Page 123 of The Rebel Billionaire

“True,” I say. “I decided that if I couldn’t be with all of you, I’d bring something of you to me.”

“Your Christmas presents are here, ready and waiting for you.”

“I know. Thank you. I love you, Mum.”

“Love you too, darling.”

“Hey, little sis.” It’s Gabe who grabs the phone next. “How are you really doing?”

“Hanging in there.” No point in lying to Gabe, he always sees straight through me.

“Still an adventure?”

I grin. “In actual fact, it is. I’m missing you all like crazy, but Brooke is also having a great time. I’m learning loads of new skills and have a front-row seat to the inner workings of a fashion house.”

“Will you still be pursuing fashion when you come back?”

“I think I will,” I say with confidence. “I’ll be looking for investors, of course.”

Gabe chuckles.

“You can count us in,” Leah says. “I’ll put you in touch with Chloe. Her brand is taking off.”

“Thank you, Leah,” I say. “How are you feeling?”

“Like an overinflated balloon, that’s ready to pop,” she says with a chuckle.

“I bet you’re still beautiful. You’re growing two little humans. How amazing is that?”

“Diana! No!”

A yell goes up from somewhere in the background, followed by childish giggles.

“That bloody dog.” Gabe huffs.

There’s a lot of scrambling and cussing.

“I’ll let you go. It sounds like you have your hands full,” I say.

“Sorry, Harps, Diana has run off with Callum’s sandwich, although I wonder, looking at my son, whether it was stolen or given.”

“Maybe fifty-fifty, knowing him,” I say. “Love to you all, take care.”

“Love you too.”

The line goes dead, my heart sinking as it always does after I’ve spoken to them.

* * *

Sophia rings a couple of hours later, and I put my college drama skills to the test.

“I’m sorry, Sophia,” I say, croaking into the phone. “I have a sore throat. I think I’m developing a fever. I’m going hot and cold. I really don’t…”

“That’s fine, darling, you rest up. Gabbi will be disappointed. She heads home tomorrow and was looking forward to seeing you before you leave, but sick is sick,” Sophia says, her tone softening.

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Wrap up warm and drink lots of honey and lemon in hot water.”