Page 8 of How to Train Your Billionaire

On my way out of the coffee shop, I call Tessa and fill her in.

“Maybe your luck is turning around, Frankie.”

She’s kind of right. It seems like it could be. But I want to make a good decision. “On the one hand ... dream opportunity. But on the other, I’ve always loved being an accountant. Math is the only thing in my life that’s always made sense and never let me down.”

“I hear you,” Tessa says cautiously. “But I think this job could be good for you.”

“Yeah maybe, but if I accept, I feel like I’d be starting over.” Facing a new set of challenges.

“Perhaps, in some ways. But accounting is always going to be there. You can always go back to it.”

I consider her advice, and the weight of this decision feels heavier than it should be. Could I really explain a six-month gap in my résumé to my next accounting firm? Not to mention I’d be leaving my comfort zone far behind. Was I really okay with that? Then again, Charles’s name would be an excellent line on a résumé, even with the term “travel companion.”

I’ve never imagined being wealthy or spoiled—never even wished for that life. While other people chased status, I was happiest in the background. Quietly working. Keeping my head down. Remembering birthdays. That was my comfort zone. I was damn good at what I did.

Whenever I stepped outside that lane ... things tended to go sideways.

So the idea of a whole new trajectory—even one as exciting as jet-setting with Charles—fills me with uncertainty. Because when the spotlight hits me, something usually breaks. Sometimes literally.

It seemed like most people my age had things figured out. They knew what they wanted next—marriage, kids, a mortgage, maybe a golden retriever.

Taking this job felt like the opposite of settling down. Not that it was a bad thing. The whole marriage-and-kids thing wasn’t necessarily on my radar yet.

Sure, I wanted that someday. It just felt ... a long way off. I’ve always been a bit of a late bloomer.

And maybe, deep down, I also questioned whether I’d ever meet someone whofit. None of the men I met have been worth evolving for.

And based on my spotty track record, it wasn’t likely. Which meant it was best not to get my hopes up.

“I feel like my entire life plan fell through.”

“So, make a backup plan. I think this detour could be exactly what you need.”

She might be right. Traveling the world for a few months was probably a dream come true for some people—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And after being laid off, I promised myself I’d never get emotionally attached to a job ever again. I wouldn’t love an organization that didn’t love me back.

“It’s only a few months, Frankie. After it’s done, you can go right back to accounting.”

Still processing all of this and more, I think of Charles, who seems every bit like a genuine, grandfatherly type, though I have nothing to base this on. But he seems normal, almost sweet. I wonder if, in some strange way, we’d be good for each other.

“I’m going to do it,” I announce.

Tessa gives a little cheer. “That’s my girl!”

Chapter Four

Find Balance in the Chaos

Hayes

My younger sister, Madelyn, is absorbed by weaving tiny rubber bands together on her Rainbow Loom. She’s made me countless friendship bracelets this way, and even a key ring.

“How do you feel about purple?” she asks, tongue out in concentration.

“I’m good with purple.” I nod.

I can’t say I ever expected to have Madelyn in my life. I was an only child until I was twenty-two years old. Until my dad had a midlife crisis and fathered a secret love child. But when your family is as prominent as mine, secrets have a way of getting out.

Maddie’s now eight, and while my parents have mostly worked things out, I wouldn’t say they’re happy. It’s a story for another time. Madelyn’s mom has actually handled the whole thing pretty well and shares custody with my father, who sees Maddie on the weekends. I see her a few times a month—we’re each other’s only sibling, and even though we’re as different as night and day, I think we both look forward to the time we spend together. When I take her to the park,or out shopping, people assume I’m her father. It’s unconventional, but I absolutely adore her, and I’m grateful she’s in my life.