting his hands over Billy’s shoulders and looking into his face.

“You have to pick it up for me.”

“Then let’s go.”

“No, look, I’m not going back to Montreal without—”

“Billy, I’m coming with you.”

“What?” Billy’s heart leaped.

“I don’t know what I’m gonna do back in Montreal, but I do know that I can’t live a single day without you around.” Xavier’s eyes glistened with tears that he restrained. “I’m sorry about last night, Billy. It was so shitty of me to leave you like that. To not listento you. You, who’s always told me the truth. You, who followed me down here with such faith. I’m so sorry for everything. For all the heartache and—”