Page 104 of Billion Dollar Mistake

Chelsea giggles beside me. It makes me laugh too.

“Come on, you two, let’s start the round of introductions,” Jeremy says.

“Can we get you drinks first?” A sixty-year-old brunette in a pair of black pants and a navy shirt asks.

“Thanks, Mom. I totally forgot to ask them,” Jeremy says.

“That’s okay,” she says.

“Mom, this is my girlfriend Nova and her friend Chelsea,” Jeremy says.

I can’t help but look at him when he says girlfriend. It’s a weird feeling. But the sparks between us are palpable.

“It’s lovely to meet you both.”

I smile and Chelsea and I both say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.”

He never mentioned her name.

“Eliza.” She smiles, knowing he forgot to mention it. “You’re both so beautiful. And I’d say I’ve heard a lot about you Nova, but I haven’t.” His mom looks at Jeremy. He doesn’t seem phased.

“I wanted her to myself.” He shrugs.

“Now you have to share her,” his mom replies.

“I know,” he mutters. Not happy about that either.

“What can I get you two ladies to drink?” Eliza asks.

She bears a resemblance to Jeremy in the way she looks at me.

“We have wine, beer, whiskey, soda, water, tea.”

“What my mom is trying to say is that we have everything,” Jeremy says, irritated.

“I’d love a glass of wine,” Chelsea replies. “A small one. I need to drive.”

“Should you be drinking at all?” A tall, dark-haired man stands next to Jeremy.

Has to be a brother or his cousin based on the fact he looks similar to Jeremy but younger.

“I’m twenty-seven. Not twenty-one,” Chelsea says, in a sickly-sweet tone.

Now if you didn’t know Chelsea, you’d think she was being polite. But that tone in her voice means she’s annoyed.

“Harvey, don’t be rude to the guests,” Jeremy sneers.

“Yes, as your mother I’m embarrassed,” Eliza adds in a deeper tone. I think I’m witnessing her mom's voice.

“Hey, calm down, everyone. I’m playing. I’m sorry…” Harvey pauses with his hand toward Chelsea, gesturing for her to say her name.

“Chelsea,” she says with a tight smile. Yeah, she doesn’t like him. She shakes his hand but is quick to remove it.

“I’m sorry, Chelsea I was teasing. I probably should’ve waited until I got to know you,” Harvey says.

“Probably a good idea,” she replies smartly.

“I’d love a white wine too,” I cut in, talking to Jeremy’s mother and wanting to shut this conversation down.

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