Page 27 of Fixer for the Billionaire

My chest tightens at the mention of that retreat. It was a drunken mistake, laughed off the next day. But clearly, Car took it to heart. Months of avoidance later, guilt washes over me.

For the first time tonight, I gaze at Carmina without trying to hide it.

Her dark, slight waved hair is swept upwards, showing off her long, graceful neck. Her dress is a deep red color, with tiny sequins that catch the light as she moves, making it seem like she's covered in stars. She catches my gaze and I'm momentarily stunned by the depth of emotion in her eyes.

"Talk to her," Alton repeats gently. "You owe it to both of you."

I swallow hard and turn back to Alton. "You're right. I need to talk to her."

Alton nods approvingly before taking another sip of his drink. "That's the spirit. And hey, if she were to...I don't know, slap you or something, you can always come back and cry on my shoulder."

"Great encouragement there, Al. You should get into motivational speaking."

Noticing Carmina's date is nowhere to be found, I glance over, just as she starts walking towards the stairs. The ones leading to the rooftop terrace.

Without another thought, I finish my drink and weave through the crowd, dodging couples and groups of friends as I make my way to follow her.

Chapter Twelve

CARMINA

The dim glow from my phone lights up my face as I escape to the quiet of the rooftop terrace, leaving the loud party behind. It's off-limits tonight because of construction, but here I am.

My heels click against the concrete, breaking the silence. I take a deep breath, savoring the cool night air, before walking over to the edge.

Leaning on the railing, I look out at the city lights. Moments like this make me feel tiny, almost invisible, against the backdrop of the vast city.

But then, my chaotic life snaps back into focus. Pretending I've got it all figured out, I shoot a message to Freddie.

How’re you guys holding up? Everyone still in one piece? ??

Instantly, Freddie hits back with a bunch of laughing emojis and a flood of texts.

Gabi and Val are prepping for some 'quality' family time with The Exorcist ????

Their idea!

Something about Quentin's influence??

I’m trying to make sure the jump-scares don’t ensure that half our popcorn ends up on the floor

I laugh, though part of me questions if a demon possession flick counts as "quality" family time. Before I dive too deep, Freddie's next text arrives.

Thought it’d be a good distraction. Ended up chatting about Val's nut allergies. And some bad experience with you guys’ mom?

My smile dims. I reply.

Val had an “incident” before at my Mom’s house once

But hey, fictional serial killers beat her experimenting with homemade rocket fuel

She WHAT?

Never mind about the rocket stuff

As for my Mom…

Let's just say she knows how to cause a scene.

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