Page 87 of The Billionaire's Teacher

My face heated. I wasn’t sure I’d call it sneaky so much as strategic. My life was in the islands. And while I wasn’t opposed to relocating to the States, there was something appealing about seeing Wes again down here where it all began.

“What if it’s not for a while?” Jenna’s expression clouded. “You’re not going to wait a long time, are you?”

“We’re emailing. And he called yesterday.” Finally. I didn’t want to be the one doing all the chasing. I was old enough that it didn’t feel…seemly, I guess would be the word. And sure, people Wes’s age might not care about that. But it mattered just enough to me that I couldn’t bring myself to be the first one reaching out that way. Sending the first email had been hard enough. Even though he’d been in touch with Zee and asked about me.

“That’s enough for you?” Jenna frowned.

“For now. Yeah. I’m a big believer in being friends. Above, under, over, through everything else, there has to be a friendship. That’s what gets you through the tough times.”

“That sounds like experience speaking.”

I nodded. “It is. I’ve been married. I know how important it is to have a foundation that lasts when the romance goes on vacation.”

“What happened?” Jenna winced. “If that’s not too much to ask.”

“He died.” I didn’t want to get into the details. I’d shared them with Wes. He was one of a handful of people who knew the ins and outs. And the fact that it had seemed natural to tell him should probably have clued me in to how much I was falling for him.

“I’m sorry.” Jenna reached for her latte and tipped it up, draining the last drops.

Silence settled over our table. It didn’t feel awkward. To me, at least. Hopefully not to Jenna, either.

I’d nearly cleaned my plate when a shadow fell over the table.

“There you are.” Whitney grinned and dragged one of the chairs from a nearby table over, then sat. “I figured you’d gone off to find food.”

“Sorry. I meant to text when we sat down.” Jenna shot Whitney a sheepish look. “Glad you found us.”

“It didn’t take long. You left the sliding door open, too.” Whitney shook her head. “Honestly, it’s like having Beckett around.”

“How old is he?” I’d heard him mentioned a few times—enough that I knew he was a child. But not much beyond that.

“Five. He’ll start school soon. I can’t believe it.” Whitney’s eyes were shiny. She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “But I’m not obsessing about it. At all.”

Jenna laughed. “Right. Did you figure out what you’re going to do for school?”

“I think so. There’s a good private school that’s not too bad of a drive, even during rush hour. Smaller classrooms, more personal attention. They go through high school, too, and their seniors have some impressive scholarships at Ivy Leagues.” Whitney offered a half-smile. “I feel a little guilty not sending him to public, but the more we talked about it, the more this felt like a better solution. Especially from a security standpoint. There are political kids who go there, so the school is super careful. Unfortunately, with Scott’s money, it felt like that mattered.”

“Makes sense. What do Austin and Kayla say?” Jenna tossed her napkin on top of her empty plate.

“Kayla is actually the one who sent me their website. That’s where she’s looking when they get there.” Whitney glanced at the buffet. “I’m going to go get food. Megan’ll be out in a few. Kayla is still sound asleep.”

“Is security something you all have to worry about a lot?” I hadn’t really considered the downside of mega money.

Jenna waggled a hand from side to side. “They’re smart about it. But as you see, it’s not as if they’re dragging bodyguards around with them. It helps that none of them are flashy or famous.”

I nodded. I’d known Wes had money because he was able to afford the solo yacht charter, not because of his clothes or mannerisms. Although, seeing his dive gear would’ve been another clue. He went top of the line all the way there. Of course, so did people who were dive fanatics. They just saved up instead of paying cash.

“I’m going to get another iced latte. You want one?” Jenna stood and picked up her glass.

“Sure. Thanks.”

“No problem.” Jenna snagged my glass and strode off toward the tiki bar.

I leaned back in my chair and watched the waves lap at the beach. Other than the chatter of conversation from other diners and the occasional couple or group that strolled through my view, it was a lot like being at home.

I dug my phone out of my pocket and hesitated, then opened a text to Wes.

Good morning. Sitting on the beach at the resort with the girls. They’re great. It’s weird.

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