Page 20 of Billion Dollar Mistake

Jeremy: You ask a lot of questions, Nova.

Nova: And you avoid a lot of them, Remy.

Jeremy: Not on purpose.

There’s been a burning question I can’t shake. I’m a straightforward guy, so before she responds, I type another message and hit send.

Jeremy: How are you so brave about your dad?

It takes her a while to respond this time, so I just set my phone face down on the table and shift my focus toward the game once again.

It vibrates. She responded. I pick it up and swipe it open.

Nova: Truthfully, I’m not. I hide it well.

Jeremy: But you don’t let it affect you.

Nova: I box as a workout and find it relieves my frustration and sadness. I’m then too tired to feel.

I know what she means… Anger surged through me when I discovered Grams had it. That day remains etched in my memory, vividly, as if it was yesterday. The doctor in me vanished, and my feelings as a grandson took over. In a fit of rage, I threw the glass of rum I was holding, called her doctor, demanding a cure. Despite attempts from my parents and brothers to calm me down, it was only when Grams visited my office that I finally gave in. She understood my fear––the gut-wrenching terror fear––that cancer equated to a death sentence. When it comes to cancer, feelings can get overwhelming and hard to understand. It’s like every emotion thrown at you and you’re hit with every single one at different times. One minute you're happy and the next you're gutted and scared. It’s a fucking roller coaster.

Jeremy: I am also close to losing someone I love very much and I don’t know what to do with myself.

Nova: If you ever feel like you don’t want to do this alone, you have me.

Jeremy: I do?

Nova: We’re friends, aren’t we?

Jeremy: We are. Do you have anyone who’s been there for you?

I type anyone as a way to find out if she lives with a guy. I know I shouldn’t care, but she still hasn’t answered me about who lives with her, and it’s knotting me up inside.

Nova: I am good at being alone.

Jeremy: No siblings?

Nova: No, just me.

I exhale and ease back into the chair. No mention of a boyfriend or fiancé or husband. Nothing. I know I shouldn’t be happy she’s single, but I am. I’m fucking ecstatic.

Chapter 7

Nova

“Where are we going?” I ask, tearing my place apart looking for my phone.

“Away,” Summer says, standing at the door watching me.

“That’s not helpful,” I reply, standing up with my hands on my hips and peering around the room.

“Where else have you been today?” she asks. “We don’t have much time; Chelsea will be back soon, and we need to hit the road.”

I want to ask again where we’re going, but it’s pointless because she's tight-lipped.

I start work on Monday, so I have three days off and my friends have decided to organize a spontaneous trip away. I’ve already packed, but I lost my phone. And for the life of me, I can’t remember where I left it. The last thing I remember was messaging Remy last night and saying goodnight.

We’ve tried to call it, but it’s on silent.

---