Page 5 of The Billionaire's Heart

Even though Mrs. Wilcox is older than her by at least thirty years, my money would be on Mrs. Wilcox.

“Mackenzie. What are you doing here?”

I can see her fake façade slip in place as soon as she sees me. “Ian, baby. I’m so glad you’re back from your trip. How was it? Did you catch anything?” She slides up along side of me and puts her hand on my chest like she owns me. She’d like to own me, but that will never happen. Again.

I pull her hand and her talons off me. “What are you doing here, Mackenzie? I’m working.” Deciding not to go back into my office because Makenzie will just follow me in there, I start towards the front entrance… essentially walking her out.

“I just wanted to see you, that’s all. I missed you.” She mewls and it’s like nails on a chalkboard.

Holding the door open to the lobby, I follow her through and over to the exterior doors. “Thanks for stopping by Mackenzie.” I try to end it there, but of course she’s not done with me. One night I had too much to drink and I slept with her. One timeand I’ve been paying for it ever since. That damned article isn’t helping, either.

“When will I see you again?” She whines.

I shake my head, “Not sure, but I’ve got to get back to work.” I’m polite only because her parents and mine are friends.

“Maybe we can have dinner one night this week.” She doesn’t ask, but states it like it’s going to happen.

“Not sure. I’ve got a lot going on.” I look at my watch for dramatics. “I’ve got a meeting. Good-bye Mackenzie.” I turn and go back through the frosted glass doors hoping that’s the last I’ll see of her but knowing she’s not getting the hint. I may have to spell it out for her soon.

Chapter 3

Mia

Since leaving Knoxville and starting my life over here in Hibiscus Harbor, I’ve decided to give this my all. I want to set down some roots, which is something I’ve never had in my life. Getting involved with the community, volunteering some place, and meeting new people are first on my list. Unpacking the handful of boxes around me is currently at the bottom of the list. I have unpacked the important stuff. My crochet needles and yarn. I love the idea of creating something out of nothing.

I’ve been strolling through the chamber of commerce website to see what Hibiscus Harbor has to offer when I see a notice for a kickball league. Perfect! I have almost zero coordination, but I can certainly kick a ball. I hope.

Practice starts on Wednesday this week after work, so this activity will be exactly what I’m looking for. And the name of the team is adorable. The Bad News Babes.

I print out the paperwork and write a check for the fees. The office is on my way to work so I can drop if off in the morning.

Now to find some place to volunteer. I wonder if the animal shelter is looking for people. I don’t mind cleaning up poop and walking dogs as long as I get to play with them and give themlove. I know what it feels like to be unwanted. My time in foster care taught me that even though no one wants you, you still have value, even if only to yourself.

I click on the animal shelter website and see that they need volunteers, so I sign up for the once-a-week slot.

With that all taken care of, I look around my one-room apartment and decide to make my lunch for tomorrow and dinner for tonight. Tuna fish for dinner sounds fancy. Peanut butter and jelly for lunch tomorrow. I can do this living on my own thing. Who needs a boyfriend that cheats every chance he gets?

Ever since leaving foster care, all I ever wanted was to have friends and a family of my own. The kind like you see on television with the happy family, neighborhood picnics, PTA meetings, and family vacations.

I went straight from foster care to James. He moved me in, and we dated for a few years. I thought we were building a life together like the one I’ve always dreamed of, but I kept missing the signs of him cheating on me until one day I walked into our apartment and saw his naked ass doing our neighbor. I saw that sign clear as day. I packed up my stuff , walked out the door and never looked back.

Like I’ve always told myself, others may not see your value, but it doesn’t matter what others think as long as you see it. He did not, and I deserve better.

Having nowhere to go, I picked the first ad I could find for a room to rent. It was with a group of four other people. It was crowded and not the best environment for someone that doesn’t party, drink to excess, or do drugs, but it was a roof over my head and that’s all I really needed.

When my roommates got us all kicked out because of their extracurricular activities, I found myself in a similar situation,but with some creepy guys. That place didn’t last long, either. And it smelled funny.

Finally, I decided I needed a change. A new place to start my life. Hell, I’m knocking on the door to thirty. It’s time to get my shit together. And here I am in Hibiscus Harbor, temping as a receptionist at a fancy country club. It’s not my dream job, but it pays the bills. Barely.

My dream job would be to own my own bridal shop. Just because love has kicked me in the teeth doesn’t mean I don’t want others to have their dream wedding. And with a dream wedding comes a dream dress.

With my new start, I’m going to do everything I can to learn more about business so that I can get that business loan. I’ve seen a lot of businesses throughout my temping career and have learned a thing or two about what not to do and what is essential for a successful business. I’ve kept notes along the way and with each new place I go, I learn even more.

Every time I get discouraged, I pull out my business plan notebook and reread it, tweaking it with the knowledge that I’ve gained, and let it re-inspire me. Someday, I’m going to own that shop. I don’t know how or when, but I’m going to do it.

My second day at Hibiscus Island Country Club has been so boring just answering phone calls and opening the mail. It’s not very challenging. Actually, it’s not challenging at all. I decide to reach out to my boss, Mrs. Wilcox, to find out if there’s anything more I could be doing. I’ve got other skills besides answering phones and processing the mail.

“Hello, Mia. Is everything okay?” Mrs. Wilcox asks when she answers my call.

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