Page 12 of Fixer for the Billionaire

To think, this meeting wasn't even my idea. The Divine Cosmic Twins of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood might be entertaining, but a conference call would have sufficed.

But no, Carmina had to aim high and push for an in-person gathering.

Lesson learned: Never let Carmina's ambition sway me again.

That was cute three years ago when she was the newbie. But I've learned the hard way how Carmina's grand plans can backfire.

My mind drifts to a memory from an employee retreat three springs back. Her laughter. Her warm, honey-toned skin. Surrounded by cherry blossoms, she shared her vision to revamp the company's social media. We spent the day drafting a proposal and laughing over drinks.

Now, that memory feels like a dream compared to today's debacle.

Taking a deep breath, I consider my options. "What if I come get you?"

She hesitates, then answers, her voice muffled as she talks to someone else. "You don't have to do that."

"Of course I do," I insist, as Puddle and Glitter nod in agreement, relieved at the prospect of rescheduling. "It's settled then. I'll come pick you up, and we'll reschedule for tomorrow."

"Quentin," Carmina says, her tone firming. "I can call my insurance again. It's not a big deal."

"Look, you're stuck on the side of the road, and with the weather looking grim, it's not safe. Plus, it wouldn't bode well for our... arrangement if I didn't come to your rescue."

"You're right," she concedes after a pause. “I'll text you my location."

I hang up, feeling a mix of triumph and relief.

It might not be efficient, but it spares me hanging out with 'WetSpot' and 'Sparkles' for another day.

As I wait for Carmina's text, I realize I've never actually had to rescue her before. She's always been the one to politely decline any help.

My thoughts drift to earlier conversations about Carmina's standoffishness and my need to be "unbound." Likely, it's her being with her sisters. I decide not to dwell on it.

Finally, her text arrives with her location. I grab my keys and head out, my heart beating an unfamiliar rhythm the whole way.

Chapter Five

CARMINA

The moment I step out of the SUV to check the questionable job I did on the spare tire, the sky decides to unleash a downpour. It's as if it took a cue from Quentin's earlier weather prediction. Rain pelts down, transforming my minor inconvenience into a soaking mess.

"He just had to be right about the serial killer weather," I mutter, trying to shield myself with the car door, which offers as much protection as a leaf in a hurricane.

Right on schedule, Quentin's big black Escalade pulls up. He hops out, struggling to open an umbrella against the gusting wind, wearing a grin that says, 'Told you so' without a word.

"Looks like you could use a hand." His gaze briefly sweeps over my soaked blouse and skirt before meeting my eyes.

"My hero," I say, drenched in sarcasm as much as rain.

I roll my eyes but slide into his passenger seat. Quentin, unfazed by the downpour or the morning's chaos, nods as if offering rides to stranded folks is just his daily routine.

Gabi and Val don't hesitate to take him up on his offer to drive them to their Saturday commitments, hopping in the backseat, already dry and cozy.

While Quentin focuses on the road, I attempt to wrangle my hair into something less like I’ve battled a shower head, hoping to salvage the rest of my Saturday.

Flipping the passenger seat visor to reveal the mirror, I take in the scent of Quentin's cologne mixed with the leather seats and outside dampness.

"You won't believe our morning," I start, trying to break the ice with something other than the weather.

Gabi chimes in from the back, unable to hide her excitement despite the chaos. "I was worried I'd miss soccer practice! But it looks like I'll make it for the second half and team lunch. Coach is gonna have a field day with me for being late, though."

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