Page 3 of My Bestie's Billionaire Dad

She quirks an eyebrow at me. "What does that mean?" She knows something's up.

"Well, let's just say that I have a lot of time on my hands now."

Her grin fades and she leans forward, suddenly serious. "What's up, Maya?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation. "You know my job at the resort?" My hand starts fidgeting with a loose thread on my jacket.

Kaitlyn nods, her brow furrowing. "Yeah, your gig with the douchey boss dude. What about it?"

"He fired me, Kait." I can see from her wide eyes that she's processing the revelation. "I need to find a new job ASAP. The rent, the bills... you know... a girl's gotta make some money."

I scan Kaitlyn's face to study her reaction. There’s no panic. Just the steady look of a friend ready to dive into the trenches with me. It softens the blow from the day.

She leans back. "You know, Maya..." Her eyes flick over to meet mine. Her tone is more serious than usual, but I can see a playful spark in her eyes. "This might be a good thing. I mean, look at you. You've been working yourself to the bone for that... that man."

"You're not wrong," I squeeze in before she continues.

"And when you're not working, you're here." She leans forward again, her eyes piercing mine. "You need to get out more, Maya. Have some fun. You're young, gorgeous, and sassy as hell. You don't need to spend so much of your precious time working yourself to death for a man who doesn't appreciate you."

That's classic Kaitlyn, always trying to find the silver lining in every situation, no matter how messy. But maybe she's right. Maybe this is the universe telling me it's time to leap, to explore something new. I give her a small smile. "You're right, Kaitlyn... But also... I have these things called bills. And I have to pay them every month," I say sarcastically.

Kaitlyn's dad is loaded. And when I say loaded, I meanloaded.

He pays for Kaitlyn's apartment - a swanky, high-rise in the heart of River North. It's the kind of place that makes you wonder if you've stepped into a catalog for 'Luxury Living: Chicago Edition'. It's not even fair how gorgeous it is; floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the city skyline. And it's in the nicest neighborhood of Chicago, the kind of place where you'd expect a billionaire to park his daughter.

After growing up with everything she ever wanted, sometimes I'm shocked at how normal and humble she is. But I'd be lying if I said she knew what it was like to live on her own and have to figure out how to pay bills and get by. She's never had to worry about that a day in her life.

I see a mischievous grin spread across Kaitlyn's face. "Wait a minute... I have an idea..."

Uh oh.

"My dad... he’s looking for an assistant to work with him at his office. His quit out of the blue and he's freakin' out."

"What?" I stare at her. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying, apply to be my dad's assistant." Her voice is tinged with excitement.

Kaitlyn's one for thinking outside the box, but I don't know if this is a good idea. I don't usually mix work and play together. It might be weird. What if I want to complain about my boss? I can't complain about her dad to her. That could be awkward. I don't want anything to get between my friendship with Kaitlyn. She means too much to me.

Not to mention I'm not sure if I even want to work with him. I've never met the guy. People around the city talk about him like he's a grumpy old rich man.

"He's a great boss - tough but fair - and you'd get great benefits." She winks at me.

I start to think about it more seriously.

Hmm.

On the plus side, my parents would approve. They would like how well-known he is in the city. And for once, they'd be happy that I'm 'on the right path' — climbing the corporate ladder like a good little girl.

I continue my silent thoughts.

"That's it. I'm making the call." Kaitlyn grabs her phone out of her backpack

"Wait!" I'm still not sure. But Kaitlyn's already dialing. Her eyes are sparkling with excitement. My heart is pounding in my chest.

"Dad? Yeah, I have the perfect person for you... Maya."

Fuck. This is happening.

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