Page 145 of The Boss Situation

The Ice Queen and Her Future King

I brace myself to read the article, claiming Billie is destined to be with Louis. Surprisingly, the article isn’t about him at all, but rather about Billie and the shitty relationships she has had over theyears, focusing on Louis and Josh Lustre. I quickly read it to the end.

I don’t believe this relationship is real, but do I think Billie Calloway is in love? Yes. Absolutely.

(But also, allegedly.)

With whom? That’s the question of the hour. She’s so secretive, but I can tell Prince Louis isn’t the king of her heart. Maybe her real Prince Charming will finally step up and claim her once she’s done playing games with a royal. Until then, let me remind him what she deserves.

Billie Calloway needs a man who will claim her, who will love her for more than just being a Calloway. She needs someone strong, who will protect her and, above all, who will be honest. That woman has dealt with so many snakes and liars over the years. If she can’t be the center of your universe, move on. Strong women need strong men. I understand being careful, but love is all you need. It can conquer anything. Believe in that.

That’s all for this week, LuxBabies. I’ll see you next time as I dive headfirst into a brand-new billionaire who’s caught my eye. Don’t worry, Asher Banks … I’m still watching you. There will be a part 2. Stay tuned.

LadyLux

I scoff, rolling my eyes. The nerve. I wonder if she needs help marketing her blog.

An evil smirk crosses my lips as I search her website for her contact information. I find her email address and type a message.

Subject: Well, well, well …

You officially have my attention, Ms. LadyLux. I will find out who you are. It’s just a matter of time. I look forward to part 2.

Asher Banks

I press Send and hear the notification that my email was sent.Your move, gossip queen.

Once I finish eating and set my empty bowl in the sink, I grab a towel to dry my hands and notice a sheet of paper folded in half with my name scribbled on the front. Leaning against the counter, I open it and scan Billie’s neat handwriting.

Asher,

Go visit her. It’s a new day, a new chance at something incredible. Change starts when you decide to do something different. Break out of the cycle.

I’m thinking about you.

Always,

B

P.S. Eden would tell you to stop being an Ash-hole. You can do this. :)

Laughter escapes me because she would. Eden always believed in tough love. She was a member of the Build a Bridge and Get Over It Club.

Below her words is a pair of red lips, and I imagine her kissing the paper with her eyes closed. I rub my finger across it, wondering if she wroteI love youin invisible ink.

Damn, I’m in love with her. So truly, madly, deeply, and insanely in love that I can barely handle it.

I take a deep breath, knowing today is one of the few times I want to hide from the world. It’s officially been five years since my sister passed away. I’ll never forget how I fell to my knees when Dyson arrived at my door in the middle of the night to tell me what happened. I’ll never forget the pain of knowing I’d never get to talk to my sister again. She wasstolenfrom me, ripped away from my family because someone hadchosento drink and drive.It was a choice.

I will never get to hug my sister again or tell her about Billie. She’ll never see me fall in love with my person. We’ll never have that dance I promised her at her wedding, and I’ll never get to see her become a mom. No one can understand how much I miss her. Now she only lives in my heart and mind, and as each day passes, the details grow fuzzier—her voice, her laugh, her encouraging words … all distant memories.

I squeeze my eyes shut, already feeling numb. I rub my palms on my eyes, needing to pull myself together.

I told Josh I wouldn’t be at the office today, and Nick knows it’s a personal day for me. Instead of staying cooped up in my house from sunrise to sunset, I decide to venture out into the world.

Maybe Billie is right.

I pick up the pen next to the paper and write a return message on the back for her to find later.

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