Page 110 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“Are you okay?” he asks softly.

I wonder if he’s talking in general, about Bobby, or the dreaded half-naked image of me. He hasn’t mentioned the newspaper. My dad reads it every day. I'm sure he saw it. I just hope he doesn’t bring it up. So I’m going to assume he asked about the breakup, and I feel fine discussing that with him.

“I should have done it a while ago,” I confess, shifting in my seat to get more comfortable.

His eyebrows rise a fraction. “Why do you say that?”

“He never met you guys,” I say, lowering my gaze to my coffee.

It’s something I regret more now that I’m back here. There’s nothing shameful or anything bad that’s happened here. It’s a beautiful place, just like my family. He should’ve been honored to have met them. I’ll never let that happen again. The next guy I date must come to Connecticut. Respect me and my family. Love me and my family. I shudder inwardly at the realization that I haven’t experienced it. I was close with Evan. I had just started to rebuild when everything fell apart and left me shattered.

Our futures don’t align. And that kills me. I’m more heartbroken over Evan than I was about Bobby. And that’s sofucking sad. I was with Bobby for two years, so that says just how little I truly felt for him, and how hard and fast I fell for Evan.

My dad hums. “It’s the lack of effort. He should’ve visited. Or when we came to New York, he should have come to dinner.”

“He never did,” I add, recalling the times I came to the restaurant alone, telling them he had to work. Now I doubt it was work.

“And he hurt you. In a big way.”

I slip down in my chair as if it can hide me. He’s referring to the gossip article. But I have to swallow my shame and learn to move on. If I can do that with the people I love, I can do it with strangers. Holding my dad’s eyes, I nod. “He did.”

I settle in, expecting him to ask questions about it.

“Did you want to go to Saville Dam?” He changes the subject unexpectedly.

We used to go regularly as a family for picnics when I was growing up. We’d often watch as people hiked the woodlands, fished or boated. I haven’t been in years. The thought of seeing the scenic views and soaking in the quiet while hanging with my family before I head back sounds perfect.

My lips spread wide as excitement warms me. “That sounds like the perfect thing to do before I head to the airport.”

“Let’s get a start on the picnic,” he says as he stands from his chair.

Dad and I have always been the early risers in the family. Anna and Mom love to sleep. We will have the picnic rug and basket packed and in the car before they wake.

My heart feels less heavy today. I’m so glad I came.

There’s a fear that when I get back, I’ll revert to having a heavy heart. The article and Evan still remain in the back of my mind. But I can’t hide forever. My studio is about to open, and I still need to finalize the menu, the music, and the decorations.

I’m so ready to open the doors to my new career. I’ve waited a long time for this moment. I can’t let anything take that excitement away from me.

Chapter 31

Evan

It’s Saturday, and I’vealready run ten miles with Harvey, worked for an hour, gone to the gym, eaten, and showered. But when I check my watch, I curse…it’s only nine fifty-five.

What am I going to do now?

I pace my home office, running my hand through my hair, trying to decide how to spend the rest of today. I can’t work, because it just brings back memories of her, and I’m giving her the space she needs.

Needing someone familiar and wise, I grab my keys and head to my car. I know exactly who I need to see.

After the short drive, I arrive at her house, but she’s napping. For a brief moment, I think about leaving, but the smell of fresh bread and the comforting familiarity of her furniture make me want to stay. I take a seat on the sofa and find something to watch.

I must have drifted off to sleep because, in my dreams, Chelsea is there?happy?and we’re together.

“Evan?” a voice calls out.

I blink my eyes open, and reality hits me hard as I remember where I am. Chelsea isn’t here, and we’re no longer together.

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