Page 124 of The Rebel Billionaire

“You sound like Mum.” I chuckle, giving a little cough for added effect.

“We come from the same mould.”

“Happy New Year, Sophia.”

“You too, Brooke.”

She hangs up, and I sink back onto the sofa, pulling up my throw and flicking the television on. Today is a pyjama day. For the first time in twenty-four years, I won’t be attending some kind of New Year party.

My phone pings.

GABBI:

I can’t believe you’re standing me up.

ME:

Sorry, hon. You’ll just have to have fun without me.

GABBI:

With all the crusties due to turn up. Please!

ME:

You’ll be fine. Enzo will keep you company. He seems to have got dodging down to a fine art.

GABBI:

He’s already escaped back to London. Some emergency.

ME:

You can always message me.

GABBI:

Don’t. I may take you up on that. Oh goodie, all Alex’s friends have just turned up.

ME:

Behave yourself.

She told me how she likes to wind them up every year and had been looking forward to having me as her wingwoman.

GABBI:

Of course. I’ll only torture them for a bit.

I can almost hear her laughing.

GABBI:

Better go. You rest up.

I’m feeling guilty for letting her down, but the thought of coming face to face with Alex right now is more than I can handle, especially in front of his family. It will be bad enough in two days when I’m back at work. That kiss, and his apology when we both know it was me who kissed him, is all I’ve been able to think about.

Ground open up and swallow me. What the hell was I thinking?