Page 78 of The Grumpy Billionaire Baby Daddy

“What? You’re not going to go without us. We’re coming with you.”

“We?” Mom asks.

Of course, she still doesn’t like Jason. It might take a while for her to get used to even the mention of his name. Dad, on the other hand, seems over it —a truly simple man.

I check my wristwatch; Richard should be here in fifteen minutes.

“You’re not coming?”

Mom looks away, and Dad shrugs.

“Well, you can go look over the shop if you’re not coming. But I personally think we all have to go there to see him.”

“Why is nobody asking why he wanted to do it himself? What’s in it for him?” Mom says.

Dad looks at me, amused. “Is it possible he did it because he truly cared? Maybe Fiona won his heart?”

I laugh even though it’s an awkward conversation. Dad doesn’t seem to think it’s awkward, though—he speaks freely.

“Fiona, does he like you or is he just a kind man?”

When I first met Jason, I didn’t consider him the kind of person I’d categorize as kind. He was cold, stiff, and awkward when it came to expressing his feelings. He softened, but still, paying an entire debt is huge.

“I don’t know, Dad. We’ll ask him all of our questions when we get there.”

Just then, my phone vibrates. It’s Richard.

“I’m downstairs.”

Chapter 26

Jason

Standinginfrontofthe mirror, I button my white t-shirt and tighten my belt. Kavia invited me out for a runway show organized by her sister. Even though I’m not as enthusiastic about fashion, I’m excited about escaping my thoughts these days.

I put on my brown leather jacket and look at my sleeves. They’re a little loose now. Have I lost that much weight? I pick up the comb from the table and comb my hair backward, taking a strand out of my face. I’ve spent most of the Saturdays either sleeping in when I can or escaping to work, but I’m frankly tired of working, and I’d rather avoid another nightmare.

I pick up the black matte cologne on the table. Soleil Brûlant is my favorite Tom Ford perfume. Spritzing a generous amount all over me, I finish with the Creed Viking. I take one last look in the mirror and pick up my car keys and phone before making my way downstairs.

“Where are you off to?” Mom says.

She’s seated on the sofa in the living room.

“I don’t know. Some runway shows.”

“You’re not in haste, are you?”

“Not really.”

She taps the vacant space beside her, looking up at me. I exhale and walk to the sofa, plopping down on it.

“Mmmm…another fragrance. At this point, I’m convinced you have over a hundred fragrances in your closet.”

“Just ninety, actually.”

“Right.”

She studies me in silence and crosses her legs.

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