Page 229 of The Rebel Billionaire

“We need to get help,” I tell my friend, smoothing her hair back from her face.

“No, my mother will kill me.” She moans, clutching her stomach.

In all fairness to Carolyn, she’s probably not wrong. Her mother is strict and very pious.

“I’ll call my dad,” I say.

I know I’ll have to face the consequences of sneaking out, but right now my friend’s health is more important than being grounded for life.

Carolyn has passed out by the time I next look down.

I dial my father’s number.

“Dad,” I say.

“Harper? Why are you calling me?” he asks, his voice confused.

Shit, he still thinks I’m upstairs.

“Dad, please don’t freak out, but I snuck out and came to the party,” I say quietly.

He sighs.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I know it was a bad idea. I can see that now.”

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice full of concern. “Has something happened?”

“I’m fine, but Carolyn’s not. She’s had too much to drink. She’s not in a good way, and you know what her Mum’s like…”

“Where are you?”

“In an upstairs bathroom at the Peregrines’ house.”

“I’m on my way.”

“I’m really sorry, Dad.”

“We can discuss this later. Stay where you are and lock yourself in. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

* * *

I didn’t even say “I love you.”

But I hadn’t stayed there. Instead, I’d gone downstairs to get Carolyn a glass of water.

* * *

“Is everything okay?” Jasper asks as I’m heading back upstairs.

I grimace. “Carolyn is ill, too many cocktails. I’m just taking her some water.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” His concern is surprisingly genuine.

“No, it’s fine. She just needs to sleep it off,” I say, knowing Carolyn will be embarrassed enough in the morning. “Dad’s coming to collect us. Can you let me know when he arrives?”

“Of course.”