Page 14 of Billion Dollar Revenge

My mind replays the moments our legs touched or when he said, “next time I see you, make sure you’re well fed.”Those weren’t awkward,but I keep that to myself.I don’t need her in my ear about Evan. We have nothing in common. I’d occasionally see him at Nova and Jeremy’s events, but that would be it. Our paths won’t cross.

Evan remains an enigma, and I wonder why he’s being so kind to me. It has to be for Jeremy’s sake.

I shake my head and sink farther into the chair while the girls eat. We get back in the car and move to the next location, but the next few properties just aren’t right. Either too small, too big, too expensive or have a weird layout that would cost too much to renovate.

“I have one more, but it isn’t available to view yet,” Mitchell informs us once I explain that I’m not really interested in any of them.

“Are you talking a month or longer?”

“Oh no.” He shakes his head. “Within the next two weeks.”

“That’s okay. I’d like to view it before I make my decision.”

“I’ll call you when it’s open and organize an inspection.”

“Great,” I say as we say goodbye and head to the car.

We drive home, and as soon as we walk through the door, I feel like I’ve been on an all-night bender?exhausted from the day.

On the way home, we decided to have a girls’ night with an array of snacks and fast food. Like a little treat for our long and tiring day.

After a quick shower, I slip into my favorite black sweats and join Nova and Summer in the living room. The moment I sink into the sofa, I tuck my legs under my butt and throw a blanket over them. Ready to watch a drama-filled show about selling expensive homes.

Summer gets a bottle of wine.

“Can’t forget these.” She holds the bottle of wine by the neck and the glasses in the other hand.

“I need a big glass tonight,” I remark, accepting the wine with a grateful smile.

She offers me an apologetic smile. “You’ll find the right place soon.”

“I know.” I sigh, opening the Pinot Grigio and pouring each of us a full glass. “Thanks for keeping me company, girls. Here’s to friendship,” I toast, smiling through my exhaustion.

“And to your new life that will be filled with love and passion,” Summer adds.

I hum into my glass, taking a sip as my excitement for this new life adventure returns.

Chapter 5

Chelsea

A week later

“Crap,” I mutter, slammingmy fists against the steering wheel. My car won’t start, and I’m stranded on the side of the road. I suck in a breath, scanning the area for the latch I need in order to pop the hood, but I can’t find it.

I can’t afford to be late for full back-to-back Saturday classes. I’m covering for another instructor today. I live in a suburban area outside the city, so it’s easier for me to drive to work, but days like today, I’m reminded why so many people use public transportation.

I get out of my car and circle it, searching for the problem, but I can’t pinpoint it. Leaning against the side of my whiteVolkswagen Beetle, I take in the surroundings. The New York architecture stands out against the early morning light. The skyline of dawn leaves the prettiest glow, and I watch the activity surrounding me: delivery trucks, a few joggers, other people walking and talking while holding coffee cups. These moments make me love early mornings. Even at work, it’s all a buzz of excitement.If I can get there.

It’s 5:40 a.m., and my first class starts at 6:30. Once I look at my phone, I realize another five minutes have passed. I need to make a decision quickly.

I call Summer, but she doesn't answer. Nova is definitely out of the question because she can’t drive. With no other options, I call AAA, and they inform me they won’t be coming for another half hour. Missing one class is better than the entire day...

Leaning against my car, I wait impatiently for AAA to come. I realize I haven’t called my boss to tell her my situation. I’m about to hit call, when a car pulls over, and I shuffle closer to the door. The passenger side opens, revealing a tall man with wavy brown hair. It’s not until his piercing blue eyes meet mine that it registers who this man is?it’s Evan.

He strides toward me dressed in a black suit; I’m assuming he’s on his way to work. I run my hand over my ponytail, grateful that I’m not in my dirty sweats like last time he saw me. No, today, I’m in my favorite black leggings, baby blue crop, and a black long-sleeved jacket.

“Evan?” I say, stepping away from the car. A ribbon of hope twirls inside me.

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