Page 87 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

My eyes widened again. “Gabe, your mother is still alive!”

“And that's how serious I am about it.”

“You're ridiculous.”

“I'm beinggravelyserious, Clara.”

I shook my head. “I'm surrounded by pun-making fools.”

He cackled and nodded. “That's what friends are supposed to do, right? Make each other laugh when they're feeling weird?”

“I mean, I don't feelthatweird about everything.”

“You looked pretty worried.”

I chuckled and let a lock of hair fall over my face as I glanced down at my hands. I was picking my nails. I pressed my palms together and met his gaze. “Okay, I was a little worried.”

“Well, now you don't have to worry anymore. Everything is okay.”

“Everything is okay,” I repeated. “I'm really glad you could be mature about this. I was starting to think we had all returned back to high school.”

“Did you think that before or after the bachelor party?”

I laughed. “I think both.”

He joined my laughter and then sighed, relaxing back into the couch. “So, do you think you'll get back together with Levon?”

“I'm honestly still not sure.”

“Either way, I wish you the best in life, Clara. I've always felt that way.”

I smiled warmly. “Thanks, Gabe.”

“Do you want to hang for a minute? We could watch one of your favorite shows.”

“Is that supposed to appeal to me?”

He shrugged. “Did it work?”

“I mean, yeah. I could use a break from everything.”

“Cool, I'll make some appetizers and you can pick what you want.” He handed me the remote as he rose from the couch. On his way to the kitchen, he paused and turned around. “I'm glad we can be friends, Clara. I mean that.”

I smiled. “Me, too.”

CHAPTER23

Levon

The sidewalk was brimmingwith life as I stepped up to Bob's Deli. I reached for the door at the same time as another fellow, withdrawing immediately when I saw his hand.

“Oh, I'm sorry!” I blinked at Gabe and smiled nervously. “Hey, man! Good to see you around. You can go ahead.”

Gabe laughed. “After you, man. Age before beauty.”

As he pulled open the door, I shot him a funny look and chuckled as I walked inside. My heart picked up an extra rhythm. I placed my hand over my chest as I wandered into the deli and stepped to the side, allowing other customers to pass me.

Gabe stood next to me. “How's it going? How's your sister?”

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