Page 127 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“Please don’t say anything,” she begs.

I groan. “I don’t want to keep secrets from him.”

“This technically isn’t a secret. No point in telling him when I’ll never see his brother again.”

I agree. “Fine, but if you do, I’m telling him.”

“Okay.”

I continue to cook the fish as I turn the burner on for the pre-cut vegetables.

“Something smells good,” Summer calls as she enters the kitchen.

“I hope you’re hungry, there's plenty to eat.”

“I’m always hungry. And I can always take leftovers for lunch tomorrow,” Summer suggests.

“What time is Jeremy coming?” Chelsea asks.

“6.”

“That’s now.” Chelsea replies laughing.

I frown. “Really?” I frown. “He’s late again,” I murmur to myself, glancing toward the door.

“Yeah,” Summer replies.

I push it aside and focus on getting myself ready.

The girls must see my panic-stricken face.

“Let me take over cooking, you go and freshen up,” Chelsea offers.

“You look pale,” Summer adds.

“Jeez, thanks, I won’t be long. I just want to freshen up.”

“Take your time, we can entertain him until you're done,” Summer says.

My mouth falls open.

“I don’t mean to entertain him like that. Jesus, woman,” Summer says.

I laugh. “I’ll be back soon. Keep an eye on the food, please, Chelsea.”

“Don’t you trust me?” Summer calls out as I head to the bathroom.

“You don’t like cooking,” I shout as I reach my room.

I pull out a pair of jeans and a knitted sweater. I shower and dress. Then put a little makeup on. It’s been half an hour, so Jeremy should be here. I return to the kitchen. Chelsea and Summer have put the food onto plates. I look around and don’t spot him.

“He isn’t here?” I ask the girls.

“No. Give him a call,” Chelsea says.

Summer pours wine into the glasses that are on the set table.

Everything is ready for dinner. We’re just missing Jeremy.

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