“What happens if you don’t take the money, Everett? Where does it go?” All heads turn and stare at Kendra and she recoils. “Sorry. Is that the wrong question?”
“What will happen?” Jill watches Everett frown.
“I have no idea. I never asked because I didn’t care. I assumed it would go to my mother after a certain amount of time. Maybe to a charity?”
“Or the government. Maybe the public trustee gets their hands on unclaimed amounts.” I can see that Cross finds this idea particularly distasteful. “Can you imagine giving a billion dollars to the government to spend on politician’s salaries, or something equally stupid, like artwork for Parliament House?” He looks at Everett. “Maybe you should take it and do something good with it, Ev.”
“I don’t want it.” Everett is quick to disagree before he turns to Jill. “What if I give it to you?” Her mouth falls open, not for the first time tonight, and Everett laughs as he pushes a finger under her chin. “It’s shocking, right? Now you know how I feel.”
“It is shocking, and I definitely don’t want your money. But some things are starting to fall into place.” She turns to the group, narrowing her eyes like she did in the car. “All of you are millionaires, aren’t you?”
“Kind of,” Danny says, as glances are exchanged around the room. “If you change the letter m to the letter b, then we’re all that.” He looks sideways at me. “Now you know, too.”
“You’re billionaires,” I say, unable to believe the turn this night has taken.
“Yep.” Everett points to his friends. “Well, they all are. I’m an unwilling potential participant.”
“These guys don’t seem so bad.” Danny bows to me as I wave my hand at them, and everyone laughs. “Maybe you’d be just as great if you had a billion dollars, Everett.”
I’m pretty sure I’d be great at being a billionaire, too. How hard could it be?
“I’m sure he would.” Jill pulls Everett toward her and plants a kiss on his lips. “No more secrets, okay?”
“I promise,” he murmurs, and I have to look away, their next kiss too intimate for a stranger to watch.
“I have another question.” Sayer frowns as Kendra pulls her hand from his and holds it in the air. “Since we’re being honest and all touchy-feely tonight, I want to know about the bet.”
A collective groan goes around the room and I can’t help but laugh. Everett looks pained, Danny is immediately uncomfortable, but Kendra has Jill’s full attention.
“What bet would that be?” Jill asks.
“Make this good, boys. Sayer promised me I wouldn’t be pissed about it, but I’m beginning to wonder.” Kendra nods to Jill. “Let’s hope what he told me, and the little bit I’ve learned since, was true.”
“Danny, since it was your idea, how about you explain.” Everett pushes Danny forward as Cross and Wyatt laugh on the other side of the room. Sayer is relaxed, with his arm draped around Kendra’s shoulder, while Kent scrolls through his phone, not paying attention to the conversation.
“Fine. I’ll explain.” Danny sighs and stands up, taking slow steps toward the fireplace before turning to face the room, a thoughtful look on his face. “It sounds a bit conceited to my own ears, but sometimes we get bored. We agreed ages ago not to visibly splash money around but sometimes that feels a bit too restrictive. So, we take a holiday together every so often and we go all out. We rent the fancy cars we’ve agreed never to own, we get waited on hand and foot, and we basically let our hair down.”
“Danny can do that because he never gets a haircut,” Sayer says.
“Har. Har. You’re so funny.” Danny makes a face before he continues. “Anything we want that holiday, we can have. No luxury is out of reach. No alcohol too fancy. No activity too expensive. Then we come home and go back to our normal lives. I have no hesitation in telling you what the bet was, because it’s not at all offensive and was just a bit of fun.”
“That’s what those guys say who make groups on social media to compare the women they’ve bedded. Maybe you should let us judge.” Kendra watches Danny intently and he nods.
“Fair enough, Kendra, but like I said, it’s nothing like that.” He glances at me and smiles. I want to smile back to reassure him, but I’m wondering about some kind of bet myself. Is that why I’m here with him tonight? Because he had a bet he needed to win? Is that why he wouldn’t take no for an answer?
