I blinked at William, still a little stunned.
“That’s really generous of you,” I said slowly. “But I… I can’t accept that.”
William’s smile faltered just a little. “It’s not charity. Think of it as an investment. You’re going to do amazing things, Jasmine. I just—” He scratched the back of his neck. “I just want to help you get there.”
I gave a small, grateful smile. “I appreciate it, I really do. But I need to handle it on my own.”
For a second, he looked like he might argue. But then he nodded, a little ruefully, and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Yeah. I figured you’d say that.”
He gave a sheepish grin, then waved. “Good luck tonight. Not that you’ll need it.”
“You too,” I called after him as he made his way toward his seat.
The second he was out of earshot, Mindie leaned in, smirking like the cat that caught the canary. “He totally likes you.”
I rolled my eyes. “He’s just being nice.”
