Page 30 of Billionaire Retreat

“Yep,” I said, “What about you?” I said feeling relaxed. Raising Sadie was a full-time commitment, and other than speaking to my parents I didn’t get much adult conversation. Even if Jerry was years younger than me, it was definitely nice to relax and have a laid-back conversation with a peer.

“Grew up in Rahway, New Jersey, and have no intention of going back. It’s easily the most depressing place on Earth.”

“That’s harsh.”

“So was life in Rahway,” he joked. “Dark, gray, miserable.” He playfully shuddered and smiled at me.

I smiled back. I had a feeling that Jerry was flirting with me. I felt a little bad that I wasn’t even remotely attracted to him. He was a nice guy, I could tell, but not the type I dated. Not that I dated much anymore. I actually hadn’t had a date since before I met Griffin. I internally winced…

What was I doing with my life? Oh yeah, raising a beautiful little girl.

Thinking about her, I realized that I was a few minutes late of my scheduled call home.

“Excuse me, Jerry. I’ll be right back. I just have to make a quick call.” I hoped he didn’t assume I had faked a call to try to get away from him. I didn’t want to hurt the poor guy’s feelings. But it was just as well, I’d have to break it to him anyway that not only wasn’t I interested, but that I lived states away and had no intention of sticking around in L.A.

I got up and made my way to the outside of the bar and dialed my mother’s number. She picked it up immediately.

“Hi!” she said happily. And then quickly came the questions. “Did you Skype your dad? He’s worried about you.”

“Ughh,” I said popping my forehead with the heel of my hand. I totally forgot.

“He’s going to be so worried.”

I already felt guilty enough about forgetting. “Don’t worry, I’ll call him. Is Sadie sleeping? If so, don’t wake her. Sorry for my late call, I got distracted here by… things.”

“No, she’s not sleeping. Let me get her. Do you want to see her? I can do a video call...”

“Yes, please.”

Excited about seeing her little face, I could barely stop smiling from ear to ear. I know it had been less than a day but I missed her the moment I left her behind.

She had been my everything and had kept me from succumbing to my own stupid emotions, which alternated between animosity and hatred towards Griffin.

“Hi! Mommy!” she said again with a giggle.

“What’s so funny?” I asked giving her my best impression of one of her favorite cartoon characters.

She giggled even more.

Finally, my mom stepped in and said, “Tell her what you did today.”

“I ate chicken nuggets. I played. I want to watch TV.”

“Of course, you do,” I said with a smile. “But can’t you talk a little bit more to your mom here? I’ve missed you so.” I made an exaggerated sad face, which made her giggle.

“I miss you too, Mommy!” Sadie said.

We spoke for a little while longer and then I ended the call. Right on time it seemed as I looked up and found Griffin heading towards the bar. Who had invited him?

“Care for some company?” he asked, holding the door open for me. I muttered a thank you and quickly rushed past him. I didn’t want to get too close to him. His presence was unnerving, so much so that I found myself still talking.

“I have plenty of company. Jerry, for example.” I was surprised by my own comment. Was I subconsciously trying to make Griffin jealous?

He scoffed. “Jerry? He’s barely out of his teens and he’s hitting on you?”

Mission accomplished. Apparently, he was jealous.

“What makes you think I mind?” I was deliberately baiting him. His presence annoyed me and reminded me why I had to be careful about who I trusted. I wasn’t that naïve little girl anymore. I was a mother. Sadie’s mother. My Sadie was Griffin’s daughter. I tried not to think about the secret I was keeping from him as he seated himself directly next to me.