Page 12 of Secret Billionaire

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Faye shivered despite the fact that she was layered and bundled up in a bulky sweater against the chilly air. She gazed out over the balcony at the night sky, the sound of the ocean waves soothing her frayed nerves. She sighed then took another sip of wine.

Maddy frowned. “I’m worried about you.”

“Me? Why’s that?”

“I think you’re setting yourself up for a fall. You should come clean with Jesse about your real identity. Especially if you like him.”

She shrugged, “How can I? It’s too late for that now. Besides it shouldn’t matter. I’m just me. My family background doesn’t define me.”

“But how do you think he’s going to feel when he finds out? And he will find out eventually.”

Her chin jutted out stubbornly, “By the time he does, I’m hoping he’ll know me for who I am, not for being a Bennett. It’s really nobody’s business anyway. I’ve hired him to do a job. If I want to keep my personal business to myself it’s my prerogative.”

“He’s a guy. Don’t you think he might feel a bit foolish when he finds out that you’re worth billions? I’m sure he thinks he’s helping out some down-on-her-luck girl who made a bad investment.”

“And he is! Besides that, my daddy’s worth billions, not me.”

“Really Faye? You’re lying to yourself. You can live in that fantasy bubble all you want but when Daddy and Mommy go, you’ll be a billionaire.”

“Hopefully that’s a long way off. Now quit your worrying about me. I know what I’m doing.”

“If you say so. Problem is you’ve got all of us lying as well. Someone is bound to slip up. I’m afraid it’s going to be me. I’m a lousy liar…just so you know.”

She glared playfully at her bestie, “It’d better not be you.”

“I’ll do my best but no promises. Now when do I get to meet this gorgeous hunk that’s got you all aflutter?”

“Stop in anytime.”

“I’ll do that.” Maddy’s eyes narrowed, “I haven’t seen you this sparkly for a long time. I think you might be finally moving on from your past.”

“Let me put it to you this way, I’m glad I left Julian on the other side of the planet. I have to admit, the other night freaked me out. When I saw that shadowy figure in the parking lot, my first thought was that it was him.”

“I’m sure. Understandable after what he put you through.”

“I feel bad for him but his obsession with getting me back was crazy.”

“You have to try and let go of all that. He’s in New Zealand, you’re here. It’s okay to trust that you’re safe again.”

“Maybe… the other night set me back. I had thought I was moving past it all, but I had a nightmare last night. I haven’t had one of those for months. The fear was right there in a snap.”

“You’ll settle back down. I’m glad Jesse is around. That makes me feel a whole lot better.”

“Me too.”

“How are you feeling about the bar?” Maddy asked.

Faye toyed with a lock of hair, “I’m hopeful again now that I have a contractor on board. He’s a real hard worker and seems to know what he’s doing.”

Maddy laughed, “Thank God! You didn’t really have a whole lot of options. Beggars can’t be choosers.”

“I lucked out.”

“Are you happy here? Back in the States I mean. I’m so happy that you’re back that I forget about your feelings.”

“Yes, I’m glad to be home.”

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