Page 57 of Betrayal of a Billionaire
She felt connected to them. Like she belonged, but she didn’t. The realization hit her hard as she bit her lower lip. Her eyes rose to the picture of her and Luke. Why did the men in her life insist on putting up larger-than-life testaments to their relationships?
She stared at her smile for a moment, her mind replacing it with her wedding picture. She looked happy in both. Which one was the real her? Where did she belong?
“I guess,” Julia finally answered.
“There’s no guessing here, Julia. You belong with us,” Alicia said, taking her hand.
Why did she feel such a draw to Grant, then? She blew out a long breath. Because she had stupidly allowed herself to be drawn into his world and to him. She reminded herself that there was a reason she was his fifth wife. He had an easy time drawing women in. She wasn’t the first. And she wouldn’t be the last.
She was surprised he’d made it through their fake marriage this far without finding her replacement. She flicked her eyesback to the photo before her eyes shifted to Luke who crossed toward them.
He smiled at her, and she felt the corners of her mouth tug upward effortlessly. As he slid into the seat next to her, she squeezed her sister’s hand. For this moment, she belonged here. With her family.
She relaxed into the evening, allowing the sweet beverage to soothe her frayed nerves. Conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with memories about their adventures in their younger days, times that wrapped her in a warmth she’d sometimes forgotten. A warmth that she desperately needed and missed.
She threw her head back with laughter as they discussed a failed barbecue on the island she’d loved so much.
“Well, we would have been able to come back if you hadn’t insisted on taking the sailboat,” Alicia said with a laugh as she gave Julia a playful punch in the arm.
“Hey, I really wanted to sail that day! You know I love sailing.” Julia chuckled as she defended herself.
“Yeah? You should definitely sail before you leave, Juju,” Ethan added.
“I’m surprised Sierra didn’t book that.”
“Mmm,” Alicia said as she sipped her beer, “I’m not sure sailing is up her alley. She may break one of those oh-so-long nails.”
Julia shook her head at her sister. “Sierra’s not that bad.”
“Well, she cannot book a sail on the boat you love, so you couldn’t recreate your experience,” Luke said.
Julia heaved a sigh. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s a repeatable experience, but I’ll think about the sailing.”
“Youdon’twant to sail onGentle Juliaagain?” Luke asked.
Julia’s eyebrows furrowed as she studied him, a confused smile crossing her features. “You don’t still have her, do you?”
Luke tilted his head as he cradled his beer. “What do you think?”
“No,” she said with a shake of her head.
Alicia arched an eyebrow as she flicked her gaze between them,
“No!” Julia repeated.
“I’d never get rid of her. She’s the one Julia I definitely get to keep,” Luke said. “She’s out back.”
“Is she still sailable?”
“Of course,” he answered with a chuckle. “I still take her out and remember better times.”
“You should go see her,” Alicia said with an encouraging nod.
“No, it’s fine,” Julia said. “It’s fine. Another time.”
“Go now,” Alicia said. “We’re heading out anyway.”
Julia’s features fell. “Oh, already?”
