Page 60 of My Small Town Silver Fox Billionaire

“You as well, Maria. Have a good life.”

Maria turns away, almost running out of the park. I sit on the bench, realizing how much of an idiot I am. What I have just done in that café might be the biggest mistake of my life.

I should’ve been more secure about my relationship with Sara. I should have stood up to Maria’s disgusting explanations andhurtful comments in the café. Maybe it’s because I don’t know what the future will bring for Sara and me. What will our relationship be?

Maybe it’s because of the age gap, a contrast to Maria, who is only a couple of years younger than me. Nonetheless, I was a fool, no, a hurtful fool. I’m never timid in business.Why did I say nothing?

I open my phone and attempt to call Sara. Nothing. I put the phone away and rest my head in my hands.

There’s no way out of this. I lost my chance, and I hurt the one person I care about.

Sara is the person who has opened my heart, showing me it’s okay to fall for someone once again. And I was not there for her.

But that moment’s gone. All that’s left is emptiness.

Chapter twenty-one

Sara

“You’re home early.”

I close the door, seeing Katie on the couch. A bowl of pistachio ice cream sits in her lap as she looks at the screen where a guy and girl are in a tight embrace, kissing.

I turn away, feeling like I’m about to throw up the second I see it.

“Can you turn off the TV?”

“It’s the final scene, Sara. I want to see if—”

“Please.” I beg, already feeling the hole in my heart grow the second I see it.

“Fine, I’ll turn it off for you.”

She grabs the remote and turns it to some weather channel.

“Thanks, Katie.”

“Hey, you look terrible. What’s the matter? Did something happen?”

I nod, moving to my bedroom door. “I don’t want to bother you with it—”

“Sara, you’re my best friend. You’re notbotheringanyone,” Katie insists.

I know there’s no way out of this. Katie is effusive to a fault, to the point where, even if I tell her there’s nothing she can do, she will do everything in her power to do something about this. I join her on the couch. The drone from the weather channel at least helps me get my racing thoughts together.

Katie’s hand rests on my shoulders and pulls me close. I don’t want to leave her touch. It’s a breath of fresh air from the mess I’ve just dealt with. I melt into her hug.

“So, talk to me, dear. What the heck is going on, and what’s got you so messed up?”

I sigh, feeling defeated just thinking about it.

“It’s Robert.”

“Well, DUH. What did he do?”

“Basically, he told me that I don’t mean jack to him; that’s what happened,” I mutter.

Katie gasps and sits back. She’s also dramatic when bad things happen. “Wait, you don’t mean—”

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