“Hey Danny,” Kent looks up from his phone, a wicked smile on his face. “Maybe you should tell the other thing, since we’re being toooootally honest here.” He grins as he stretches out his words, drops his phone into his lap, and links his hands behind his head
Danny frowns and glares at him. “What other thing would that be, Kent?”
“That tiny detail about how you own all the houses in your street. Including the one that Tina here, lives in.”
Chapter Eleven - Danny/Tina
Danny
“Wait. You own my rental?”
The skin of my whole body actually contracts at the look on Tina’s face. An evening that started as the first part of my plan to make things more serious between us is quickly unravelling. It can’t be right that each of our relationships should be tested in the one night. Just a few minutes ago I was congratulating myself that at least I’d go home happy tonight.
Now, that outcome is looking more and more shaky.
Tina is waiting for an answer and I can see that bullshit is not going to save me. So, I tell her the truth. “I do own the house you rent.”
“Your name isn’t on the lease. It was some long company name, or a trust or something. I remember.”
“I have a trust set up specifically for real estate. It’s harder to trace to me that way. And Kent is right, even if annoying.” He glares at Kent. “I do own multiple houses in the street.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
I run my hands through my hair and stare down at my shoes. How did we get here? “It just never came up. Why would it?”
“Maybe you had a chance when I was complaining about the plumbing? You know, ‘oh I can get that fixed for you, SINCE I OWN THE HOUSE!’” She raises her voice and shifts on the couch. I hope she doesn’t plan to leave. I’ve had enough excitement for one night, and I’d rather my friends, who can be relied on to tease me at all times, not see me run after her and beg her to stay.
Because that’s exactly what I’ll do, just like Everett chased Jill out of the limo earlier. I’ll follow, beg forgiveness, and convince her to come back. I’ve never met anyone like Tina Faucet and I’m not letting her get away without a fight. I want her more than she knows, but I’ve tried to play it cool. Now, I can see that may have been a mistake.
Why do we always discover our deepest feelings in moments of stress? It’s so unfair.
“Doesn’t what you’ve learned from us tonight explain why I don’t blab to everyone about what I own? It’s secret for a reason. The less people who know, the less chance we have of seeing our name on a rich list, and everything that comes along with that. I have an agent who deals with my property. She approved the chain you added to the front door, and can I just say before it comes up, she is the one who asked you for slightly higher rent because she knows I had stipulated no pets. I’ll be talking to her about that.”
“Hmm.” She sits back, taking a moment with a thoughtful look on her face. “I’ll think about how I feel about that.” Her eyes flick to mine and relief washes over me. There’s no malice. No upset. Just a bright interest, as though she knows there’s more excitement to come. “Now, explain the bet so us ladies can decide if we’re getting a taxi home together.”
I raise my eyes to the ceiling and shake my head. I should never have suggested this game. I should have known it would end badly. We’re not even a few months in and it’s causing us problems.
“Right. As I said, the bet is nothing much, if you know us. I made everyone choose a holiday or a celebration of some sort out of a hat and we had
to promise to have a date by the time the holiday rolled around.”
“That’s it?” Kendra asks. Relief is clear on her face and I notice she reaches over to take Sayer’s hand again. Those two are made to hold hands. Sayer kisses her on the cheek and pulls her closer to him, dropping a kiss on her hair as well. “That’s all you had to do?”
“Yes, no other requirements. We didn’t even make a plan to check if any of us told the truth about a date. The deal is that any of us who don’t date on the right weekend have to pay for the holiday over New Year’s.”
“Where are you going?” Jill raises an eyebrow and looks at Everett. “You’re off for a boy’s week for New Year’s?”
“No.” Everett takes her hand. “I planned to bring you and Jack. You said he never got nice holidays. We’re going to the Maldives and this will be the holiday to beat all holidays. There’s a restaurant under the ocean that Jack will love. A private jet to get there. Six star accommodation and more.”
