Page 71 of The Billionaire Babe

“AJ. I’m in a bit of trouble,” she starts cautiously. It has been months since I last spoke to her. Being in a bit of trouble means she has a dealer to pay and no money to pay him.

“How much?” I ask, lowering my eyes, feeling like shit that Val sees this side of me.

“Just a thousand.”

“A thousand? Jesus, Mom, what the hell?” Anger takes over.

“Don’t shout at me, boy! I’ve seen the newspapers. I see you are shacked up with that rich woman. A thousand dollars is mere change to you now,” she spits out, the bitter tone that I am so used to hearing from her making an appearance. I don’t like her referencing Val or her money.

“Don’t you even say her name.” I love my mom. In my own fucked-up way. But I love Val more, and nothing and no one will come before that. Not even the woman who gave birth to me.

“Just come down here and give me some cash. I need it before five,” she demands and I wonder for a beat what would happen if I said no. Closing my eyes, I sigh in defeat. I know exactly what will happen and I can’t let it. Death or severe assault. I have barely a grand in my personal bank account, so I will take it all and give it to her and then figure out the rest after.

“Alright, Mom, I will come today. See you soon,” I say, hanging up and feeling like shit.

“Is she alright?” Val asks, coming to sit next to me on the bed.

“She just needs some cash. I need to go see her today,” I tell her, still not looking at her, embarrassed and ashamed that at thirty-three, I am giving my mom money that she can spend on drugs because her habit is one that she can’t break. It is barely seven a.m. and already this morning is too emotional.

“Okay, well, you go. Do what you need to do. I’ll stay here today. I won’t go anywhere until you are back with me.” I look up at her, and she nods, confirming her words. A feeling of warmth spreads across my chest at her giving up her need to go out today and waiting for me. I don’t want to choose saving my mom or saving Val. I would make a choice if I had to, but I don’t want to have to do that, and the fact Val understands makes me love her even more.

“I promise not to be gone too long. Just the day. Brady and Cody will be here to watch things,” I tell her, hating to leave her.

“Go get ready, I’ll make you breakfast.” Leaning in to kiss me, she ties her robe and walks out to the kitchen. I watch her walk away and already can’t wait to be back. To be back home with her.

40

VALERIE

AJ left over an hour ago, and I sit at the dining table, holding my cup of coffee and looking at the morning sun through the window.

The apartment is quiet. I don’t even have Bordeaux here to keep me company as he is now best friends with Levi and downstairs with him. My mind wanders to work. To the board. And the anonymous board member. I try to think about who it could be. Is it a man or a woman? A friend of my mother’s, someone I know, or perhaps someone I don’t? I know I still have the support of the six board members, so my life now rests in the hands of this anonymous person. I run my finger around the rim of my coffee cup and silently hope and put good vibes out to the universe that this person will make the right decision.

There is one more day until the board meeting. It’s not lost on me that it falls on my birthday. It is either going to be the best present or the worst, depending on how they vote. The doorbell startles my thoughts.

I walk over to the door and peek, seeing George standing on the other side.

“Hi, George,” I say, opening the door. He looks pale, his brow furrowed, and my stomach feels heavy when I spot him. But he isn’t alone. Dennis, my old family butler, stands next to him, holding a box in his arms.

“Dennis? Nice to see you, but what’s going on?” I ask, opening the door wider, knowing something isn’t right.

“Hi, Valerie. I have some things that you need to know,” Dennis says as he and George step inside. Closing the door, my heart rate increases.

“You need to take a seat,” George says, and I really start panicking.

“Okaaaayy,” I say, apprehensive as I take a seat, and now I really wish Bordeaux was here sitting on my lap.

“Valerie. As you know, your mother hired me many years ago, before she even met your father,” Dennis starts, and I nod. Dennis has been with my family for a long time.

“I know.”

“Well, back then, things were a little different. Your mother and your grandmother, they were fearless, and they really changed the way of doing business. Van Cleef Corporation was innovative, and I believe that is what made it really special.” Dennis continues, and my eyes flick between him and George.

“I know. That’s what I want. I want to take us back in that direction. Not the chasing money and losing friends like the business my father has established,” I say, wondering what my parents’ butler is about to tell me.

“When your father started showing an interest in your mother, it was quick. I believe the term people use now is ‘love bomb.’ I believe he love bombed her and she fell pregnant with you. They had a shotgun wedding and, well, the rest is history,” Dennis says, looking melancholy.

“Thank you for telling me this, but I am confused as to what it has to do with me now?”

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