Page 74 of No More Billionaires

Larson slid his eyes over to me and then back to the road. “What’s the matter? You look upset.”

I disciplined my breathing, forcing a pleasant tone. “No. I’m fine.”

But the chill increased, spreading as the wealth of horrific possibilities hit me in waves.

Momma and Larson in the same room.

Mark and I in the same room.

Mark and Larson in the same room.

Mark and his new girlfriend and I in the same room.

If they’d put us all at the same table, I was turning around and walking out, no matter how rude or insane I might appear.

Larson cut his eyes in my direction, his face tight with concern. “You’re not worried about meeting my parents are you? I know I’ve made them sound a bit aloof or whatever, but they’re actually really cool. I mean, growing up I kind of resented their busy lives, but we’ve gotten closer in the past few years. You’ll like them—and they’re going toloveyou.”

“No. It’s not that. It’s just…”

Could I tell him about Momma?No.

“I’m a bit nervous. I haven’t been to something like this in a while—out of practice.”

I shook my head and gave him a weak smile.

His worry lines relaxed slightly. “I’ll be right by your side all night. Once Tom sees me there and I’ve chatted up a few of his big advertisers, we can cut out if it’s lame. We’ll just meet my parents for brunch or something tomorrow. Who knows, though? Maybe it’ll be fun.”

I nodded at his encouraging tone. “Yes.”

And maybe Lady Gaga will settle down in the suburbs with a nice tax accountant.

* * *

As it turned out, Larson didn’t stay by my side all night.

He tried. But apparently, when you’re a rich, famous guy in a room full of slightly less rich and famous people, everyone wants your attention.

Tom, who I’d met tonight for the first time, was eager to introduce his “star” to all his friends. Larson had told me Tom thought of him in the same league as one of the many thoroughbred racehorses he owned, but I could tell the older man was fond of him.

While my date was pulled away again and again, I browsed the hors d’oeuvre table, said hello to some of my parents’ friends in attendance, and knowing it was inevitable I’d see them sooner or later, walked over to their table to say “hello.”

Daddy spotted my approach first and jumped up from his seat, coming over to kiss my cheek.

“Hi, baby. Don’t you look like a princess tonight? What are you doing here?”

Momma stood and hurried to my side. “Kenley, sweetie—you lookfabulous,” she said in her best imitation of a born-and-bred society maven and leaned in for an air kiss.

Close to my ear she whispered, “I didn’t know you were coming tonight. Are you with Larson?”

Her voice was filled with such hope, suchgreed, I hated to confirm it.

But what could I do? She was bound to see him there. I couldn’t exactly keep them apart all night in the same smallish banquet room. Especially with the way her eyes darted around the venue like a heat-seeking missile in pursuit of a target.

She’d find him even if he wore an invisibility cloak.

I answered her in a low tone. “I am. And if you say anything embarrassing, I swear—”

She laughed loudly. “Me? Don’t you worry. You’ve done your part hooking him, now Momma’s gonna reel him in for you. Whereisthat sweet thing?”

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