“Of course, we planned to bring partners—those of us who have partners,” I clarify. “Honestly, I didn’t expect the dates to go so well. It was just a laugh since all of us were single at the same time, which never happens. Something to do, and a good way to annoy Everett, who was very vocal about not joining in our stupid game, as he called it.” I stare at him and wink. “Who’s glad we made him play, now?”
“You drew your name out even though you didn’t want to join in?” Jill frowns. “I can’t imagine you doing anything you don’t want to.”
“He didn’t.” I laugh at his sour expression. “I drew out all the names and Sam wrote them down so we wouldn’t forget who had which holiday.”
“Sam? Who’s that?” Jill looks around the room.
“Sam is one of us. He owns a pyrotechnics company. Right now, they’re setting up for a display for the Easter long weekend, so he skipped tonight.”
“At the risk of getting myself in more trouble,” Everett says. “I just want to remind Jill that she asked me out.”
“You didn’t just say that.” Jill stares at him but I can tell she wants to laugh. Her lips quiver and she tilts her head.
Everett raises his hands, then pulls her onto his lap. “I’m just keeping the facts in the public domain. I had Saint Patrick’s Day, but you were the one who got us together.”
“How many of you are there?” Tina can’t hide her intrigue.
“Nine. Sam, Merek and Cole aren’t here.” I pull a chair closer and sit down now that the big news is out. “Merek keeps to himself the most of all of us, and Cole is on location in, hmm, Italy, I think. Maybe it’s Greece, I can’t remember.”
“On location?” Tina again.
“He’s an actor.”
My very inquisitive date can’t seem to stop asking questions. “A billionaire actor? How did he manage that?”
“What are you, the tax office?” I laugh and she smiles.
“Sorry. You’re right, it’s none of my business. But I’m in the industry, remember? As far as I can tell only the big actors make really good money, the rest flounder. I just wondered how you get to that position.”
“Cole Grant isn’t just any actor.”
“Oh my God, your secret billionaire actor friend is Cole Grant?” Jill’s laugh fills the room. “That man is worth every cent, no matter where he got his cash.”
“Hey. That’ll be enough of that.” Everett wraps his arms around her shoulders. “Danny, make sure Cole doesn’t come to any future hospital fundraisers. Ever.”
“Imagine the security they’d need,” Jill says.
Kendra nods. “I knew about Cole. Sayer blabbed it weeks ago.”
“Hey, I told you all I was honest with Kendra from early on.” Sayer looks around the room, his eyes falling on each of us, one by one.
“I have to admit I worry the truth about us will get out, now that more people know.” Wyatt, who has been mostly silent up until now raises his head and stares at me. “We’ve done a lot to keep it on the down-low and now we’re risking everything.”
“But we’re risking it for pussy, so it’s okay.” Cross laughs as the three women make faces at him. “What? Sorry for being vulgar, but that’s what this comes down to. If we’re going to have partners that we’re serious about—and let’s face it, none of us is getting any younger—then we’re risking the secret coming out more and more. It’s a natural progression, I think. Wait until one of us gets married and then divorced. The publicity around that will be the end of any secrets. Maybe we should just give up the dream.”
“Like hell.” My voice is louder than I intend. “I like going about my business with no one knowing who I am.”
Wyatt raises his hands in a placating gesture. “So do I, but we need to be realistic about it. Almost all of us are businessmen in our own right. We keep records, and the information is right there for the wrong person to get hold of and join the dots. I’m surprised we’ve lasted this long.”
“Me, too. But that’s no reason to throw it all away ahead of time.” Everett is frowning at each of us in turn. “What’s come over you guys?”
Wyatt sighs. “Nothing, you’re right. I’m just tired. Look at tonight as a perfect example. You guys nearly broke up.” He points at Everett and Jill. “And you’ve had your own near-miss.” He points at me and then at Tina, who laughs and shakes her head.
