Page 49 of Faking It with my Small Town Billionaire

“They’ve induced a coma until they know what caused the seizure,” Martha says. “The doctor thinks it could be the new medication she’s been put on, or it might have something to do with her dementia.”

“Apparently, seizures are common in patients with dementia,” Ellie adds.

I frown. “But she’s never had one before.”

“The doctor said it happens in the later stages,” Ellie says again.

I stroke my mom’s hair and sigh. “Oh, Mom. You really haven’t been having a good time, have you? Life’s not fair.”

My sisters and I sit and talk for another hour before Ellie announces that she’s starving. Of course; they live closer to Mom and have been at the hospital far longer than I have.

“You guys go and get something to eat. I’ll stay here with Mom.”

“You sure?” Martha says.

I smirk at my sister. “You think Mom’s going to make a miraculous recovery and you’re going to miss it?”

Martha rolls her eyes. “Fine. You want anything?”

I shake my head. “I’m good. Now, go.” I shoo them away with a smile.

When I know I’m finally alone, I turn back to Mom. Taking her hand in mine, I heave a sigh.

“Oh, Mom, I wish you were here with me like you used to be. I could really use your advice right now.”

Her breathing is easy, and of course, she doesn’t reply. She’s in blissful peace while my head and heart are in turmoil.

“I met someone. I know you never thought that was possible for me, seeing as the business took over my life. But I did. Do you remember Orson Donovan? Little skinny kid who had a hard time in school? I was always telling you about him. Well, he’s not a skinny kid anymore.

“The thing is, things got complicated. They were never supposed to be complicated, but now they are. On the one hand, Orson has slowly but surely etched a permanent mark on my heart. His laugh, his smile, and the way he looks at me with such intensity make me feel alive and truly seen. But I have this doubt that’s casting a shadow over everything. What if his feelings aren’t real? What if they’re just a product of circumstance?”

I already know that he’s never been in a serious relationship. His work has always come first. When we went to the dinner party, Jake told me he couldn’t believe I’d managed to make an honest man of him and that Orson had always said women would only complicate his life.

Well, I suppose I’ve done that, all right. But then, that was a choice we both made together. This is different. When we started out, it was a business arrangement. I would be remiss if I didn’t consider the possibility that his feelings for me are really infatuation and that he doesn’t even realize that himself.

“I don’t know what to do, Mom. I really like this guy. I mean, a lot. He’s the perfect gentleman. He’s funny, and kind, and caring, and thoughtful. Oh, and he’s very rich.” I grin. “But the money means nothing if I have to sacrifice my happiness.”

Actually, I didn’t even think about the money until this very second. And I’m not kidding myself; I really don’t care. I watched my parents struggle week in and week out. We weren’t poor, but we certainly were not rich. Money wasn’t what made Mom and Dad happy, though. It was their love for each other that did it.

I’ve never taken a chance on love. I’ve never made the time. I suppose Orson and I are not too different in that respect.

But what if he breaks my heart?

What if he doesn’t?

19

Orson

Lily’s complete silence wasn’t quite the answer I was looking for, but then, I suppose I dumped my feelings with no warning. It wasn’t easy. I’m not a particularly expressive person. But after last night, something clicked, and now I know what I want.

I want Lily.

Her deer-in-the-headlights expression did not fill me with confidence, and I’ll admit, her eventual reply was like a punch in the gut. I’m not imagining it; I’m sure she feels something for me, too. Instead, I got a brush-off that she needed more time. In the moment, I was pretty gutted, but now, as I pace back and forth in the apartment with a million thoughts flying through my head, I kind of get it.

I thought, once we got back here, that we might have a chance to talk, but Lily had hardly stepped foot through the door when she got a call about her mom. She’s been gone a few hours now, and I’ve been deliberating over what to do.

She needs time, but I need her.

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