Page 16 of Billion Dollar Mistake

Then turn to face the phone again. I can see him frowning.

His thin lips move. “You live with your family?”

“No. I live with friends. And that’s all you need to know right now.”

His eyes soften a tad. “I see how it is.”

I smirk. “I gotta go before one of them barges in here.”

“Do you live with guys?” he asks coolly.

Would he be jealous? Only one way to find out.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

I smile as I hang up, giggling as I throw my phone on to the bed before heading downstairs to see the girls. I know he’ll text, but I won’t answer, just like he did to me last night.

Payback’s a bitch, Remy.

Chapter 6

Jeremy

I’m typing away, trying to organize the agenda of an upcoming meeting I have scheduled with my new hospital in Los Angeles. I don’t have time for this right now, but I’m the only one who can do it right.

My phone buzzes on my desk, but I finish the email before checking it.

I ease back in my chair as the name Nova sits on my screen. I swivel around in my office chair away from my computer, knowing I won’t be sending just one text.

Texting with her makes me feel young again. I don’t have friends who share the same interests, but with Nova, the racing heart and warm feeling I get when we text makes me feel like a giddy teenager.

Nova: Heard your family is hosting a charity gala. What should I wear? lol.

My lips curve up.

Jeremy: How did you find out?

Nova: Google notifications.

Now my mouth parts into a full stupid grin. Putting notifications on just to hear about me. I wish I was more exciting, but currently, my life mainly involves working and playing poker with my brothers and friends.

However, I was not always like this. Growing up, I maintained a better work-life balance.

I studied hard––when necessary––but I also actively participated in social activities like attending college parties, dating girls, and going on many family holidays. I miss that fun and carefree part of my life.

I tilt forward, my arms leaning on the newspaper I’ve been reading between meetings and work.

Jeremy: Are you serious?

Nova: Didn’t know you were James Bond ;)

I swipe the sides of my lips and shake my head. She kills me.

Jeremy: I’m not going, but I think it’s important to give back.

Nova: Not just a pretty face, are you, Remy?

My heart thumps whenever she calls me Remy. It feels personal, considering my parents call me Jeremy. They've never used a nickname. They think a nickname isn’t prestigious enough. In fact, they’ve never used one for any of my brothers either. But her calling me Remy is special because there’s only one other person who does, and she has an important place in my heart. My grams.

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