Page 27 of Working For A Billionaire

"Do you mind if I join you?" I hear Manny asks from behind me.

"Not at all," I reply.

"How are you doing with all of this?" Manny asks as we stand, enjoying the calmness of the evening.

"Most days, I am just happy to have survived the mood swings," I reply, rubbing the back of my neck.

"I know exactly how you feel," Manny says with a smirk. "Gabby has them too."

We exchange a meaningful glance, and immediately, chuckle loudly. Sometimes, no words are necessary to convey the right message. He takes a cigarette out of his pocket.

“Do you mind?” he asks. I shake my head. He lights it up and inhales with obvious pleasure. “I told Gabby I quit. And I will.”

“No time like now,” I shrug.

He looks at me, then at the cigarette. He hesitates, drops it to the ground and stomps on it with his foot. He looks up at me and smiles. “First step, huh?”

“First step,” I nod, approvingly.

I guess we all have to make that first step. Mine was different from his, but also as painful, as difficult, and is still not done. Riley has made me open up to her, without even knowing how hard it’s been for me. Yet, her sweet nature has made me see that it doesn’t make me weak to start feeling again.

I’m still trying to make sense of the confusing emotions I have for both her and the baby, but I’m on the right path. I can feel it. I just need to stay on it.

“We choose a good path and we stay on it,” Manny seems to be able to read my mind, and I smile again.

“Exactly,” I reply.

We make it back just in time for the changing diaper contest. Riley hands me a doll wearing a diaper. I look down at the doll then back at her. Then Gabby yells for us to start, and we begin changing the diapers. I fumble with it, unable to get it to fit right or stay on. As soon as I look over at Manny, I see he is struggling too, but Anderson is already finished.

Riley laughs softly. The rest of the shower passes by in a blur until only a few people remain.

When the last guest leaves, Gabby puts on her coat and gives Riley a hug. "I will call you tomorrow."

"Thank you for everything. It was wonderful," Riley replies, with that gleam in her eyes.

"No problem. Now go get some rest, and I'll see you later."

I take Riley's hand and walk with her to the car.

When we reach the driver's side, Riley turns toward me and says, "Harrison, thank you so much for coming. This was an amazing day."

"I’m glad. I wanted you to remember this day always," I tell her.

I take in a deep breath, feeling my heart pound in my chest. I can feel the electricity between us, and I know that there's no going back. She looks into my eyes, and I can see the desire burning in them. I lean in, and our lips meet. I feel a warmth emanating from her, and I can't help but deepen the kiss. Our tongues explore each other's mouths, and I feel like I'm lost in her. Time seems to stand still as our lips move against each other. Suddenly, she pulls away and I look at her in confusion.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Nothing. I just got a little dizzy," she says, putting her hand on her head.

"Are you okay? Should I call the doctor?"

I feel myself start to panic. What if something is wrong? She looks pale and I am not sure what I should do. I nervously look around for someone who might help.

"Calm down, Harrison," she says, putting her hand on my shoulder. "I am fine. I just had a little too much excitement for one day."

Her voice is calming, and I feel foolish that she is taking care of me when she was the one feeling unwell. I need to get better at this. Riley is going to need me to be strong for her. But these emotions are making it difficult to stay in control. That is why I always thought that emotions were for the weak, for those who allow others to control them. I guess I still have a lot to learn.

"I am sorry," I say with a sigh. "I just worry. Let's go home so you can rest."

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