Page 98 of Billion Dollar Mistake

I try to avoid looking at her radiant face because she knows she’s worn me down. “Won’t it be too much for you?”

I try one last ditch effort for her to not do this.

“I’m not cooking. It’ll be catered.”

My gaze watches the actors fake crying on the screen. I can’t look at it any longer. I cross my ankles and get ready to read the paper again.

“Fine. Let’s have a birthday party dinner.”

“I’ll tell the family. You tell your girlfriend and her friends to come.”

“Hold up. Her friends too?”

“I want her to be comfortable.”

“So you admit our family is a bunch of wild animals, Gram?”

“No, but I’m a woman and I know meeting the family is nerve-wracking. It’ll help her feel relaxed.”

“Okay, well, I’ll ask her–”

“Good idea. Call her up and let me know.”

I’d argue but between the shit TV show I have to listen to, and missing Nova, I wouldn’t mind hearing her voice again.

“Alright, I’ll call her.”

“I’ll make us tea.”

“Coffee.”

“Yes, well, coffee for you, tea for me.”

I get up off the couch and grab her four-wheeled walker, wheeling it in front of her. I hold my hand out and help her up. She stands and grabs the handles.

“I’m up, thanks. Now go call her.” She waves me away.

“Alright, I’m going.”

I slide open the back door onto the patio and call Nova.

She answers after the second ring. “Hey, you.”

“Hi, baby, what are you doing?”

“I’m on the couch trying to motivate myself to shower.”

I groan imagining her body in a shower. “Wish I was with you.”

“You wouldn’t fit in my shower.”

“I like tight and confined spaces.”

She laughs, which sounds a lot like a snort. “Always dirty, Mr. Lincoln.”

“With you, I can’t help it. It flies out of my mouth.”

“I don’t know if that's a good or bad thing.”

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