Page 36 of The Billionaires

The more I look into their application requirements, though, the more I realize that my high school average might not be enough for them either. Which sucks, considering that it took me a lot of effort to get there with my dyslexia. No-social-life level of effort.

I sigh again. Hopefully, my essay will sway the admission officers, along with the fact that I run my own business. It’s an extracurricular of sorts.

By the time Pearl texts me to let me know that she’s downstairs and it’s “shopping time,” my eyes are blurry from staring at the screen for so long.

I close the laptop and face El Duderino.

“I guess it’s time I go get accoutrements for my feet.”

CHAPTER 16

LUCIUS

As always after a big meal, I hack my biology by taking a walk to improve my blood sugar levels, decrease stress, and aid sleep. Since this is Malibu and I have a private beach nearby, that is where I go.

Halfway to my destination, my phone rings.

It’s Eidith.

I take the call and listen to a couple of updates absentmindedly.

“That’s all I’ve got,” she says, indicating the updates are over.

Yet she doesn’t hang up.

That’s odd, so I ask, “You sure there isn’t something else?”

“Well… it’s about tomorrow.”

I wish this were a video call, so I could glare at her if this is about what I think it is. “I haven’t forgotten about it.” Eidith has taken it upon herself to look after my reputation—whatever that is. In this case, though, even I know a no-show for a fundraiser would be a social faux pas.

“Wonderful,” she says, her voice sounding odd. “Will you wear something nice?”

Since I don’t have video, I let irritation seep into my voice. “A suit, tie, and dress shoes, as always.”

Is this about that time I hurt my foot in the gym and wore sneakers to that meeting with?—

“I’m sure you’ll be your dashing self,” she chirps. “I was just?—”

“I have to go,” I say, since I’ve just reached the beach entrance.

“See you tomorrow,” she says, again sounding odd, and then hangs up.

I turn off my phone and walk onto the beach.

As my feet luxuriate in the warm sand, I can’t help but reflect on my meeting with Juno. Particularly how it was much less annoying than my usual interactions—including phone conversations—with people. By a lot. Usually, I agree with Oscar Wilde who said, “People are quite dreadful. One’s self is the only society possible.” But in this case, I actually didn’t want our joint meal to end.

Also—and it might’ve been my imagination—Juno was much nicer to me toward the end. Like maybe there was a vibe going on…

No. What am I thinking?

She acted nicer because of the prospect of getting money—and therefore her dreams coming true. What we’re about to do is completely fake, and I have to remember that at all times, no matter how tempting she might be.

Besides, I didn’t lie to her when I said I don’t do girlfriends. But if I did, I wouldn’t choose someone who turns me on so much. The last thing I want is for biology to rule me, instead of the other way around.

My phone pings.

It’s an email from Eidith marked as “High Priority.”

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