Page 82 of Rival to the Billionaire

"Maybe we're supposed to get drunk together at the slots instead of sitting through boring conference presentations," I quip, smiling back.

She laughs and takes another sip of wine. "I think so." Her phone pings, and she checks its screen, swearing. "Dammit. My friends are texting me. I've been found out. I knew my sneaking off discreetly wouldn't last." She glances back at me, eyes sparkling. "It was nice meeting you, Jenny. Truly." She glances down at my purse. "But I think I'll take my leave so you can get that. With a few souvenirs, of course."

She takes the wine bottle off the table and walks away. It isn't until a second later that I realize her quip was about my ringing phone. I glance in her direction, but she's already disappeared.

I quickly pull the phone out and notice my sister's number on the caller ID.

Which can only mean one thing.

My sister isn't exactly known for calling me about the weather, you see.

I answer it, already preparing my defense.

"Quick. No excuses this time. No stories. No lies. Just tell me what you need the money for, and cut to the chase, Abby. I've already got a lot of shit to do."

The silence that greets me after I finish my little speech is expected. Abby always has a way of confusing me by being painfully silent. Long, pregnant silences actually. I've been on the receiving end of them plenty of times. Usually when she's busy at work or with her no-good husband and can't afford to talk.

But this time when she speaks, her voice trembles, each word shaking ever so slightly. "J-Jen, it's Mom. She was rushed to the hospital again. I…just don't know if she's gonna make it."

My hand around the wine glass goes limp, and the remaining wine sloshes out of it and over my hand. It mingles with the sweat there and sends a cold shiver down my spine.

I quickly put the glass down and wipe my hand on my dress. "Was it?—?"

"Yes," Abby says and continues to sob. "She…she was having a tough month. Dad called again, and she's been spiraling a bit out of control since then. The doctors thought it was the meds. But this time…"

My heart hammers away in my chest, and my arms tremble. "Where are you?"

"We're at Seattle General Hospital."

"I'll come," I say. "I'll be there tonight."

"No!" Abby replies, a little short and sharp. "No, please," she mutters. "I can't ask that of you right now. I'm just…I…I don't know."

"You can always ask me. I'm your sister. It's not just up to you. You know this, right?"

"I know," she says and lets out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I just…I…I don't know who else to go to."

"You did the right thing. Just…keep me updated, okay? I'm leaving right now. I'll be on a plane as soon as I can."

"Okay," Abby whispers. "I love you, Jen. And I know you'll help. I just can't think anymore. Oh God, Mom…"

"I know. Don't think about it. Everything's going to be alright. I'll be there soon. I love you too."

I hang up the phone. My sister's trembling voice still resounds in my mind. Forgetting the wine glass in my hand, I let it drop, and it splinters on the floor.

In an instant, I already decide that too much is wrong and there are too many other things to focus on than spilled crushed grapes and glass.

Quickly leaving the table, I walk past the conference room's glass doors. Until I'm stopped by Ryder's voice. "Jen?"

He stops me with his hand on my arm. I quickly turn around, ready to go.

"You okay?" he asks, his deep blue eyes pools of concern.

"Y-yeah. Fine," I say but don't look at him, instead keeping my eyes straight ahead.

"You look sick as a dog," he says. "Why don't you go sit down? Before you pass out on me."

I shake my head. "No, no. I-I have to go. I have to leave, Ryder. It's important." I inhale deeply and look at him, forcing myself to meet his eye when I say, "My mom is in the hospital. In Seattle. I have to get back there."

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