“We can’t break up. We’re not even together.” She continues to chuckle and then she looks up and meets my eyes. The laugh dies on her lips and she frowns. “What?”
I stand and move quickly, pulling her to a standing position also. “We could be together.” I feel, rather than hear, her sharp intake of breath. I’m sure the guys are making similar sounds, or preparing to roast me, but for once I don’t give a shit.
“But I’m a cat lover.” She grins, her eyes bright. “It could never work.”
“I can get used to the cat if it means I get to keep you.” My voice is gentle as I slide my hands around her waist, not caring about our audience. “Whaddya say? Are you keen to get it on with your landlord in a more serious way? It would mean staying over instead of sneaking home each night. With Mr. Biggles, of course”
“Eww. Enough you too. Tina, give him your answer once I’m out of earshot, please.” Cross heaves himself up and heads for the bar in the corner. “I need a drink.”
“Hurry back, Cross.” Kent’s voice draws my attention. He’s staring at Tina and alternating with glances at his phone screen. I know that look. He enjoys dropping surprises on all of us. “You won’t want to miss what we’ve all somehow overlooked. Tina needs to explain her own sordid secret.”
TINA
“The short version is this. I came second on Voices of Australia six years ago under my real name of Trudy Flint. I had an album release and toured the country, with several concerts overseas. They do that thing where all the finalists tour together.” Jill nods as I tell my story to the group. “In the second year, I collaborated on a song with another artist. The record went to number one, but the relationship soured. There was a massive scandal. Massive. It was all lies. Lies so awful I don’t want to go into it.” I close my eyes trying to block out the memories. Even years later thinking about that horrible man makes my heart pound and my hands sweat. “The label supported me but, in the end, it just got too hard. They advised me to lay low while it blew over. I tried, but the media just wouldn’t let it go. They hounded me until I went overseas, just to get some peace. Before I came back, I took on a new name, my agent encouraged me to return to song writing, and the rest I put behind me.” I look around the room. “My life is boring now. No events. No publicity. I hide away in case it flares up again. I rent in case I have to move at short notice.”
“That doesn’t sound like a fun way to live.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t think I was missing much until I met Danny. It’s amazing how much has happened since then. But what I feared is exactly what tonight was. See the frenzy of photographs once they knew
it was me? If they follow me home I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“They won’t. You can stay here.” Wyatt grins as Danny’s face turns pink. “Relax, Danny. You can stay, too.”
“So, let me get this straight. Danny invites the only woman he’s been interested in over the last year to come out with us tonight. She’s his neighbour and she doesn’t get out much, from what he can see. All signs point to a normal girl next door.
“Now you’re saying that you’re a music industry star, with a scandal on your tail that has chased you across two countries. Is that about the size of it?” Kent’s eyes are on stalks as he looks from Danny to me. “You seriously couldn’t make this up if you tried.” He flops against the couch as Cross watches on. “How could you not know who she was, Danny?”
“I don’t watch television.” Danny holds up his hands, and his throat contracts, as though he is literally digesting the news. “I’ve never seen a single episode of Voice of Australia. I block most news.”
“Too busy surfing the internet and shopping,” Kent laughs.
“Pretty much.” Danny shrugs and turns back to me, his fingers squeezing mine. “Who would have guessed you’d be the one who might bring us undone?”
“Yeah. I’m sor—”
He raises his hand. “No more apologies. Nothing about that story is your fault.”
I want him to believe that. I want this group of people to believe me so much. Kent is right. I have kept myself secluded. I lost a lot of friendships that might otherwise have flourished. My relationship with Danny is important to me, but there’s more to it than that. I like his friends. I like their girlfriends. After tonight, I’ve realised it was wrong to shut myself away.
Here this group of people are, with their lifestyle secret at risk because of my mere presence, and not one of them holds it against me. No one has complained that Danny invited me. No one has asked me to leave.
The Billionaire’s Treat: The Secret Billionaire’s Club Page 6
