Page 52 of From the Moment We Met

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Lilly

Hannah’s words knocked the breath out of Lilly, but she maintained her focus on Charlie. It appeared Enrique’s comment about Jacob reconciling with his ex-girlfriend was correct, and once again, she looked like an utter fool.

Jacob’s face paled, his words guarded. “When did Victoria get here? Why didn’t you call me?”

Hannah ushered them into the foyer. “She arrived a couple hours ago, and said you were expecting her.”

“I was not expecting her.”

Hannah nodded, patting his arm. “I didn’t think so, but I couldn’t reach you on your phone, and she insisted on staying.”

Jacob ran his hand through his hair, his frustration evident.

“I’ll take a taxi home,” Lilly stammered, her stomach flipping.

“No,” Jacob barked. “Don’t go. I’ll take you home. Give me a moment to get this sorted.”

Lilly watched him climb the stairs, presumably towards Victoria and the bedroom they shared. Swallowing, she turned to Hannah. “I can call a cab. It’s not a big deal.”

Hannah offered her a seat, giving her a rueful smile. “That situation,” she waved her hand toward the stairs, “is not at all what it appears.”

Lilly forced a smile as fake as a three dollar bill.

“You look exactly how I pictured you.” Hannah’s head cocked, studying her.

“Sweaty and dirty?” Lilly scoffed.

“Hardly. Naturally beautiful and absolutely tiny.”

“How did you even know I existed?”

Hannah smiled. “You’ve been a consistent topic of conversation.”

Lilly felt the blood rush to her face. Hannah’s statement was so unexpected, especially considering current circumstances. She was about to retort when Jacob reappeared in the room, shooting Lilly a look of resignation. He looked so dejected that she pitied his situation, whatever it was with Victoria.

“I’m so sorry, I—” Jacob was cut off by heels clacking on the floor, and Lilly found herself face to face with Jacob’s golden goddess.

Victoria towered over Lilly, she was well over six feet tall in her stilettos. She wore a white dress that showcased her tanned, mile-long legs. Her white blonde hair fell down her back, and her green eyes regarded Lilly with cool indifference.

Lilly wanted to climb into a hole and never emerge. Now that she saw firsthand the type of woman Jacob considered a romantic interest, and she knew she was the opposite of Victoria in every way. She prayed the floor would open and swallow her dirty, sweaty body.

Lilly’s internal demon beat against her fragile ego. Stupid woman, here you go again, falling for a man who will never love you. You’re a world class idiot. This is his type, a singing unicorn and you’re a dwarf in comparison.

Drawing upon all her resources, Lilly took a deep breath and extended her hand in Victoria’s direction, ignoring the look of resigned horror that crossed Jacob’s face. “You need no introduction. A pleasure to meet you, Victoria. Jacob was kind enough to assist my charity today and offer me a ride home.”

Victoria’s long fingers enveloped Lilly’s slight hand. “And you are?”

Lilly grimaced at her faux pas. “Lilly. My name is Lilly.”

Victoria’s grip tightened. “The nurse?”

Lilly’s New York upbringing got the best of her manners. “Do I have a sign on my forehead that lists my occupation?” She was at a loss why her name would ever come up in the conversations of A-list Hollywood stars and their hired help.

Victoria laughed at her outburst. “You’re a Yank! My sister-in-law mentioned you when I visited.”

Lilly’s pulse raced, but she maintained a stoic exterior. “Do I know her?”

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