Page 22 of Billionaire's Fake Wife: A Single Mom BWWM Romance

Eleven

Sonya

It's a beautiful day; although I was restless last night, I am wide awake now. Energized by coffee, my daughter's antics, and the memories of yesterday's lunch date.

Sitting down and eating with Gloria Fields, not as her employee but as her equal, is the best thing that's happened to me since joining her company.

I drop off Lauralee at her school, foregoing the school bus this time. We sing in the car to her favorite children's show songs. I still have time for work anyway, what with not really being able to sleep properly because of the buzz that still refuses to leave me.

When I arrive at the office, I greet everyone with a wide smile.

That smile falters a bit when I get to my desk. My colleague Kelly has her back to me, scooping up some documents and folders.

"Wait, what's going on?"

She turns around with a smile. It's a bit strained, but I sense no malice in her expression. Okay, maybe just a little.

"I'll be taking over some of your tasks and projects starting this day until we hire a new assistant or an intern. Let me help you transfer your things over to your new office."

Oh, that explains the slight frown. And then Kelly's last sentence gets my attention.

"My new office?"

I receive a look that plainly states Really, girl? As if you don't know.

She receives a timid smile from me. Shaking her head, she puts everything on a box and carries it to her own desk, before coming back to help me carry some of my pictures and knick-knacks. Our other colleagues watch and congratulate me, some with strained smiles on their faces.

She brings me to a polished, wooden door, which opens into a room with full windows and an immaculate white desk in the middle with a computer on top. A translucent vase of fresh flowers is situated nearby on another desk, along with a propped-up mannequin torso.

This is it...the fulfillment of my dreams. I'm one step closer to my goal.

Thanks to Grant Fields, I finally have a chance to show how worthy and talented I am to his mother. I held my own against her, and even though I don't want to be conceited, I'll claim it right now:

She's impressed.

"Congratulations," Kelly intones from beside me. She looks around with longing in her eyes. "I wish I got promoted, too."

I shake my head. She is actually good and talented, but she's still new to the company, just a few months in. Once she gets into the groove of things, she'll rise up high. I tell her that, and she blushes, congratulates me again and thanks me, before leaving me alone to my thoughts.

"Crazy..." I approach the desk and run my fingers along its surface. Laminated wood. Feels sturdy. Looks expensive.

Lauralee, on the other hand, is happy for me, too. I tell her everything as much as I can, so she won't be surprised if things happen or change.

One thing, or person, rather that she keeps asking about is Grant.

"Is he nice to you?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Good. Since he's going to be my father soon."

Of course, she knows it isn't true, but her eyes shine with hope. She wishes it is. I hope I can give her that.

My phone rings, taking me out of my reverie. Speaking of the devil...

"Good morning, Grant," I chirp into my phone's mic. "Listen, I just really want to thank you for yesterday. I mean..."

I look around, cross to the door, and close it before continuing. "I know we have an arrangement, but what you did help me prove to your mother that I have what it takes."

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