Page 23 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

“Do the toilets flush in the opposite direction?”

I smirked. “I mean, in some countries, yes.”

“Did you ever go to China?”

“I did pass through China, yes. But it was brief.”

“Do they really have karaoke bars on every corner?”

“Oh, I couldn't have made it down one block without passing three.”

He nodded. “That's cool. I've always wanted to go there. Maybe next time you take a trip to Europe, I can tag along.”

“What about your job?”

“Oh, I could take a little time off. I wouldn't stick with you that long.”

“I'll certainly consider it.”

He nodded. “Cool.”

We turned our attention back to Ryan. It seemed we had lost him to the company of Jen. He had sat down beside her, pointing to her book and taking interest in her lunch. I almost yearned for work right now. I was far too stressed to deal with my surroundings, or with Gabe and Ryan and their boyish humor. It was nice to remember our high school years, but it only made me think of Clara.

Especially since she had recently been dating Gabe.

I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal, sitting like a stone in my stomach. They hadn't told me a thing. They had hidden it away. Sure, the whole town knew, but I didn't. That meant everyone else got to see their relationship before I did.

I hope it was worth it,I reflected.Because I completely regret everything.

CHAPTER6

Clara

My phone buzzedin my purse. I hadn't heard it at first because I was too busy balling up old photographs of Gabe and I while sitting on my sister's couch. The bedroom was cozy, but the couch had become my fortress since leaving my old apartment.

I had just finished dabbing my eyes with a tissue when my phone buzzed again. I fished into my purse to grab it. It took me a few more dabs from my tissue to see who was calling. I answered immediately.

“Hey, girl,” I greeted while trying to hide the fact that I had cried. “What's up?”

“I have anemergency, Clara!”

I blinked away the rest of my tears and sat up. “What's wrong, Jennifer? Who died?”

“Nobody died, but I might kill someone. My decorator totally backed out at the last minute!”

“What?!”

“I need you to fill in for her. I was supposed to go in next week to pick out the color schemes and the decorations and all the things we needed and . . . Oh, God. I think I'm having a panic attack.”

I nodded even though she couldn't see me. “Hey, take a deep breath for me, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Like right now. Take a breath.”

Jen took an audible breath and released it, filling the phone with static. “That feels a little better.”

“Take one more for good measure.”

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