Page 4 of The Billionaire's Heart

She smiles. “Let’s hope you never have to find out.”

“Hey big brother. What’s happening?” My irritating brother, Sawyer, asks when I call him.

“Just wondering what you’re doing Saturday night.” I have an ulterior motive for calling him, but since everything is about him, I learned a long time ago to always start a conversation talking about him.

“I’m not going to that gala in Washington D.C. for you, if that’s what you’re calling to ask me to do. That’s for sure.”

He’s on to me. “I really don’t want to go, dude.”

“Then you shouldn’t have RSVP’d and made a big ass donation to the charity. Besides, Maria will make it worth your while if you want her to and pay her enough.” He laughs.

“You know she’s not like that, man. Be more respectful.” I snap at him. I hate when he talks about my professional date like that. Maria makes good money being my date to functions like this one, but there’s been nothing romantic or unprofessional between us. She strictly helps me keep the leeches away and allows me to do business at these functions. Her talents are worth their weight in gold.

“Sorry,” he says, not sounding sorry at all. “Anyway, I have a thing in Atlanta for Mom’s charity, so I can’t cover for you.”

“Well, it was worth a try, at least.” I resign myself to having to fly to Washington this week and then spend half of next weekin Seattle. Being the CEO of Gallo Enterprises means I’m needed and wanted everywhere at the same time. It can be exhausting, but I love every second.

“Hey, I saw that your number four on the Most Eligible Bachelor’s list again. You just can’t seem to break the top three.” He teases.

“Ugh, that list is so useless and causes more problems. I’ve already received three texts from three exes trying to hook back up.”

Sawyer laughs, “Serves you right for making it known you’re single.”

“I didn’t make it known. Mom did.”

“Yeah, she really wants grandkids.” He laughs. “Sounds like a job for the firstborn.”

“Well, she can look to you for them because I’m too busy keeping this company growing. Besides, I can’t seem to find anyone that doesn’t just want my money.”

“That’s the beauty of it all, brother. Stop looking for forever and just enjoy yourself.”

I shake my head, “Sawyer the playboy. Isn’t that what the tabloids call you nowadays?”

“Yep, and I own that shit.”

“Okay. I’ve gotta go. Will I see you at Hooplas this week?”

“Yeah. I plan to stop by on Friday. You?”

“No. I have to be in Washington by then. I may reach out to Garrett to see if he’s gonna be there on Wednesday.”

“Okay. Have fun. Talk to you soon.”

“Yep.” I hang up the phone. “Mrs. Wilcox,” I say into the intercom on my desk, “I’m going to Washington and to the charity gala. Can you please arrange a date for me?”

“Of course, Mr. Gallo. Will Maria be sufficient?” She asks.

“Yes, if she’s available.”

“I’ll see what I can do, Mr. Gallo.”

I really would rather not have to find a date for these events because there are always expectations afterwards and I’d rather not have to worry about that. Maria, being a professional, is well aware of the expectations at these events and is compensated generously for her services. It just makes attending these types of functions easier.

“Mr. Gallo, Maria is available and will meet you at your hotel Saturday evening before the event.” Mrs. Wilcox says.

“Thank you, Mrs. Wilcox.” I tell her as I walk by her desk. “I’m going over to the Marketing department. I’ll be right back.”

I don’t hear or see her response, but I don’t need to. She knows how to get a hold of me if she needs me. On my way back, I can hear her even before I see her. Mackenzie Laughlin. The uber-bitch of all the uber-bitches and she’s fighting with Mrs. Wilcox.

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