Page 6 of Falling for the Wrong Billionaire
I shrug, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck. “It’s easy when the people are nice.”
Pearl leans against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Nice, huh? Well, you’ve got the right crowd here. Emma, Stella, and Claire? They’re like family. Don’t take that lightly.”
I nod, feeling the weight of her words. I don’t know if I’ve ever really had a family like this — a group of people who actually look out for each other without any hidden agendas.
“I know,” I say quietly. “It’s… it’s different. But it feels good.”
Pearl raises an eyebrow. “Good, huh? You sound like you’re starting to find your place.”
I can’t help but smile. “Maybe. I mean, it’s still a little strange, but in a good way.”
“Good. Just make sure you don’t let those ferrets take over your life too much,” she says with a wink, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “We all need a little balance around here.”
I laugh, glancing down at Pip and Nibbs, who are currently curled up in their little cage by the window, looking like the most content creatures on the planet. “I think they’re the ones who keep me in balance.”
Pearl chuckles. “Fair enough. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. We all need a little downtime.”
I nod, appreciating her words. I’m starting to realize that taking care of myself, reallydoingsomething for myself, is something I’ve never really prioritized. I’ve always been so wrapped up in what others wanted from me that I forgot what it meant to just… exist.
The day passes by quietly after that. It’s one of those rare, peaceful days where everything just falls into place. The animals are calm, the paperwork is manageable, and I have time to think.
As the sun begins to set, I step outside to take a break, letting the cool evening air wash over me. I wander down to the cliffs, the wind tugging at my hair as I look out at the ocean. The sky is painted in shades of orange and pink, the clouds drifting lazily across the horizon.
I sit down on a rock, pulling my knees to my chest, and let myself just be. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore fills the silence, and for the first time in a long time, I feel at peace.
I don’t know what my future holds, but for now, I’m here. In Bayview. Surrounded by people who care. And for once, I’m not running.
I close my eyes, taking in the cool breeze, and for a moment, I forget about everything. The grief, the pressure, the looming engagement I’m trying to avoid. For now, there’s just me, the ferrets, and this quiet town.
And I don’t think I’ll regret it.
Chapter three
Liam
The sun is dipping low when I pull up to Nate and Liz’s house. It’s one of those perfect evenings where the air is warm, but there’s a cool breeze that’s just enough to keep you from sweating through your shirt. The kind of evening that makes you forget about all the things you have to do, all the pressures you’re carrying. But, of course, that’s not how it works for me. Not anymore.
I shut off the engine, take a breath, and step out of the truck, stretching my legs as I walk toward the front door. The familiar sound of Boomer barking — Nate’s shaggy dog — greets me before I even reach the porch.
Nate’s house has always been a bit of a gathering spot for the group. With his son Max, who Liz adopted when they married, and now with baby Violet, it feels like a warm, loving home. The first thing I notice when I walk in is the noise, kids laughing,adults talking over each other, and the occasional clink of glasses. I glance around the room, spotting Bryan with his wife Emma, both of them chatting with Liz and Nate.
Their son Max, is sitting on the floor, holding a toy car in his hand and looking up at the adults as if he’s soaking in everything they say. He’s always been a little old for his age, with his curiosity and sharp mind. I’ve seen him grow up over the years, and while I’m not the parental type, I can’t help but feel a soft spot for the kid.
Boomer comes barrelling toward me as soon as I step inside, tail wagging furiously, and I bend down to scratch his ears. He’s a big, goofy dog, the kind that runs in a straight line at full speed and crashes into everything. You could always count on him for a good laugh.
“Hey, big guy,” I say, ruffling his fur. He responds by licking my hand, making me laugh despite myself.
“Liam!” Liz calls from across the room, waving me over with a grin. “You made it. We’re just about to show Violet off. She’s asleep right now, but you can get a look at her in a bit.”
I nod, smiling back at her. "I can wait."
Liz’s face lights up as she talks about her daughter, the exhaustion of early motherhood evident in her eyes, but the joy of it more than outweighing it. I get it. Watching her go through all the stages with Violet, it’s clear to me how much she’s settled into this life. Nate’s not much different. They’ve both found something I’m still looking for.
Something real. Something that sticks. I watch as Nate wraps his arm around Liz, the two of them exchanging soft words with each other. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like you’re on the outside looking in.
And I hate it. Not because I’m not happy for them, I am. But because I know I’m not ready for that kind of life. I don’t know if I’ll ever be. Watching them, I start to feel that familiar emptinessin my chest, the one I’ve been trying to ignore for weeks now. The one that seems to hit hardest when I’m surrounded by happiness, and it feels like I’m still wandering through life alone.
I’m not good at this emotional stuff. I never have been. I’ve always kept my distance, kept things light, kept it all moving forward without stopping for too long to what I really want.
