Bruce was startled at the handsome young face that answered the door.

"Aren't you Alex's classmate?" he asked.

"Oh hi," Robbie said, a bit startled.

"Who's at the door?" Steve asked, coming in from the other room.

"Um... my friend's... boyfriend?"

"What are you doing here?" Steve asked Bruce. "I thought we were done."

"Can I come in?" Bruce's tone was so colorless, so drained, that Steve felt compelled to invite him in, no matter how much animosity still sat between them.

"Robbie, would you mind going to your room? We need to have a little... chat."

"New boyfriend?" Bruce asked as Robbie closed the door.

"A little young for me," Steve said sarcastically. "We're in the process of... Wait, did he just say his friend's boyfriend?"

"I didn't come over here to discuss my love life." Or lack thereof, he added silently.

"Right. Well, not to be brusque, but what do you want?"

"I want to sell you our properties back."

"What? But why?"

"To be frank... I need the money."

"I don't know Bruce."

"Please," Bruce said, grabbing Steve's hand tightly. "I'll take below market."

"Is everything ok?" Steve asked.

Don't tell him, don't tell him. "I'm fine. Call David. Just please... think it over."

"Sure. I'll think it over."

Bruce left the condo hurriedly and sank down in the hallway. That may have been his last chance.

###