Page 20 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

It’s the following weekend, and I go over to Mom’s place. At first, I stand at the door, thinking I should come back when I’m sure Paul isn’t there. But the door opens and Mom in her apron steps out, smiling brightly. I smile back, glad to see her.

She looks a bit tired, but the joy in her eyes is unmistakable. I go up the stairs and hug her tightly. “Mom,” I greet her.

“It’s great to see you. You must tell me everything. Come in.” She ushers me in.

The house already has Christmas decorations up. A small Christmas tree stands by the mounted TV, and soft piano music plays in the house; but the sound from the TV makes it discordant. What irks me is Paul’s presence. He sits on the couch, his legs on the table, with several bottles of beer on the floor.

I look at Mom; she shakes her head for me to say nothing. I know she must have given Paul some if not all the money. He went to get beer with it!

Paul glances up at me and laughs, waving his bottle at me. “Come join me, Chasmin. It’s Christmas! Sit with me, let's celebrate.” He pats his thigh, implying that I sit on his lap. My lips twist with distaste.

Oh, God, why must I face this? Mom smiles, nonetheless, trying to ease the growing tension.I want to scream at her.I want her to see that Paul isn’t good for her, but I know it’s a lost cause. It hurts that Christmas isn’t between both of us again.

Chapter 10

LANCE

SinceChasminisoutto see her parents, I decide I should take this time to see Fred. I take the Audi and drive to his casino. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. The last time I saw him was during the inauguration. He’s quite busy, but luckily during the holidays, he’s easy to find.

It's an hour's drive to the casino. I arrive at an upscale area in the city. I step out of my car to see the sprawling building that is Fred’s casino. Although they mostly operate at night, there is still enough traffic in and out of the casino this afternoon. I make my way to the executive entrance. The bouncer there recognizes me, so I enter without a hassle. The corridor I pass through is dimly lit; but it is well-decorated with Christmas lights, leading to the elevator. I take it to the top floor where Fred’s office is to be found.

I get off the elevator on the top floor and walk down a long hallway with plush carpeting and gold wall accents. Green and red garlands hang from the ceiling, lights intertwined throughout. Fred clearly has a taste for opulence. The walls are adorned with large paintings, and the air is thick with the scent of expensive cigars and perfume.

I finally reach the door to Fred’s office; it is made of polished mahogany and has a brass handle. I open the door and step inside. Fred is sitting at the desk, dressed in an impeccably- tailored suit. He has a cigar in his fingers. He puts it down, giving me a warm smile. Behind him is a medium-sized white Christmas tree with red, gold and green decorations. It is graced with a red star on top. It casts a warm light on Fred.

“Ah, Lance. Your face is rare around here. Welcome.” He stands and strolls over to me.

We shake hands warmly, patting each other on our backs. “Couldn’t stay away for so long. I had to come see you. Pour me something strong.” I unbutton my suit jacket, to take my seat on one of the leather couches near the large windows. They offer a stunning view of the city skyline.

He laughs while going to his shelf to take out a huge glass bottle with a dark brown liquid inside. He pours it into two square glasses and brings one to me. I take a sip, nodding in appreciation.

He sits, crossing his legs. “You know, ever since Claudette broke your heart, you never quite had this glow around you. I must congratulate you for finding the one.” He raises his glass in cheers.

I snort a laugh. “Is it that obvious?”

“Very. Do I know her?” He asks with interest. I shake my head in the negative. He blames himself for Claudette breaking my heart. He had introduced her to me. Claudette and I were inseparable until she betrayed me.

“Her name is Chasmin, and she’s a wonder. Things are panning out better than I had expected. So, what’s with you and Alana? I don’t see you guys together anymore.” He and Alana are the heartthrob of the media, so it’s a bit suspicious they’re no longer in the news.

“She called it quits due to my busy schedule. I’m never there for her, according to her.” He downs his glass and gets up to fill it again.

“You’ve got to get her back. I didn’t come to get you sad, man. I want us to have a good drink and talk. Ever since college, we’ve been having fewer of them.” I finish my liquor and thrust my glass to him for more.

“We shouldn’t dwell on things we can’t change. In a way, our bond is stronger. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or something along that line.” We both laugh and he fills the glasses again. He's a few inches shorter than me, but his bulk gives him commanding air. With his swept back dark hair and cool blue eyes, we were an unstoppable force in college for the ladies. We’ve grown, however, and can’t dwell on the past.

“To the future then.” I raise my refilled glass.

“And a merry Christmas.” We clink glasses and go back to more mundane conversation.

A few hours later, I receive a message from Chasmin, informing me she’s on her way home. I leave Fred’s casino, heading to the penthouse. Chasmin and I both drive into the garage. I get out of the car at the same time as she does.

I examine her closely to see if she’s been hurt. Although I told her I won’t go after Paul, that doesn’t mean I trust him not to be a douchebag. I see that she’s fine. Her hair is tied neatly behind her and her short silk dress looks beautiful on her. She smiles, walking over to me. We meet halfway and hug.

“Welcome home, baby.” I place a soft kiss on her forehead. I look up and see her slightly red eyes. I touch the side of her face, feeling the wetness. “What happened?”

She releases a wan laugh, looking abashed. “I cried in the car, but I’m fine. We should get in first; it’s not what you’re thinking,” she says in a breezy voice with little distress. I nod and lead her into the penthouse.

We get into the house, and she takes a hold of my arm to take off her heels. From there, we head to the foyer. She motions for me to sit, then heads to the bar and pours two glasses of wine. I take one from her, and she holds the other. She sits in the same seat with me, placing both her legs on my thighs. Her feet are ensconced there.

---