Page 29 of Billion Dollar Dispute

She shakes her head vehemently.

“Please.” I soften my tone. “You scared the fuck out of me last night. And…”

“And what?”

“You owe me, you know, for touching me.” I give her a playful wink, hoping to ease the tension.

Her eyes widen in horror, and she puts a hand up between us like a stop sign. “We are never to discuss this morning again.”

“Why are you embarrassed?”

“About accidentally touching you? I’m not embarrassed. I’m absolutely mortified.”

“I didn’t think I was that repulsive.”

She rubs her face in exasperation, and it softens her sharp words. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Would you like some juice, tea, or coffee?” I ask, trying to move things along.

“I’m starting to think there’s something wrong with you.”

“Why’s that?”

Her eyes narrow, lips pressed together. “Because you're being unusually nice.”

“Do you want me to be a jerk? I’m just trying to take your Starbucks order.”

She must find it hard to resist because she eventually gives in and asks me for a chai latte. I place the order on my phone and settle on a stool beside her to eat.

After we finish eating, she asks to wait on the sofa for the doctor. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s not feeling well, but she insists she’s just full and in need of a nap.

The doctor arrives, pleased with Jemima’s observations, and leaves, after she promises to take better care of herself.

“Ready to head home now?” I ask.

“Yeah, I’ve got a lot to do, including meeting up with a friend who’s probably waiting for me.” She sits up, holding her Starbucks, sipping slowly.

“Just work and family stuff. Nothing urgent. It was nice meeting your brothers last night, and thanks for the help with the introductions.”

“What helps you, helps me.”

“Are you close with your family?” she asks.

I’m surprised by the sudden personal question, but rather than question it, I just answer.

“Yeah, we’re pretty close. And you?” I ask.

She hesitates slightly, her fingers stilling for a moment before she meets my gaze. The shift is subtle, but it’s enough for me tonotice. What’s behind the pause? But I don’t get time to dwell on it.

“My dad died over a year ago, and my mom’s off traveling the world. She doesn’t want to be tied down to one place.”

I understand what she means, but she didn’t quite answer my question.

“But are you close with her?” I ask again.

“Yeah, I suppose so.”

She stands from the sofa and gathers her belongings. Returning to the living room, she’s ready to leave, so I grab my keys.

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