Page 105 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“You knew?”

She tilts her head, meeting my gaze for a brief moment. “Of course.”

“How?”

“Mom told me all about him helping you with the studio.”

Of course she did…

“And what do you think?” I ask, knowing she has opinions on everything.

“I like him.”

I exhale. “He’s better than Bobby.”

“Not hard to beat that.” She laughs.

The sound of her laugh makes my lips part in the first true smile from me in twenty-four hours. “True.”

“Will you press charges against Bobby for invading your privacy?”

It’s suddenly cold in the car as I think about her question. I hadn’t given any thought to it. I was too embarrassed to think clearly.

“Maybe.”

“You’re too nice.”

“I’m not,” I argue.

She doesn’t know I broke things off with Evan because I chose me. My usual pattern of letting people’s life choices becomemine is gone. As much as I’m hurting, I know I couldn’t keep doing it.

She pulls up into our parents' long drive, and another smile breaks free across my face. Trees and flowers line the driveway. My parents’ wrap-around porch and house remind me how big the land is here. The garden is spectacular. I can’t wait to sit out here and think.

Think about my next steps. And also unwind before my studio opens.

I don’t even get a foot out before the wire door opens. I’m practically pulled from the car by my mom.

“Mom. Hi,” I say, as she wraps her arms around me in a tight squeeze.

“I’m so glad to see you.”

Her warm body and thumping heart relax me instantly. I needed her. I may be an adult, but I still need my parents’ hugs sometimes.

“I missed you too,” I mumble into her shoulder.

“How was the flight?” she asks, pulling away to hold my cheeks in her hands.

“Good. I watched a movie.”

“Which one?”

“Some action one.”

Truthfully, I wanted something safe. Nothing with romance or comedy; I didn’t want to cry on the flight.

“Have you eaten?”

“Yes.”

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