Page 20 of The Billionaire and His Forever

“These are so good,” he’s saying. “This one’s Desi, isn’t it? You captured her perfectly.”

“Thanks, Daddy. But that’s not even the best one I did of her! Hold on, it’s right here.”

“Morning,” my dad says, announcing our presence.

Graham looks up from the sprawl of sketches with a smile as his eyes meet mine. Meanwhile, Jude waves at us from her chair and practically yells, “Good morning, Abbie and Uncle Ford!”

“Wow. Did someone give you sugar already?” I tease, taking the chair across from her.

“Nope. I’m just happy we’re all here together,” Jude says.

“Now that, I can agree with,” I say. “Breakfast smells delicious. What are we having?”

“Mary’s making a full English breakfast. It’s Daddy’s favorite!”

“A good ol’ fashioned fry-up, eh?” My dad takes the seat next to me and immediately starts fixing himself a coffee. “Sounds like exactly the thing I need.”

Moments later, Mary bustles in with her arms loaded down by plates of food for us. There’s buttered toast, fried mushrooms and tomatoes, eggs, two different kinds of sausages, bacon, and of course, baked beans. Which are not necessarily my first choice for a breakfast accompaniment, but that’s the English for you.

We all talk lightheartedly and make jokes, while Jude continues to regale us with tales of horses and tennis lessons and more horses. She’s happier than I’ve seen her in days.

Once we’ve finished, Graham and my father decide to head to the study for a quick chat while I help Jude get ready for the day. While she’s brushing her teeth and getting dressed, my phone buzzes with a text—from Amanda. My pulse jumps. She and I haven’t spoken since Graham first got arrested and she was convinced he was guilty. Maybe this is the apology I’ve been waiting for.

I heard Graham got released due to lack of evidence.

Yes, I type back hesitantly.He’s home now. We’re glad to have him back.

The ball is in her court.

So…you’re still staying at his place?she responds a few moments later.

I try to push away my annoyance.Yes.

I see a bubble of ellipses pop up, which means Amanda is typing something, but then it drops away. It happens again, but still she doesn’t send whatever it is she’s trying to say.

Finally, my phone buzzes again.I think you should go home, Abbie. Or come stay with me. Just to be on the safe side. At least until this all gets figured out.

I text back in a fury.Amanda, he’s innocent. I told you that. I’m not going anywhere.

Unable to be proven guilty is not the same as being innocent, she replies.

I clench my jaw. Is she serious? Still doubting Graham, still refusing to support me?

I’m just worried about you, she adds.

Well don’t be.I let my anger out as I type,TBH, I’ve really needed you during all this, but you haven’t been there for me- at all. And now that Graham’s back home, you’re just giving me more shit. You’re supposed to be my best friend. But I’m starting to feel like I don’t know what you are anymore.

She doesn’t reply. Which is fine. Just fucking fine. I swipe away my tears and knock on the bathroom door, telling Jude to pick up the pace.

By the time we get back downstairs, Dad and Graham are standing in the foyer saying their goodbyes. The front door is wide open and my dad’s bags are waiting at his feet.

“I can’t thank you enough, old man,” Graham is saying, grasping my dad’s hand in a firm shake. “You really saved my ass.”

“Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for,” Dad says. Then he turns and gives Jude a pat on the head. “I’m heading home now, kiddo. You promise to be good for Abbie?”

“I’m always good.” Jude beams. It makes everyone laugh, and I force a smile even though I’m still upset about my text-fight with Amanda. “What? I am!”

“You are, love.” Graham puts his arm around her and pulls her close. “We hope to see you again soon, Ford.”

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