Page 46 of The Billionaire's Wife

“What if it’s something you don’t like?”

Megan patted her stomach, which was completely normal sized. Maybe not skinny, but also not fat. “I like it all.”

I chuckled and pushed the door open. Clutching the paper holding her order, I stepped out onto the sidewalk.

I’d made it past two stores and had spotted the café when I sensed someone behind me. I slowed and glanced over my shoulder, then stopped and turned. “Hi, Manny.”

He froze then blinked. “You gonna run?”

“No.” I lifted the paper. “But I need to get this lunch order and take it back. Maybe we could arrange a time to meet up and talk?”

He frowned at me.

“Look. I’m tired of running, okay? I want to talk about how we can all be happy.” My heart thundered in my chest. Could he see my pulse racing? My hands wanted to shake and my knees were weak. This was where it could all go wrong.

“I gotta make a call.” Keeping eye contact, Manny dug a phone out of his pocket, tapped the screen, and lifted it to his ear.

Jesus, are You there? Tristan says You are. I don’t know what I think anymore, but I could use a hand here. Maybe if not for me, for Tristan? I don’t think that’s actually how You work, and maybe even talking like this will make You mad—sorry. I just—

Manny took the phone away from his ear and stared at me. He nodded once. “Boss says seven tonight at the seafood place on the water. Bring your boyfriend.”

“Look, Tristan doesn’t—”

“Bring him. Seven o’clock.” Manny gave me a hard stare before he turned on his heel and marched back down the street.

I blew out a breath.

That could’ve been worse. A lot worse. Was that You? If so, thanks.

I hurried the rest of the way to the café and got in line.

Megan had been right about the scents. The sugar and yeast and something fruity in the air made my mouth water. For the first time today, my stomach unknotted enough that I thought I might actually be able to eat a proper meal.

I sure wasn’t going to be eating tonight.

I made my way to the counter and placed our order, then slid around the pickup area. There was an empty stool pushed out of the way against the wall, so I hopped up on it to wait, and dug out my phone.

After a moment’s hesitation, I opened a text to Tristan.

Met up with Manny a few minutes ago. Dinner tonight with the boss at seven. Seafood place on the water? They want you to come.

I hit send and bit my lip.

Tristan replied quickly.

I know the place. Seven is fine. Are you okay?

My lips twitched and I couldn’t stop my heart from turning to mush. What was I going to do when this was all over and Tristan gave me those papers again? The right thing was to sign them and leave him to have a good life. The kind of life he deserved. One without me in it.

I tapped back.

Yeah. Thanks.

I stuffed my phone back into my pocket without waiting to see if he said more.

I felt my phone vibrate a couple of times while I waited for them to call my name for the lunch order, but I resisted checking. I couldn’t trust myself not to beg Tristan to give me another chance—to give us another chance. It was the worst possible thing I could do.

“Faith?”

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