by Claire,Ava
There was nothing to be done about it now so I just embraced the situation and tried to ignore them. I turned to Angelique, who somehow turned a white tee, blazer, skinny jeans, and snake print slip on sneakers into an ensemble that was as couture as anything on the racks behind us. “What are you doing here?”
“I love Margot’s,” Angelique gushed, leaning on the beam opposite Megan.
My friend was directly in front of her, but Angelique ignored her just the same. I couldn’t deny that it reminded me of Rachel’s rude behavior when we first met in Venice.
“I know I'm supposed to be dressed in the latest and greatest, but I was raised to spend my money wisely,” Angelique winked.
“That's a lovely story,” Megan spat, unconvinced. She was the flip side to the patrons who were clearly enamored with Angelique, taping her standing there like it was something they'd show to their grandkids someday. “But why are you here today? As in, right now?” Megan pivoted toward me. “Did you set up a meeting with her or something?”
Angelique bent in my direction, cupping a hand around her mouth like she was trying to be discreet. “Your redhead friend is no fan of mine, eh?”
“I have a name,” Megan stood tall. “It's ‘Megan’. And you still haven't answered my question.”
It was a completely logical question, but the publicist in me stepped into damage prevention mode. There was live video being taken and the last thing my client needed was to get in an argument in a boutique.
“Megan, it's cool,” I said, putting myself in the middle, trying to get us all on friendly and respectful ground.
I just further riled Megan up, her anger changing course and putting me in her sights. She was in a white blouse and black hot pants, but she was acting like she was decked out in UFC gear, ready to step in the ring. “No, it's not cool.” She looked as confused as I'd been a few minutes ago when she was telling me about Cade. “She was extremely rude and I’m not sure why I’m the only one asking the obvious questions.”
Angelique gave her admirers a tiny wave. “Merci!” When she squared off with Megan, it was clear that she wanted to give her a very specific finger. “How is your current behavior not rude? Yelling and going on like a madwoman, leaving your pregnant friend to pick up the pieces?”
“Madwoman?” Megan seethed. “Are you kidding me?”
It was obvious this conversation had become a confrontation. I hauled myself from the seat, flashing Angelique a pained smile. “Can you give us a minute?”
She held out both hands, acquiescing in a way that just pushed Megan over the edge.
She tossed her dresses in with Angelique's. “I'm clearly the one making a scene, so I'll take myself out of the equation.”
Panic screeched in my chest. After what she’d begun to share about Cade, I didn't want to end things with Megan this way. “You don't have to do that.”
Since Angelique was still close enough to hear us, Megan steered us out of ear shot. “That's your new client, isn't it? The fancy French chick you mentioned?”
“Yes, Megan, she's the new client and you really need to chill. I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding-”
“Misunderstanding is right, because I don't get why you're giving that woman the benefit of a doubt when there is something...off about her.”
I peeked over my shoulder at Angelique, worried she'd heard that, but she was currently signing an autograph. “What do you mean?”
“Leila, the chances of her showing up at this boutique out of the dozens of boutiques in the city, at the exact time that we’re here is unlikely at best—and unsettling at worst.”
I wanted to tell Megan she was being silly. Paranoid even, but she had a point. When I glanced back over at the impromptu signing, Angelique posing for usies, dread twisted my gut into a bow.
“You're just overacting,” I dismissed Megan with a shrug. Pushed away my own questions. “You're clearly under a lot of stress with everything going on with Cade-”
“And you're not seeing what's right in front of you.” Megan slapped on the stubborn look that told me she was exiting this conversation, mentally and physically. “Be careful, Leila.”
I watched her storm past Angelique and her fans, tears filling my eyes. My best friend was hurting and instead of being there for her, I’d picked my job, and my client's public image, over her. Or that's how Megan would see it.
And ultimately, wasn't she right? Why was Angelique really here? What was she really up to behind all that extreme friendliness?
Before I could dive into those answers, my phone rattled to life. I pulled it out, answering it immediately when I saw Jacob, needing to see him.
The video call loaded and the expression on his face told me he wasn't having a good morning either.
“I didn't want to ruin your morning babe, I know you're with Megan,” he began, mowing a hand through his dark locks. Eyes heavy with news that made me grip something solid.
“Just tell me,” I said softly. Preparing myself.
“It's Eichmann. He chartered a private plane last night. He's in the States, Leila.”
~
Thank you for taking the time to read To Need A Billionaire. Please consider leaving a review! xoxo, A.C.
The Billionaire’s Baby Series
To Want A Billionaire, #1: September 9
To Need A Billionaire, #2: September 27
To Crave A Billionaire, #3: October 7
To Trust A Billionaire, #4: October 21
To Love A Billionaire, #5: November 4
About the Author
Ava Claire is a sucker for Alpha males and happily ever afters. When not putting pen to paper or glued to her e-reader, Ava likes road tripping, karaoke, vintage fashion, and fantasizing about her favorite book boyfriends.
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Blog: http://avaclaireromantica.blogspot.com
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Stay tuned to my blog for up to date information on my works in progress and release schedules!
