Page 10 of Grumpy Billionaire Seeking Wife

"I'm smiling because you're ridiculous. And nosy. I'm not telling you who the bracelet is for."

"Are you going on any dates this weekend?" he asks casually as he presses the button for the ground floor. He steps back and observes me as the elevator heads down from the fiftieth floor.

"Perhaps." I nod slightly. "I may have one lined up."

"I knew it." He grins. "I suppose if you're going to only date a woman once, then you need to leave them with a nice parting gift, and a Tiffany's bracelet is a pretty nice gift."

"I'll take your word for it." I shrug and push the box into my pocket. “I don’t suppose you have any gifts for your hot date tonight?”

“I am the gift.” He winks at me, and I can't stop myself from bursting into laughter. I love my brother and his confidence, but I often wonder how women put up with him. I suppose it's the money and good looks. I smile to myself as I exit the elevator because I know that's the reason most women put up with me, as well, but I don't mind. I'm not looking for love from any of these women. I'm just living my life the best way I know how.

Chapter Five

Sabrina

"Repeat after me, Sabrina. Tonight is going to be amazing." Erica grabs my hands and squeezes. Her eyes are alight with anticipation, and her mind is racing. After I'd told her about the offer from Rudolpho, she'd been trying to think who his celebrity friend was. She thought it was someone really big, but they didn't want to be outed on the site, so they were using Rudolpho to meet girls. I wasn't so sure about that.

"Tonight is going to be amazing," I say dutifully and down another shot of tequila. "I mean, he does seem like he's fun."

"He sounds like he has a great sense of humor." She throws her head back giddily. "Plus, he’s cute, and from the things he's been saying, he's loaded. And he wants to spoil you."

"I guess so." I think about his last messages and how he said he wanted to take me to Vegas for twenty-four hours of fun, but I’m not sure if he meant shows and nice dinners fun, or just crazy sex. I’m still not 100 percent sure I know who Rudolpho is as a person.

"What if it's Liam Hemsworth?" Erica fans her face. "I would die."

"I mean, maybe." I nod slowly. "Seems unlikely, though."

"Oh, my Gawd, what if it's Channing Tatum? Didn't his engagement just break up?"

"Umm, I don't know, but you can ask Rudolpho tonight if it's him."

"If it's Michael B. Jordan, I'm going to ask him if I can have a role in his next movie." She giggles. "After I give him the best night of his life."

"Girl...." I press my lips together and just shake my head. "I wouldn't get your hopes up."

"I know, but just think, tonight might be the first night of the rest of our lives. What if tonight is our last first date ever? What if we marry best friends? That would be so cool."

"It would be cool." I'm starting to get caught up in her chatter. What if Rudolpho is the man who sweeps me off my feet? What if he's the one? I'm not sure if the universe is convincing me of the possibility or alcohol, but Erica's excitement is infectious, and I can feel myself loosening up and feeling joy for the first time this evening.

“Tonight is going to be the first night of the rest of my life.” I squeal as I walk around the large, sunlit living room, pretending to be a supermodel. The living room is twice the size of my studio apartment, and I feel like I'm on an episode ofThe Real Housewives of New York, with the view of Central Park right outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. “Erica, I finally read that book you got me last year, and I am manifesting that my date tonight is going to be the man of my dreams, so I might not even need these photos we're taking for the apps.” I stare at the natural light pouring in and shiver. This really is an amazing apartment. I can't believe that Wes lives here. My heart races at the thought of him.

“I know. I’m feeling good about my date, as well,” she squeals in response as she runs over to me and grabs my hands. Wejump up and down like giddy school girls and then calm down. “I can feel love in the air tonight. I think tonight is a full moon.”

“Is that a good omen?” I ask her, not really knowing anything about celestial signs. “Also, is it weird that we’re going on a double date?”

“No clue, if I’m honest.” She giggles and taps her forehead, and I can’t help but laugh at her antics. Erica has been my best friend for years, and she truly is someone I can share everything with—at least everything I feel comfortable sharing. “All I know is that these dates will be great fodder for our podcast.” She beams and clears her throat. “We’re young. We’re allowed to experiment with dating.”

“I just hope we’re not being too naïve." I sigh as harsh reality hits my brain. "Like, should we be studying for finals tonight as opposed to going on this date?"

"Sabrina Fillmore, stop it right now! You work hard and study all the time. And you look after your mom. You have to allow some time for yourself. Whether tonight is amazing or not, we both still need the break. Hold on, I’m thirsty, let me grab a drink from the kitchen.”

“Okay,” I nod, watching as she walks into the kitchen. I take a few deep breaths and rub my forehead. I want to enjoy tonight. I want to enjoy my youth while I still can. I know I've let life impact the carefreeness that comes with being young in the city, and I don't want to wake up one day and regret that. I spin around the room and hum the words to “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone. The song always makes me happy. Nostalgic in some ways. Hopeful in others. I just want a man who loves me so much that he can't imagine life without me. Though sometimes, I'm worried that it won't last even then. It didn't for my parents.

“This may be the last first date of my life,” I shout out to Erica as I continue to dance around and attempt to block out thoughts of my parents. Of the dad I barely remember. My heart thudspainfully. How could he just walk away? “Of both of our lives,” I add loudly, though I’m still slightly skeptical about the double date. I need to stop thinking of Dad and the way he abandoned us. I know it wasn't my fault, but there were moments when I just wondered if it was me. Maybe I wasn't lovable. But maybe Rudolpho will show me that I am.

Maybe this crazy experience is going to be for a reason. It is unusual, for sure. I matched with a man on a dating app, and he asked if I had a friend for his friend. Like, that was weird. Normally, I prefer one-on-one first dates, but I am trying to be more open to other options in life.

I clap my hands together lightly to clear my mind of doubt and do a happy dance as I walk over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and look out at the breathtaking view. “Hey hey.” I pretend that I live here every day and look out at the plebians walking down the street. I stand there, just staring at the people, wondering who they are and where they're going. If my dad is among them. I close my eyes for a few moments as I press my forehead against the glass. I allow myself to just be. To breathe. To relax. To process all the emotions running through me. And then I takea gigantic deep breath and smile.

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