Page 106 of Hello Billionaire

“No. They thought we were all asleep, but the casita had, like, an open-concept thing and I was sleeping in the living room, so I heard them whispering in their room.” He picked up a red and brown plaid shirt that I never would have thought to choose for him. “She just didn’t know why he was so upset, and he told her you two have history but that he’d never...” His words trailed off and he avoided my gaze, focusing extra hard on the shirts.

“It’s okay, Levi,” I said. “You’re not going to hurt my feelings.”

“He said he’d never want to be with you again and that he was only ever with you because of me...” Levi’s gaze clouded over.

I’d lied. Because that did hurt. Caleb had written off our entire history and made Levi question himself in one fell swoop. It was a double punch to the gut—once for me and once for my child, who, despite trying to be strong, still looked so hurt.

I crossed the rack, putting my hands on his shoulders. Luckily the mall was a dead zone this time of day, so we were the only customers, and there weren’t any store employees to be seen. “Levi, you may have been a surprise, but you were always wanted.” I ducked my head so he’d have to look me in the eyes. “There’s not a part of me, not even the nail on my pinky finger or a single gray hair on my head, that regrets you. Do you understand?”

He sniffed, nodding, and looked back at the clothes. “Do you think it’s too hot for long sleeves?”

I chuckled slightly. Change in subject. Noted. “Maybe? I think there are some cool T-shirts over there. Or maybe we could get some shorts to go with the long-sleeve shirt and wear it kind of open?”

“Long sleeves and shorts?” he asked, seeming skeptical.

“You wear pants and T-shirts, don’t you?”

He still seemed to be mulling over that logic as we walked to another rack of clothes.

Disaster hopefully averted.

That was, until my phone started ringing. Mom’s name was on the caller ID, and I answered just in case something was going on with Cora or Drew.

“Hello?”

“Farrah Marie, how could you not tell me you’re dating your boss?!” Mom hissed.

“Wh-what?” I managed, my brain short-circuiting. Had I really not told her?

“I have to learn from my five-year-old granddaughter that we’re meeting your boyfriend on Sunday. And when I ask her how she found out about this boyfriend, she said you told her and then she WATCHED IT ON THE NEWS.”

I held my phone away from my ear, cringing. “Sorry I didn’t tell you, Mom. I really wasn’t trying to keep it a secret.” Not any more at least.

“Good, because I’d hate to think you’re ashamed of us. I know your father and I aren’t rich, but we worked hard to provide a good life for you.”

“I know you did,” I said gently. “You and Dad were the best. And I think you’re going to adore him, Mom. He’s a really great guy.”

I could feel Levi listening, even though he was pretending to browse a couple racks away.

“Dad said he’d watch the kids tonight so we can have some girl time,” Mom offered. “Let’s have margaritas and you can fill me in.”

“You know I can’t say no,” I replied with a smile. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

Shaking his head, Levi said, “Just when I thought I was going to be the only one dating this year.”

I smiled. “This is a first for all of us.”

And hopefully, it would lead to even better memories than the ones we already had.

* * *

Even though I’dbeen working at The Retreat without Gage for a week, it was still hard to walk into that conference room and not see him there. He’d even brought Andrew’s and Cora’s paintings with him, so the walls were bare again.

The place seemed to echo it was so empty, and I was half tempted to pick up the younger two from Mom’s house or ask Dad to drop off Levi after his shift at the coffee shop so I could have someone around. But I busied myself, making calls and directing the furniture installers in the building.

Our orders were beginning to come in, and it struck me that I’d never spoken with Gage about what was coming after my job, despite my worries.

I picked up the phone, dialing his number. He answered almost instantly. “Hello?”

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