Page 110 of Billion Dollar Mistake

But just as I think about going, Evan steps through the door and closes it behind him. His face is blank so I can’t get a read on him.

I don’t know much about his brother other than he’s quieter.

My phone sounds. I pull it out and see a text.

Chelsea: I went home. So sorry. I’m not feeling well.

Nova: Oh no. Do you need me to come home?

Chelsea: No! Stay. Enjoy Jeremy's birthday. He’s lovely. I’m so happy for you. :)

Nova: Thanks. If you need me to leave, just text me.

“Is everything all right?” Jeremy asks.

I twist my head to look at him. “Yeah. Chelsea left.”

“Do you need to leave?” he asks. I blink up at him.

He understands how close I am to my friends; they're like my family.

How did he know that was the right thing to say?

Chapter 26

Nova

I love his offer, but with Chelsea’s blessing I say, “No. Let’s go eat, birthday boy.”

He gives me a wicked smile, and we wander to the long wooden table where silverware, plates, glasses, and food are all laid out. It’s a feast.

“This looks delicious. Thank you,” I say to his family, as I pull out a beige fabric chair and sit.

“It’s our pleasure. We’re so grateful to meet you,” Eliza says.

I smile and begin eating, starting with bread and butter.

“How did you meet my brother?” Harvey asks.

“Yeah, we haven't heard this story,” Oliver adds between bites of food.

I’m still chewing my food and I tilt my head in Jeremy’s direction. His face is amused. I laugh before facing everyone at the table; they all seem ready to hear the story. It makes me feel so special to have six people all wanting to hear our story. And I love how it started.

“It was actually a wrong text.”

“A wrong text?” Gram asks.

My gaze moves to hers. She cuts into her chicken.

“He was given my number by mistake—"

“Whose number was it meant to be?” Sebastian asks.

“My boss Bentley,” I explain.

“How does your boss give a wrong number?” Iris asks.

“If you met Bentley, you’d understand, Gram,” Jeremy says.

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