The Billionaire Princess

by Christina Tetreault

  Chapter 16

  For the second time that week she had broken down in tears. Earlier that week Callie called asking if she wanted to talk anymore about her relationship problems. Almost immediately tears started falling, not as much in reaction to Callie's question as to Callie's thoughtfulness. The more she got to know her half-sister, the worse she felt about the way she treated her in the beginning.

  This time her waterworks were set off by a picture on the cover of Today magazine. The picture showed Christopher and her together the night of her mom's birthday bash. The headline beneath it read "No Happily Ever After For This Sherbrooke."

  "I think it's a great picture of you at least," Hannah said. She still held the magazine she brought with her when she stopped by to return a few things Sara had left behind at her office. "The article says you broke up with him after you found him in bed with another woman. Is that true?"

  Sara bit down on her lip and wiped a tear away with a tissue. The media printed whatever got the most sales. "No Hannah, you can't believe everything you read. Remember that." She'd told the younger woman that on countless occasions, yet it still failed too sink in.

  “I'm glad. He seems like a nice guy. Did you hear about what he did?”

  Sara shook her head.

  “He established a new grant program for elementary schools. It's similar to the Reading First Grant currently in place but rather than provide money for reading intervention it will focus on math. He's urging other large corporations to contribute. So far two more are on board.

  The words slowly sunk in. She'd already reached the conclusion she'd been wrong about Christopher but this latest news really drove it home. Sara pushed back her chair. She needed a few minutes to regroup. "I'll be back."

  Turning on the bathroom sink, Sara splashed cold water on her face. She couldn't go on like this much longer. Either she needed to bury her feelings or confront Christopher and attempt to salvage their relationship. "You've become a chicken," she said to the reflection gazing back at her in the mirror. "How did you let that happen?" The how didn't matter. Getting past it did.

  Sara reapplied her mascara. What had Callie said to her about love? It lets you do things you never thought you could do. Maybe Callie was right. Straightening her back, Sara stared at her reflection and finally made her decision. She'd make the first move. A wave of nausea rolled through her as she thought about confronting Christopher. Even with it her confidence in the decision grew. She couldn't spend her life wondering what if. She needed closure one way or the other.

  “Hannah, thank you for bringing my things by. I appreciate it,” Sara gripped the back of a kitchen chair. “Let’s get together soon.”

  Once alone Sara reached for her phone, but held back from dialing. It's the right thing.

  Hitting the contact icon on her phone, she scrolled through the list of names until she came to Caroline, Christopher's executive assistant. Before she hopped a plane and flew to California she needed to make sure he was around.

  “I'm not at liberty to discuss Mr. Hall's schedule,” Caroline answered after Sara asked about his plans.

  Sara knew this was a standard practice, but in the past Caroline had been forthcoming with such information. Obviously their breakup caused her to have a change of heart. “Please Caroline. I have to talk to him and I can't do that on the phone. I need to see him.”

  “It's against—”

  “I know all about company policy. But please, I want to set things right between us, Caroline,” Sara pleaded, infusing all her emotions into her voice.

  Caroline remained silent for what seemed like an eternity. “He'll be home tonight. Tomorrow he's attending the Literacy Across America Charity event and Sunday afternoon he's playing golf with Congressman Stuart,” Caroline answered with reluctance.

  It didn't give her much time, but she'd take what she could get. “I'll be there tonight. Please don't tell him.” She waited, unsure whether or not Caroline would agree.

  “Okay.”

  “One battle down,” Sara said after ending her conversation. Now all that remained was convincing Christopher to forgive her.