Page 49 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

“I’m not a drunk. Our fight today led me to drink too much. I was just frustrated with how things had played out today. I know you’re right that I’m insecure.” She looks into my eyes with a searching gaze. “Chasmin, it’s not that I don’t trust you. I believe you when you say Curtis is just a friend but….” All roads lead back to her it seems.

I sigh and continue, “Claudette had many male friends and made me believe that nothing was going on…until I discovered that it was all a lie. I know you’re not that kind of woman, but I won’t lie, Chasmin. I don’t trust Curtis. Yes, I’m jealous, and why not? You’re a beautiful woman that any sane man would want. So, seeing him touch and kiss you sparked my jealousy…” I grind my teeth. “And the fear that I might lose you. I won’t lose you, Chasmin.”

She stares at me as if entranced, a smile stretching her lips. “Now, I understand better. This is much better than our argument in the car.” She smiles, pressing her head to mine, running her thumb over my lips. She kisses me, and I kiss her with my fingers in her air. We break apart, and she continues, “You won’t lose me, Lance. I’m yours. However,…” She seems to consider her words. “I’ll make sure Curtis doesn’t touch and kiss me anymore. Still, I just can’t end our friendship.”

“You don’t have to.” I want Claudette’s influence in my life gone. That starts with trusting Chasmin on her own terms. Looking at her face in the dim light of the room, I begin to accept how easy that will be.

Chapter 25

CHASMIN

AftermyfightwithLance, I became even more careful. I make sure to let Curtis know to keep our distance. I don’t want to do anything to cause dissent between us. I’ve had enough of that. I rub my eyes tiredly, looking away from the article posted by the Daily Sun, laden with pictures of me leaving the restaurant with Curtis. I am beginning to understand the ramifications of my relationship with Lance. I can’t be or interact with anyone anymore without considering that the media will spin it however they want. Right now, the claim is that I might be cheating on Lance.

If Lance and I hadn’t resolved the disagreement soon, it would have been a ticking time bomb. Lance enters the room and fixes his eyes on the laptop. He closes it and lifts my chin gently. “This isn’t good for your mental health. The media will spin their bullshit no matter what we do.”

“I should have been more mindful of how my meeting would have been perceived.” I don’t say the quiet part out loud: that he had also perceived me cheating on him.

He sits on the couch, glancing at me tenderly. “If you keep thinking that way, you’ll stress over too many whatifs. Once they see us together, strong and happy, it’ll disprove their silly notions. And…hmm, come here.”

I listen to him, rising from my seat and going over to him dutifully. I sit by his side, fitting into the crook of his arm. “Better.” He holds my hand. “We don’t need their validation, so why worry about it?”

Sighing, I lay my head on his shoulder and look at our intertwined fingers. “You’re right. I’m still learning.”

“Probably when we get to the theater tonight, you’ll get over this mood?”

I shrug. I haven’t been to a theater. Eric has been clamoring to go see A Christmas Carol. “Probably. Then, we’ll go see Mom.”

“Yes, let’s do that. There’s no need to wait. It’s high time I meet her.” He smiles. I’m happy but still nervous. My home is nothing like his. We don’t have a mansion, neither is my home large and filled with Christmas cheer. He’s aware of it, but I feel I’ll never be able to impress him.

All I’m able to utter is, “She’ll love you, Lance.”

He chuckles. “I’m sure. Moms always love me.” He winks.

In the evening, we all dress up and leave the house. We head to the city’s Grand Theater. As we arrive, the crisp winter air nibbles our faces as we make our way into the brightly lit space with its lavish Christmas decorations.

The theater is a sight to behold: the walls echo with melodies of carols and laughter from the present guests. The lobby is a winter wonderland, with a towering Christmas tree that touches the ceiling; it is adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments. There is a buzz in the air that I can’t quite explain, but it excites me. It is reflected in Lance’s smile and Eric’s ecstatic expression.

We enter the theater proper and occupy a private booth. We sit in red velvet chairs, fully embraced by their comforting warmth. I look at the stage; it is set like a page from a storybook, with snow-capped cottages and a backdrop of a starry sky. I can tell it’s going to be a classic.

It's as if the crowded hall receives a signal, and everyone goes silent. The lights in the theater dim, and the magic begins. Eric leaves his seat and goes to the railing, gripping it tight as he watches the actors on stage. The actors bring to life the timeless tale of the birth of Christ and Mary’s journey with Joshua.

Although I know the plot, I’m entranced by the scene in front of me. The music swells and grows louder, filling the theater with the spirit of Christmas. Eric watches in awe as the three wise men arrive, presenting their gifts to the baby. More actors come on stage, dancing across it, their costumes glimmering under the spotlights.

Lance and I exchange glances, and he grins. I realize that he is not watching the play; rather, he has his eyes on me and Eric. It warms my heart with joy. He kisses my hands and watches the rest of the performance. The final scene arrives. The actors sing like angels. The transformation touches everyone in the audience. As the cast sings the closing carol, the entire theater joins in, a chorus of voices united in harmony. Eric sings loudly even when he doesn’t know the words.

The performance ends with a standing ovation, the final round of applause echoing long after the curtains close. With the performance over, we leave with the memory etched in our hearts. But as we exit, the meeting between Lance and Mom weighs heavily on me. I want it to go perfectly, but I can’t be sure with Paul around. I send a text, informing her that we’re on the way.

We get into the car and set off for Mom’s house. On the way, the city lights shimmer like stars. It isn’t snowing, and the night feels oddly warm. We roll down the front windows, and the air fills the car with the scent of pine and the sound of distant carols.

Minutes later, Lance stops in front of the house. “Daddy, where is this?” Eric asks, taking off his seat belt.

I stop Lance from answering by raising a hand. I turn back to look at Eric’s curious face. “We’re here to see my mom, Anna Motley. She’d love to meet you, Eric.”

“Your mom? I didn’t know you have a mom. That’s cool. Dad, what about your mom?” He turns his excited gaze on Lance.

Oh no.Lance’s smile doesn’t drop, and I sigh. He replies, “My parents have passed on. They went to a better place. If they were still alive, you’d be their precious little angel, buddy. Now, we have to go see Chasmin’s mom.” I look at Lance, thinking I’d see sadness in his eyes, but he grins and mutters, “It’s fine.”

We step out of the car. Our feet crunch on the snow as we make our way to Mom’s house. Stepping onto the porch, I ring the doorbell. A few seconds later, the door creaks open. I hold my breath, hoping it isn’t Paul. It isn’t.

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