Page 54 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“Well, then tonight let them get to know you the way we know you. Show them how fun Nova can be.”

I smile. “Thanks, Summer. I really needed this chat. But please, don't say anything to Chelsea. I don't want to discuss him with anyone unless it is something, you know…I don't want to get my hopes up. I think that's what I'm trying to say.”

“I totally get it. You can tell her whenever you're ready. It's your business. But please keep me updated. This is the most exciting thing that has happened to me all week.”

“I better get going,” I say, checking the time. I want to call my parents on the way to check in and maybe I'll go see them tomorrow night.

“I'll be home late tonight so don't wait up for me.”

“Maybe you're going to have such a good time that you won’t come home at all,” she says, wiggling her brows at me.

Chapter 15

Nova

I step onto the stairs that lead onto the large yacht. I made it just before it departed.

When I look around, my mouth drops open…it's huge. There are people everywhere. On the deck, in the cabins and main salons. I scan around to see if I can recognize anyone. I wonder if Dalton and Poppy are already here.

I need to make a decision quickly. Do I head left or do I go right?

I decide right, which is the back of the yacht, where there seems to be more people. Following the latest pop song. I can’t believe I am here. I've never been on a yacht before. And I’ll probably never be again. Glancing around at people as I pass them toasting drinks, I wonder if this is the norm for them. It's definitely more of a party than quiet celebratory drinks.

Who are all these people? Do they work for Spencer’s company? Or do they work for Lincoln’s?

Speaking of. I wonder where he is…

I focus on walking and not slipping in summer sandals. Even though they’re low heeled, I’m still getting used to them. I’m glad I chose this dress as everyone has a similar outfit on, so at least I can pretend I fit in.

I wonder if everyone here has Bentley’s kind of money. I feel a little out of place since I don’t and will never make crazy amounts of money like them. But if there’s one thing my parents taught me growing up it’s that those things don’t matter. More money would be nice, but it’s not necessary for happiness. With my dad being sick, I’m content with what I have right now.

I take one step at a time looking around. The people in the group beside me tip their heads back laughing. I walk around them and head toward the bar; some are sipping drinks while others are swinging their hips and dancing to the music.

I walk slowly through the crowd of people, searching for a familiar face. The longer I look around, the more uneasy I become because I don’t see anyone I know.

However, once I arrive at the very back, I take in the view. I’ve never seen New York like this before. The city lights, the bridge, the landmarks like the Statue of Liberty that are softly illuminated in the distance. The gentle sound of the water lapping against the hull as we glide through it.

“Nova?” Bentley's voice booms loudly.

I search the faces until I find his before answering, “Yeah?”

He gestures me over. “Come here. Let me introduce you to some people,” he says, obnoxiously louder than normal. He’s wearing a white dress shirt and tan chinos with his long, messy blond and gray hair tucked behind his ears.

I wander over the wooden floor, and when I’m close, he slips his hand over my shoulders. In a friendly way. I welcome his arm because I don't know anyone else here. And the relief I feel flooding my body just from knowing him hits me.

He begins pointing at people and introducing them. Then I ask him questions about his yacht. He's obviously seen my awe of it.

“My parents gifted it to me when they upgraded,” he answers easily. As if that’s a normal thing. To him it would be; to me, it’s unheard of.

“Lucky you,” I say. “You have some nice parents then.”

“I wouldn’t say that, but you know, things like this have its perks.” He shrugs, but the tone of his voice makes me wonder if he's not close with his parents.

That saddens me. I can’t imagine not calling my parents every day or swapping fantasy books and stories with my mom. I’ve always had this soft spot for people who aren't as close to their parents as me. I know it’s a dumb fantasy and I understand not everyone has the relationship I do with mine. And sometimes it’s for the best. I guess I just can’t relate.

“Well, it's a beautiful yacht,” I say.

After some research, I discovered that he also inherited the business from his father. He had been working for his father since he left college, but the articles I found referred to him as a notorious party boy. Bentley gives me the impression that he only cares about making money to support his lifestyle.

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