Page 102 of The Rebel Billionaire

Can be there for 8.

DAVID:

Callie has her mum staying, so hell yes.

David’s comment makes me chuckle. I’ve missed our past couple of get-togethers, life having taken over, but glancing at the schedule, maybe that’s about to change.

CHAPTER 30

HARPER

“Brooke.”

I glance up to find Sophia marching towards me. She’s dressed head to toe in St Clair’s latest winter collection, a picture of grace and elegance.

I stand as she arrives at my desk.

“Sophia, it’s lovely to see you. Is Alex expecting you?”

I know from his schedule that he isn’t, but then I wouldn’t necessarily know if she called ahead. He’s in focus time, so he may have decided he can make time for her if she’s in the vicinity.

“I’m not here to see Sandro. I’m actually here to see you,” she says, sliding her gloves from her hands.

“Oh,” I say.

“I’d like to invite you for Christmas.”

“Oh,” I say again.

This isn’t awkward at all.

Sophia continues. “I realised this morning you’ll be on your own for the holiday season. That won’t do.”

Christmas is something I’ve tried hard not to think about. It’s always been my favourite time of year since I was little. Being the youngest, it was my job to hand out everyone’s presents. I was looking forward to handing the reins over to Callum this year.

My heart lurches.

“That’s kind, but what will Alex think? He’s stuck with me all day. I’m not sure he’ll want me invading Christmas.”

Sophia chuckles. “Leave him to me. No one should be on their own for Christmas.”

I stare at her, loving the fact she’s thinking of me, but also concerned.

“Won’t it raise questions as to why I’m not going home?”

She shrugs. “Maybe, but again, leave that to me.”

I frown, and she turns to stare at his door.

“Is he in?”

“Er, yes,” I say.

His door opens as if on command.

“Brooke,” he says, pulling up short. “Mother, what are you doing here?”

His eyes flick to mine, questioning. Had he missed a memo?