Page 66 of The Billionaire and the Maid

“Let’s see what you can find out,” he says. “But I have my suspicions.”

I pull out my phone and call our lawyers. Maybe I can give Ella more than just a chance to start her dream. Maybe, just maybe, I can give her back her past as well.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

Ella

I’m beginning to go stir-crazy. It’s been five days since I left the holiday ball. I’ve cleaned every inch of Greta’s condo. I’ve made food. I’ve read three books from her small collection she keeps here. I’ve watched a dozen movies and an entire two seasons of a show. I’ve reworked my website after Greta brought over my laptop. I’ve even read all the material on the syllabus for my last class. I haven’t slept much because every time I fall asleep, I dream of Chase. I’m vaguely aware that tonight is New Year’s Eve, but I don’t feel at all like celebrating.

He hasn’t called or texted since the day Greta and Gus came by. I’m waiting to feel better. Every night, I think, tomorrow, tomorrow will be the day I forget about Chase Marino. But so far, all the tomorrows have brought are more thoughts and memories of this man who was never mine to begin with.

Placing my hands on my hips, I look around. My eyes lock on the sea. It’s calm today. The sun threatens to peek out from behind the clouds. It’s time to get back to my life. A new start for the new year.

I throw the few items Greta brought me into my bag and call Gus.

“Can you pick me up?” I ask.

“Where are we going?” he asks, and I can hear David in the background.

“Home.”

“Oh, OK. We’ll be over in like an hour? We were gonna do like a quiet New Year’s Eve if you want to join us,” he says, and I know he must be looking at David for confirmation.

“Sounds good. See you then,” I state as I decide to vacuum one last time and then sit down at the bench by the beach entrance. The condo is small, so ten minutes later, I’m sitting and watching the waves for what seems like the millionth time since I arrived. It’s peaceful. I can understand why Chase built his tiny home by the beach.

I slap my forehead. “Stop thinking about him!” I yell to myself.

“Who are we not thinking about?” a voice responds and I jump off the bench ready to go full ninja on someone.

“Whoa! It’s just me,” Chase says, raising his hands. He’s holding my missing shoe in one hand and papers in the other.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as I plop back down onto the bench, clutching my bag as if that will provide me with some kind of magical force field to repel Chase and his charming ways.

“I just came to talk. I found out some information and I think you have the right to know,” he explains as he walks over to me.

I eye him suspiciously as he motions to the other side of the bench. “May I?”

I sigh and nod. “I’m leaving in a minute,” I say as if that will make him leave faster. Wait. Do I want him to leave faster? Fuck my life.

Suddenly, two teenage boys come running past us. One slows down and smirks. “Hey, Grason, it’s that chick who’s been vacuuming in her underwear! Nice lace panties, lady,” he says and then bolts as Chase stands up, setting down the items he’s holding.

“Run!” the kid yells and they both take off toward the condominium complex.

Chase slowly sits back down. “You were vacuuming in your underwear?”

I shrug. “It was hot with the heat on and cleaning and…I didn’t realize I had spectators,” I say as I grimace.

Chase presses his lips together and I can tell he’s fighting a smile.

“Anyhow, why are you here?” I ask.

He hands me my shoe. “Your shoe.”

I accept it and pull out a t-shirt to wrap around it as I place it in my bag. “Thank you.”

“Do you know anything about those shoes?” he asks, pointing to my bag.

I shrug as I follow his gaze. “They were my mom’s. They were in this box of stuff that Mom had left, and Nancy didn’t want any of her stuff except some jewelry that I know she took. Besides, I don’t think they are Nancy’s size.”

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