Page 51 of Working For A Billionaire

"Your grandfather and I talked after you went upstairs," Grandma says. "We think it would be best if you stay here for a few days until this is sorted out. If you want to talk to a lawyer, we can help your mother cover the costs of it. All you have to do is tell us what you want to do."

"There's no rush," my grandpa adds. "Take your time. This is a lot to process, and you shouldn't rush through making this decision."

"What do you think, Riley?" Mom asks.

They throw this on me so suddenly that I don’t know what to say.

"I don't know, mom. I really don't."

I am so angry and sad at the same time. I am completely overwhelmed. I don't know what to do.

The following days pass slowly. I spend most of my time lying in bed watching TV or reading. I have no appetite and barely eat anything. I have no energy to do anything, and I'm exhausted all of the time.

I feel like this whole thing has affected me physically. I am not getting better. In fact, I feel worse. I feel drained and lifeless. The only thing I can manage to do is sleep and watch TV.

As I'm lying in bed, I hear my grandma walking down the hallway. She opens my door softly and comes into my room.

"Riley, get up, sweetie," she says softly. "You need to eat something. The baby needs food."

I lift my head off of the pillow and look at her. I am so exhausted that I don't want to move.

"Please, Riley," she says. "I know you're upset and it's understandable because of the situation you're in, but you have to push through this for your child's sake."

"I am fine," I say, turning back over. "I don't want to eat."

I know she’s right, but I can’t move. I feel powerless.

She shakes her head. "If you don't eat, the baby won't either."

I turn over again. I push myself to do so. "Okay, grandma. I am getting up."

I get out of bed and walk into the bathroom. I wash my face and brush my teeth like a zombie. Then I pick out clothes from my dresser and go downstairs. As I walk into the kitchen, I can smell pancakes cooking. I sit down at the table and place my hands on my stomach. I feel Anthony kick.

"Good morning, Riley," my grandpa says standing by the stove. "How are you feeling today?"

I smile weakly. "Tired mostly."

He places the plate with three pancakes and a side of bacon in front of me.

"Eat up, sweetie," Grandma says. "You need to eat if you want to keep the baby healthy."

I look at my plate in disbelief. I didn't realize how hungry I was until the moment my eyes fell on the pancakes.

"Thank you," I say, picking up my fork and digging in. Everyone is smiling at me, but I can barely smile back from stuffing my face.

After eating, I start feeling better but I'm no closer to an answer. Even with my family supporting me, I still feel so alone. Anthony kicks, almost sensing my heartache, and I rub my belly tenderly.

I will never let them have you, I vow silently.

Chapter Twenty

Harrison

I miss her. I miss her so much.

The house seems quieter without Riley here. The last week, it's been depressingly silent. I come home and eat then go to bed, hoping when I wake up, she will be here. But she isn’t.

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