Page 44 of Hello Billionaire

“Thank you.” Her smile faltered before she withdrew her hand from mine, and suddenly, the heat from her touch was replaced with a chill. “I’ll let you get back to work. Sorry for interrupting.”

I pinned her with a stare, because she didn’t need to apologize. No, I was the one blurring this line.

17

Farrah

Meeting up with Mia, her mom, Joanne, and my mom felt like going back to my happy place. Even though Mia and I both grew up in Dallas, we only met our freshman year of college, and over the years, we’d all become family. Mom and Joanne even met up sometimes without us, even though Joanne was quite a bit older.

After catching up, it only took a few minutes for Mia to tell them about my disastrous night. My cheeks quickly flushed as Mom and Joanne, gave me sympathetic looks.

Joanne reached out, patting my arm across the table. “He didn’t know what he was missing out on.”

“I’m pretty sure he did, which is why he chose to miss out,” I muttered, shaking my head. “I feel like I should walk around with a big sign on my forehead that says divorced single mom, not looking for anything serious.”

Joanne chuckled, but Mia said, “You know, you can do that on most dating apps now. They let you spell out if you have kids, if you want more, even if you’re looking for a casual hookup or something more serious. Could be worth trying out.”

Mom nodded excitedly. “That could be a great way to get out there and meet new people.”

“I don’t know about dating sites,” I admitted. “Something feels gross about a guy being able to turn me down without even knowing me.”

My mom nodded sympathetically. “I’m glad online dating wasn’t around in my day. So much pressure.”

Mia shrugged. “It can be fun.”

I teased, “It could also be the start to, like, every murder documentary. ‘Single woman went out with attractive but secretly psychopathic man.’”

Mom and Joanna laughed with me, but Mia barely cracked a smile.

“Look at all these people here,” she said, gesturing around us. “Your next Prince Charming could be sitting in this very restaurant, but you’ll never know if you don’t put yourself out there.”

“True,” Joanne agreed. “I was almost forty when I met Mia’s dad, and I thought I’d never settle down.”

“Maybe I should just be alone,” I said, lying to myself because my mind had been running wild with thoughts about Gage. “The last guy just took me for granted and broke my heart. Why would I want to go through that again?”

Mom reached across the table, holding my hand. “You’re so young still, Farrah. You got pregnant young, got married young, and you and I both know, both knew, Caleb wasn’tthe one. If Levi never would have come along...”

I shook my head because I couldn’t let myself go there. “I never want to blame my children for being in a bad marriage. I loved Levi and wanted him to have a family unit.” And even with my mind going crazy about a romantic future with Gage, a man I could never be with, I had to be practical. “Besides, you always hear these horror stories about single moms dating. About these guys who prey on mothers with young children. I would never forgive myself if...”

Joanne frowned at me, her wrinkles deepening. Even though she was eighty and Mia was almost thirty-six, they looked so much alike with that frown and their pale-colored hair. “You’d never let that happen, Farrah.”

My mom and Mia nodded in agreement.

“And these other moms did?” I asked. “And how can you start a relationship with a man when you’re seeing him as a potential threat?”

Mom set her drink down, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “Don’t you do the same with babysitters, though? You get them background checked, you interview them, you check their references. You spend time with them and your child to make sure you don’t sense any red flags. Seems like you could do the same with a man.”

Mia got a wicked grin. “I would happily call references for you.”

I rolled my eyes at both of them. “Why are you so desperate to get me dating again anyway? Can’t we enjoy the single girl life together?” I asked Mia.

She tossed her blond hair over her shoulder. “Of course we can. As long as you’re actually enjoying it. Do you really want your whole life to be work and kids?”

Mom nodded. “You’ve only had us watch the kids overnight one time since you’ve been back. You need to take more time to yourself. Let Dad and me help with the kids.”

“Hear, hear,” Mia agreed.

I bit my lip. “I don’t want them to feel like I’m pawning them off. Caleb just started watching Levi’s games online, not even in person... and I’m terrified he’ll back out of the Cabo trip.”

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