Page 22 of Date The Billionaire

“What are you doing, ladybug?” she asked as she sat down. “It’s too cold to be sitting out here.”

I gave her a dazed look, confused about where she’d come from. One minute I was alone and the next, she was there. And why had she called me ladybug? Then I remembered it was Jane, and you could never be certain what the impish little elderly woman might come out with.

“I went on that show and met the most...” I paused, trying to think of the right word. There wasn’t one single word to describe Jake. “The most gorgeous, sexy, beautiful, intelligent, good man I’ve ever met in my life, Mrs. Mallory. He was just, well, perfect really.”

“What’s the problem then?” She stood with me and we went inside, out of the cold. I automatically started to make us both some mocha coffee. It was a winter tradition at our house. She’d come over, we’d have mocha coffee, and we’d talk.

“I haven’t heard from him since I came home,” I said as I poured hot water into the French press, staring off into space, that dreaded scenario threatening my peace of mind once more.

“Maybe he’s not allowed to,” she prompted, giving me a look I didn’t understand.

“Maybe, it’s one thing I considered. There’s another woman there, Arabella, that they kept pushing at him. I know he’s not interested, but she is beautiful. Maybe he likes her better.”

“Have you ever been in love before, Laney?”

I looked at her, wondering at the question. “I don’t think so, not the kind in movies or novels, anyway.”

“You’ve never felt your stomach plummet when you see your boyfriend, or your heart flutter as they walk near?” She had a gleam in her eye, one that confused me.

“Only with Jake. Only him.”

She gave me a look of approval before she carried on. “Do you think he’s the rich one?” she asked carefully, as though it were a trick question.

“No, I think the rich one is that butthead named Trent. He’s so obnoxious. Only the rich could have that attitude. David has to be the teacher, though I’m not certain he could actually stand in front of an audience that long without dying of embarrassment. He’s sweet, really. I think Jake’s the plumber.”

“Not a bad profession. An honest one anyway.” She watched me carefully as she spoke.

“I’m sure they see some sights.” I finally poured the water into the French Press and slid the plunger down.

“It doesn’t bother you, that he might be a plumber?”

“Not at all. As you say, it’s an honest profession. He’ll always have work, especially down here.”

“Why haven’t you ever been in love before, then, Laney?” She looked curious again and I thought about it hard.

“I guess because I’ve always been so convinced I needed to study. My mom’s a cardiologist, one of the top in her field. She never pushed me, but you know, just knowing how successful she is, that’s a lot to compete with. I’m also independent. I don’t like counting on others.” I finished making the mocha coffee and put a glass mug in front of Mrs. Mallory that was topped with whipped cream.

“I understand that, Laney. You need to experience love though, and it sounds like this Jake is the one for you. If he can bring out that kind of emotion in a girl so determined to make her own way in the world, then he must be special.” She sipped at her coffee with a contented sigh.

“He’s extraordinary, really.” I went to the table where she sat and got in my own chair. Our kitchens were very similar, the difference being that we had a woven-grass topped table for two and she had a wooden one that could feed an army.

“Then it’s time to put away childish things and carry on with your life,” she said sagely.

“My law degree isn’t childish!” I shot back, slightly confused; she was normally so encouraging about my plans.

“Oh, I don’t mean that, child, I mean this need to live up to your expectations, this need to be as good as your mother. You are both intelligent women, obviously, but you aren’t your mother, Laney. You’re you and I happen to think you’re fantastic!”

Truly high praise from Mrs. Mallory!

“Ah. Good.”

“I think your young man will understand he needs to let you finish school and have your own success, if he’s as good as you say he is.” That odd look again, like she knew something I didn’t. “If he doesn’t then he isn’t worth your time anyway.”

“I’m sure you’re right. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that would want me to give up my dreams, anyway. You’re right about the whole thing with Mom too. She’s tried to tell me the same thing thousands of times, how I needed to take the time to be young, fall in love, all of that.” I waved my hand around and Mrs. Mallory spoke again.

“She’s right, ladybug. You have to live your whole life, not just portions of it. I fell in love with a man older than me by about twenty years and I lost him early in my life. A lot of people said I was wasting my time with him, but you know, I’ve never remarried because nobody could ever love me like he did.” Her eyes took on a faraway look before she continued. “I wouldn’t trade that time with him for the world. I hope you can find that same kind of love, Laney.”

She took my hand and I looked at her, stunned at just how much she meant that. The normally feisty, outrageous woman had suddenly become sentimental and loving, and I didn’t know how to take it. I let her take my hand and for a moment, I felt peace for the first time since I’d come home.