Page 95 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
“But they hate each other.”
“Believe me. I let them have it.” I shook my head.
Then it hit me. Something my father said to me in my office that day he was here. “Don’t make the same mistake I did.” Was he referring to his relationship with my mother? Was he insinuating that he made a mistake getting divorced? It didn’t matter. Everything that had happened was in the past, and that was exactly where it would stay.
Charlotte
“I’ll see you after school,” I said to Eloise.
As I began walking to the other nannies, Kitty Corners stopped me. I had no idea why she was dropping Maisy off and not Marissa.
“I hope you’re not getting Eloise’s hopes up about the talent show,” Kitty said, her lips forming a smirk. “Maisy has been taking professional piano lessons since she was three. She’s a musical prodigy.”
I gripped the strap of my purse, my eyes never leaving Kitty’s. “How lovely for Maisy.”
“Lovely indeed. She’ll be performing a Chopin piece.” Kitty leaned in closer. “The judges love that sophisticated stuff. What is Eloise doing again? I believe I heard a hip-hop dance?”
“Yes. We are doing a hip hop dance. A dance routine I created.”
“We?”
“Yes, we, Kitty. We’re performing together.”
Kitty let out a sharp laugh. “How embarrassing that little Eloise can’t perform by herself and that her nanny has to do it with her.”
“Guess what, Kitty? I’m not Eloise’s nanny anymore. I’m her dad’s girlfriend, who is helping take care of her.”
“Excuse me?” Her brows furrowed.
“Ashton and I are in love and in a relationship. Maybe one day, I’ll become Mrs. Ashton Cross, and you can no longer look down on me from your privileged little perch. Now, get out of my way. I have things to do. And by the way. I’m sure little Maisy is a wonderful piano player, but my Eloise is a phenomenal dancer,and she will win. So, prepare yourself, Kitty.” I turned my nose up and walked away.
“Are you nervous?Don’t be nervous,” I said, making sure Eloise looked perfect.
We both wore black cargo pants, a black crop top, and our hair was up in a ponytail.
“I’m a little nervous, Charlotte.”
“Don’t be.” I gripped her shoulders. “When we go out on that stage, I want you to pretend we’re in the dance studio. Just the two of us.”
“Okay.”
“How’s it going back here?” Ashton smiled, his hands tucked tightly into his pockets.
“We’re good. Right?” I patted Eloise’s head.
“We’re good, Dad.”
“Okay. The show is about to start, so I’m going to take my seat. Good luck.” He kissed me and then Eloise.
It was Maisy’s turn. She was good—maybe a little too good. Shit.
“She’s good.” I looked at Eloise.
“I know. She plays beautifully.”
“Well, you dance beautifully, and we’re going to show the audience what Eloise Cross is made of.” I held my fist out and she fist-bumped it.
Our name was called. The stage was dark as we stepped onto it, our backs facing the audience in position.
