Page 29 of The Billionaire's Second Chance
She wore a black bandanna on her head, with her cat ear headphones hanging loosely around her neck. It was obvious she must have been playing video games the entire time.
“Dad, sorry to interrupt your meeting, but I have a question for Kevin.”
“It’s fine, Princess.” Dad responded with a smile. “He is all yours.”
Lexie never complained when our dad called her Princess. In fact, she made an issue out of it when he didn’t.
I smiled, leaning back with my arms folded across my chest. “Lexie, how may I help you?”
“Will Licia be coming today?” Her question took me by surprise, but I didn't show it. “It crossed my mind a few minutes ago and I decided to ask.”
“Why do you ask?” I countered.
“Just tell me, already.” She whined, looking intently at me.
“She should... I guess.” I had to keep hope alive, even though I had doubts about my claim.
“On the contrary, I don't think so.” Dad responded.
“Why do you say so?”
“Dr. Shepherd reached out to me this morning. Apparently, you will be getting a new nurse. I was going to tell you after we went over the deeds.”
“A new nurse? How? What about Licia?”
I rolled out the questions in one breath. What did this mean? Now, it was obvious that Licia was deliberately avoiding me.
“He mentioned that she resigned.”
If I didn’t know any better, I would have said Dad was just pulling my leg; but he was not one to play around with sensitive matters like this one.
“Why?” Lexie asked, pegging me with a glare. “Kevin, what did you do?” The accusation was tangible in her tone.
I was utterly speechless. It wasn't making sense to me either. Was I such a horrible person? I was still struggling to figure things out when Mascot strolled in, looking so calm and collected; a stark contrast to what was going on inside me.
“Mr. Brown, your nurse and the physiotherapist are waiting in the living room,” he announced dutifully.
“He will be with them shortly.” Dad replied, discharging Mascot.
I sprung up immediately, steadying myself on the cane before hobbling into the main building. I was hoping that it was all some huge misunderstanding, and that I would see Licia. Alas, I was wrong. It was the new nurse, indeed.
She rose to acknowledge me. “Good morning, Sir. I am Melony Cooper, Licia’s replacement.”
My heart sank at her words. I wanted Licia, not a new nurse... not anyone else. I managed to mask my disappointment and at least welcome Melony with a handshake.
There was no way I could keep it in for much longer, as we reviewed the basics. “Where does Licia live? She's your colleague, right?” I interrogated, leaving her lost for words.
She was hesitant to answer, so I turned to Corbin. “Corbin, do you know where she resides?”
“Sorry, Sir. I'm not at liberty to share her address with you.”
I smiled sadly. I didn't want to come off as unreasonable, so I didn't insist on the details. I could find out from Dr. Shepherd or at least ask my dad.
“It's fine. Let's get started for the day."
***
“1065 Champs Elysee Boulevard.” I kept repeating the address as I got into the car. Dad had called Dr. Shepherd and made Lexie ask for Licia’s address under the guise that she wanted to pay a surprise visit to her—a role she executed persuasively, and Dr. Shepherd rewarded her with the address.
