Page 16 of Believing in a Billionaire
Julia pulled the door open and motioned for her sister to enter. “We can still do that.”
“Good, so…how many blocks? Or do we need a cab? Or a bus? How do people get around here?”
“Thing is…I’m not in the city.”
Alicia narrowed her eyes as they reached the landing on the stairs.
Julia offered her sister a nervous grin. “I, ummm, well…”
Alicia flicked her gaze to Julia’s hand, her eyes going wide. She shot her sister an excited grin. “You got engaged. Oh my gosh, you got engaged to Luke!”
Alicia flung her arms around Julia’s neck and pulled her into a tight hug. “Oh, I’m so happy for you. And that ring is beautiful. Oh, wow, it’s so much nicer than that ridiculous thing the other idiot gave you.”
“Ally,” Julia said with a tap on her back, “Ally…”
“Huh, what?” Alicia asked as she pulled back.
Julia shook her head. “I didn’t get engaged to Luke.”
The smile slid from her sister’s face, replaced by a furrowed brow. “You didn’t? Then whose…ohhhh, no. No, no, no, please don’t tell me that weird doctor.”
Julia wrinkled her nose as she shook her head. “No, I…I’m still married to Grant.”
Alicia’s features went blank. “What? Wait…so, the divorce didn’t come through yet?”
“There isn’t going to be a divorce. I…we…we’re staying together.”
“That selfish jerk! What did he pay you to get you to agree to that? Juju, it’s not nearly enough. It’s not worth the rest of your life.”
“Ally,” Julia said with a shake of her head, “you’re not understanding. There’s no contract. We’re…together. We love each other.”
The dumbfounded expression on her sister’s face spoke volumes.
“Please try to understand, Ally.”
“You’re…you…what happened to Luke? Wasn’t he here to win you back?”
“Luke’s in my past. And I told him that. I’m a Harrington now. And I would really like it if you could accept my choice.”
Alicia swallowed hard, chewing her lower lip. “I…I’m…yeah, I’ll try. I mean…I’ll…I’m sorry, I just…I’m shocked. I always thought you’d eventually just come home and marry Luke and now…you’re married to him. It’s just…okay, well…I’ll…” Alicia ran a hand through her hair as she blew out a long breath. “Find a hotel.”
“That’s nonsense. You’re coming to Harrington House with me.”
“Uhhh, sis, I think that’s a terrible idea. Grant must hate me.”
“Actually, Grant insisted I come to get you and bring you there.”
Alicia slid her eyes sideways. “Has he ever murdered anyone before?”
Julia offered her a laugh as she tugged her down the next flight of stairs. “No. He didn’t tell me to bring you there so he could do anything to you. He wants me to be able to have my family close. He’s a nice guy. He’s not what you think he is. He was just under a lot of stress with what was going on with Lydia.”
“His ex-wife who lives with you?” Alicia asked as they exited into the garage.
“Not anymore. She was the one behind the efforts to destroy him. She was arrested a few days ago. We’re in the clear.” Julia pointed her key fob at the Porsche and unlocked it.
Alicia stopped walking, her gaze transfixed on the sporty car. “You drive a Porsche?”
“Yes. Grant bought it for me. Come on, let’s get you settled in at the house.”
